Collateral Damage (Stone Barrington 25)

“I’ll take Manhattan,” Kelli replied, “never mind the Bronx and Staten Island, too.”

Holly allowed herself a small smile. “I appear to have made my point.”

“You certainly have,” Kelli said.

“One other thing,” Holly replied.

“What’s that?”

“For the remainder of your life on this planet, you will not experience a remembrance of those events.”

“What events?” Kelli asked.

Holly got up, rapped on the door, and it was opened from the outside. “Take the elevator to the basement,” she said to Kelli. “A car is waiting for you.”

“And my destination?”

“Anywhere in Manhattan. Back to the restaurant, if you like.”

Kelli consulted her watch. “My friend will either be gone by now or very drunk. Home will do.”

“Home it is. Thank you for your cooperation, Ms. Keane.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“You neither,” Holly said, pressing the elevator button.

Holly used an empty office and called Kate Lee on a secure line.

“How was the helicopter ride?” Kate asked.

“Spectacular.”

“And your mission?”

“Accomplished. The lady has suffered a complete and permanent memory loss regarding those events. I believe she fully appreciates that necessity.”

“Keep an eye on her anyway,” Kate said. “I’m sending the chopper back for you tomorrow morning for a ten A.M. departure, sharp. I’d like you to bring Stone Barrington, Dino Bacchetti, and Mike Freeman with you.”

“I’ll get right on that,” she said, thinking of Stone.

“There’ll be a quick lunch and a briefing at the White House. The chopper will take you directly there.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Holly said.

“Confirm ASAP that the others will arrive with you. Good-bye.” The director hung up.

Holly dialed Stone’s office and got Joan, his secretary.

“Hey, Holly,” Joan said, “always glad to hear from you.”

“Thanks, Joan. Is he available?”

“Certainly.”

He picked up. “Stone Barrington.”

“It’s Holly. How are you?”