Dirty Work (Stone Barrington 9)

“That’s not the worst idea you’ve ever had, but no, I don’t think that will be necessary.”

“Well, I don’t want to be anywhere nearby when this meeting happens.”

“That’s exactly where I want you to be.”

“Not anywhere nearby?”

“No, nearby. In fact, very nearby.”

A look of incredulity spread across Dino’s face.

“Just hear me out.”

“You want me to take a bullet for this broad?”

“No, but if you’re there, nobody will take a bullet.”

“And how do we know that?” Dino asked. “Really, I’d like to know why my presence would stop them from pulling her plug.”

“Dino, you’re a lieutenant in the NYPD. It’s not in their interests to kill such a person. That’s why they won’t shoot if you’re close to her and they know it.”

“And where is this meeting going to take place?”

“I don’t know.”

“What?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Let’s backtrack a minute here,” Dino said. “How is it you happen to be in touch with La Biche?”

“I got her number from Bobby, the bartender.”

“From Bobby, the bartender here?” Dino pointed down.

“Yes.”

“Let me get this straight: If you want to get in touch with an international terrorist and assassin, the guy to see is Bobby, the bartender at Elaine’s?”

“In this case, yes. You see—”

“Boy, I’ve been underestimating Bobby. I thought all he did was pour drinks, but all the time, he’s a clearinghouse for spies and assassins.”

“You remember the night you arrested her here?”

“I seem to have some recollection of that.”

“She was at the bar talking to Bobby. He asked her for her number, and she gave it to him. Her cell phone number.”

“Man, I wish I’d thought of that when I had her in custody. It would make it so much easier to get in touch with her the next time she kills somebody.”

“Dino, that’s how it happened. I called her and met with her—”

“And why the fuck would you want to do a stupid thing like that. After that thing in the Post . . .”

“That’s why I wanted to talk with her, to explain that I had nothing to do with trying to kill her. I didn’t want her breathing down my neck.”

“And she took your word for that? She’s not as smart as I thought she was.”