Collateral Damage (Stone Barrington 25)

“We’ve got security posted at the house.”

“Security can’t stop a truck full of explosives from driving past the house.”

Holly leaned back in her chair. “So what’s your recommendation?”

“I think you should move back into our building,” he said, “and I don’t think you should leave the building again until Jasmine has been apprehended or killed.”

“We could increase security around the house,” his supervisor said.

“No, he’s right,” Holly said.

“I don’t mean to offend,” the young man said.

“You haven’t offended me by being right,” Holly replied. “I’ll move back in here today.”

“I think we’d all feel better,” he said.

Then Holly remembered that she and Stone had Dino and Viv coming for dinner that night, to celebrate their engagement. “I’ll move back in tonight,” she said. “I’ll need to go and pick up my things first.”

—

When the meeting was over she called Stone and explained that she had to move.

“I’m sorry to hear it,” he said.

“I’m sorry, too, but my own staff has pointed out to me that I’m a probable target, and they’re right. I’ll leave our security in place at your house, though.”

“If you’re gone, then what’s the problem here?”

“Jasmine may not know I’m gone.”

“She may not know you were here in the first place.”

“I can’t count on that. What time are Dino and Viv coming tonight?”

“Not until nine—they both had something to do earlier.”

“Then I’ll be home by nine.”

“See you then.”

Holly hung up, not looking forward to moving into this cold, hard building.

Dino, wearing his uniform, stood at attention and watched the commissioner pin the medal on Viv’s tunic, the decoration she had won by shooting a fugitive and saving his life. Everyone applauded, then the senior uniformed officer present dismissed the group, who adjourned to a conference roo

m for champagne.

The commissioner approached Dino. “We’re proud of her,” he said, “and I’m sorry she retired today. What’s she going to do with herself?”

“It’ll be announced in a few days,” Dino said, “so keep this under your hat. She’s joining Strategic Services as an investigative supervisor.”

“It occurs to me that she might be available for another role, as well,” the commissioner said.

Dino grinned. “I can’t comment on that at the moment, but maybe soon.”

“What are your plans, Dino?”

“Oh, more of the same, sir.”