Near Miss

“From then on, Lance will keep you very busy. You’ll visit exotic places and do work that you feel might just save the planet.”

“Sounds like a dream job.”

“It is, in its way, but it’s dangerous. Survival is a very important part of the work.”

“Why do you know all of this?”

“Because I have attended the Farm, albeit briefly, and I know others who have done so under Lance’s watchful eye.”

“Like who?”

“One of them is currently serving as president of the United States.”

“Holy shit! Sounds like I’d enjoy some of that training.”

“You will, some of it. But you’re no Holly Barker; no one is.”

“I’ll try to hold my ambition in check.”

“Later in your career, it might be worth your while to study under Lance, but not yet. You’re going to have a lot of options in your life, and the Agency is only one of them.”

“Well, that’s flattering.”

“We’re not talking about flattery, here, Carly. We’re talking reality. You’re going to have a lot of fun doing the things you’re still learning to do, but believe me, it’s too early in your young life for you to learn it at the hands of Lance Cabot.”

“Okay, say Lance approaches me. How do I handle it?”

“You give him your undivided attention. Never look bored or inattentive, then while he’s talking, think about why you don’t want to do what he’s suggesting you do. When he’s done, tell him no, in specific, but polite terms. And be firm in your resolve.”

“What if what he’s offering is really, really enticing?” she asked.

“Trust me: you don’t want to do it. You should believe me, because I have your interests at heart, while Lance has only his interests at heart. There’s nothing I want for you but to do well and make good choices.”

“I believe that, Stone,” she said. “And I’ll do as you ask.”

“Good. After Lance has made his pitch, we’ll talk about it, and you’ll see why it’s not a good idea.”

“All right.”

“Home, Fred,” Stone said. “And without getting shot at, if you can manage it.”

“I’ll do my best, sir.”

Chapter 39

Stone was dying to know what had happened in the Gromyko case, but he was afraid to call Tiffany Baldwin and ask her. Finally, he called Thomas Kinder, at the FBI.

“Hello, Stone,” Kinder said.

“Hi, Tom. What’s happening with Gromyko? I was afraid to call Tiffany Baldwin.”

“You’re scared shitless of her, aren’t you?”

“You would be, too, if you’d had my experience with her. And don’t ask! So, is the Greek in jail?”

“Not as of yet.”

“What’s the problem?”

“When my men went to arrest him, he wasn’t there, and we haven’t been able to find him.”

Stone gulped. “Is he still in New York?”

“I don’t know. I said we couldn’t find him, remember?”

“He’s keeping a low profile. That would explain why his people were able to kidnap Carly Riggs yesterday. He grabbed her right out of my house, sprayed something in her face that rendered her unconscious.”

“That’s what happened to her? I’ll see if my people have found anything about where she is yet.”

“Not necessary. She came to behind a dumpster and managed to get away. She’s safe now.”

“Thank God! You gave me a turn there.”

“Imagine the turn I got,” Stone said.

“Well, yes.”

“Have you alerted Dino about Gromyko?” Stone asked. “He can manage a very big net with a phone call.”

“Ah, no. I guess I didn’t want to explain why we hadn’t had an arraignment.”

“I’ll alert him.”

“I’d be grateful, and I will keep you posted, Stone.” He hung up.

Stone called Dino.

“Bacchetti. Don’t tell me, Gromyko hasn’t been arrested.”

“How did you know?”

“Because I run the kind of shop where, when people say to me, ‘I’ll get back to you,’ they get back to me.”

“I just talked to Tom Kinder and heard only discouraging words.”

“Does he want me to put an APB out?”

“He does, but he doesn’t want you asking questions.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“As I knew you would.”

“Shall we take Carly to dinner tonight?”

“I’ll ask. Clarke’s at seven-thirty?”

“Done.” Dino hung up.

Dressed for dinner, Stone came down from his room a little early to find Helene waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Carly was with her, wearing something new from Bloomie’s.

“Mr. Barrington,” Helene said, “Fred asked that you leave by way of the garden gate.”

“And why is that?” he asked.

“He says the Strategic Services people spotted two suspicious people in a car parked down the street, watching the house.”

“That’s a good reason.”

“He said he will pick you up there, in an SUV he borrowed from the firm.”

“Thank you, Helene.”

She smiled and left.

“Shall we?” Stone said to Carly.

As they made their way to the gate, she asked, “Do you think it’s the Russians?”

“As far as I know, no one else has the immediate desire for my death.”

“Maybe we should go in separate cars.”

“Carly, I’m shocked. By now I would have thought you knew the best place to be is closer to me, not farther. Though many have tried to get rid of me, none have succeeded.”

“I would like to see the statistics on those around you when prior attempts have been made, before I pass judgment.”