Strategic Moves (Stone Barrington 19)

Pablo shrugged. “Is it not common for those participating in events to have different versions of what happened?”

“Of course it is,” Stone said. “I just want to be sure that you are not coloring events or altering them in such a way that the Agency is having doubts about your truthfulness.”

“I can only tell them what I remember,” Pablo said, “not what other sources may have told them.”

“Quite right,” Stone said. “Tomorrow, remember to bring your maps.”

“There is only one map,” Pablo replied.

That night at Elaine’s, as Stone and Dino were having dinner, Bill Eggers of Woodman & Weld walked in and sat down.

“Good evening, Bill,” Stone said, and Dino nodded.

“I am getting reports,” Eggers said, “that doubt is being cast on your client’s veracity in the discussions you and he are having with Lance Cabot and his people.”

“My client and I have sensed that belief in Lance and his people,” Stone replied.

“Stone, it would not reflect well on Woodman & Weld if this project of yours turned out to be an embarrassment.”

“Bill, I don’t know how something you were never supposed to know about could possibly turn into an embarrassment, but let me tell you this: to the best of my knowledge, my client has answered truthfully every question put to him, and he intends to continue to do so.”

“I hope you’re right,” Eggers said.

“Would you kindly explain to me how you and the firm became involved in this event?” Stone asked.

“We did not ask to be involved,” Eggers replied. “Lance, for reasons of his own, decided to tell me certain things.”

“For reasons of his own, indeed,” Stone said. “What he is attempting to do is to put pressure on me, through you, to give him what he wants.”

“Well, why don’t you just give it to him?” Eggers asked.

“I and my client are giving Lance exactly what we told him we would, and for reasons of his own, as you put it, he is somehow dissatisfied. Or maybe he’s just using the pressure from you as insurance. I would be grateful, Bill, if you would just tell Lance that you have every confidence that I am keeping my word.”

“I have already told him that,” Eggers said, “but he does not seem to be satisfied.”

“I think that, after tomorrow, his level of satisfaction may rise,” Stone said.

“Why do you think that?” Eggers asked.

“Because tomorrow, Pablo is going to give Lance a bonus, one that he is unlikely to want to discuss with you.”

“And what is the bonus?”

“I can’t tell you that, Bill; only Lance can, but don’t expect him to.”

“All right, Stone,” Eggers said, rising, “but I have to tell you that Lance is a valued source of business referral to us, and I don’t want you to do anything to queer that.”

“I have no intention of doing so,” Stone said, “but I have to say I’m surprised that Lance is sending you business.”

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“Rain is made from all parts of the sky,” Eggers said, then left.

“This gets weirder and weirder,” Dino said.

“I can’t disagree with you.”

“Are you doing something to make Lance think you and your client are lying to him?”