Strategic Moves (Stone Barrington 19)

“Sometimes.”

“You’re awfully closemouthed,” he said.

“I told you, she’s trustworthy,” Stone pointed out.

Mike’s cell phone rang. “Freeman.” He listened. “Good work,” he said. “Arrange transport, four cars.” He hung up.

“Did they find it?”

“Took off from Lucerne, Switzerland, this afternoon, their time. Landed six hours ago, guess where?”

“I give up.”

“Newburgh, New York, Stewart International.”

“So they’re in New York,” Stone said.

“Or its environs,” Mike pointed out.

“All we need now is to hear from Pablo,” Stone said.

“And soon,” Mike replied. “If we can figure out where he landed, so can other people.”

FIFTY

Stone and Willa were getting ready for bed when his bedside phone rang. “Hello?”

“It is I,” Pablo said.

“I’m glad you called. I need to know where you are.”

“Why do you need to know?”

“Because the Agency has agreed to offer you security, in the form of contract professionals from Strategic Services, and they need to know where to find you.”

“How did you know I’m in the country?”

“It’s possible to track jets, even without a tail number, if they’re

G-Fives. You landed at Stewart International.”

“If you can know that, others can, too.”

“That’s very astute of you, Pablo, and all the more reason for you and your family to be guarded as soon as possible.”

“I don’t want to name my location on the phone,” Pablo said.

“All right, e-mail me, and give me your phone number.”

“I’ll text your cell,” Pablo replied.

“They need to know exactly where you are: an address.”

“I’ll meet them somewhere. I want to see them before I let them near my family.”

“Pablo, Strategic Services is a world leader in personal security. I know the CEO well, and I recommended them to the Agency. You can trust them.”

“I still want to meet them somewhere, and I’d like for you to be there, too. I don’t believe I’ve used up the retainer I paid you.”