Dirt (Stone Barrington 2)

“I see you’ve gained wisdom with age,” Bernard said, a trace of a smile crossing his plump face.

The maid entered with a tray bearing a Thermos, some cups, and a plate of cookies.

“Some coffee?” Bernard asked.

“Thank you; black, please.” He watched as his old professor poured. He hadn’t changed much; a little heavier, maybe; he still wore very fine suits, hadn’t let himself go the way many old men do. He was freshly barbered and shaved, and when he crossed his legs, his most visible foot wore a very expensive shoe.

“You left the police department, I believe.”

“Yes; I was given the boot, really, on medical grounds, with a full salary.”

“And what have you been doing since your retirement?”

“I’m of counsel to Woodman and Weld.”

“An estimable firm. I’ve known Woodman all his life. You said ‘of counsel.’ Not a partner?”

“No. I’m rather a special case there; I work out of my home, which is not far from their offices, handling cases for their clients that don’t quite fit the Woodman and Weld profile.”

“Ah, I see; dirty laundry.”

“In a manner of speaking.”

“Are you happy doing this work?”

“I suppose I’d rather be arguing cases before the Supreme Court, but I’m content with my lot.”

Bernard nodded. “Contentment is devoutly to be wished, perhaps more than glory.”

“Perhaps.”

“I always saw you as a very fine trial lawyer.”

“I do some trial work, but maybe not the kind you saw me doing. As a matter of fact, I recall that you saw quite a different calling for me.”

“Ah, yes. Is that what you’ve come to see me about? A little late in life for that sort of thing, isn’t it?”

“Probably so.”

“They’re in such a mess now, after that Aldrich Ames business. Makes me regret that I steered young men their way. Still, some of them have served honorably. As for the rest, well… the Company always finds somebody to do that kind of work, much as Woodman and Weld have found you.”

That stung. “Well, what you describe as Woodman and Weld’s ‘dirty laundry’ is still honorable work,” Stone replied.

“Of course, and I know you’ve conducted yourself honorably. I apologize for what must have seemed a slur.”

“Not at all, sir.”

“So, why have you come to see me?”

Stone took the ad from Vanity Fair from his pocket and handed it to Bernard. “I want to find this man,” he said, “and there’s some indication that he may have picked up certain unsavory skills while working for some federal agency.”

“This is not at all in my line,” Bernard said. “Why do you want to find him?”

“He may have been involved in some very serious criminal matters.”

“How serious?”

“He may have committed a number of burglaries in New York, including one at my house, during which I was attacked. The burglaries exhibited certain skills that are not possessed by your garden-variety burglar. He may have an accomplice, who may be his brother.”