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“Perhaps not. Lance defines his job to suit himself, or maybe he just happened to be in your neighborhood and wanted to save a stamp.”
“It sounds as if you know him well.”
“As well as can be expected,” Stone said. “As I mentioned to you, I’m a part-time consultant to the Agency, so I’ve dealt with him a number of times.”
“Do you think the Agency is somehow involved with John’s death?”
“Since he was an Agency officer, I’d be surprised if they weren’t involved somehow. He may have been on a mission for them when he met his end. I have no way of knowing that, of course.”
“Of course,” she said. “I have experienced conversations ending when the Agency was mentioned.”
“Secrecy is their most important tool,” Stone said. “And now, having mentioned the organization, we should end this part of our conversation.”
She laughed.
“One last thing: Do you know about the wall of stars?”
“What’s that?”
“When an officer dies in the line of duty, a star is placed on a wall near the entrance of the headquarters building at Langley: no name, just a star.”
“A package was delivered to me at the office today,” Vanessa said. “It contained three medals. No note.”
“When an officer is decorated for exceptional duty, his medals are retained until his death. Apparently John excelled on at least three occasions.”
“No further details?”
“No.”
“No point in asking?”
“No.”
“That’s very unsatisfying.”
“A lot about the Agency is unsatisfying to those who are not on the inside.”
“Well,” she said, draining her glass. “I have to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed first thing in the morning.”
“I’ll have Fred drive you home,” Stone said. He walked her to the car, and before she got inside, she planted a soft and inviting kiss on his lips. “Next time, let’s start earlier and finish later.”
“I’ll look forward to that,” Stone said. He closed the car door and Fred drove her away.
Stone went upstairs and pressed the button on the security system that closed and locked down the house. As he got into bed, the phone rang. “Yes?”
“It’s Lance. Did you enjoy your evening? The latter part, I mean.”
“I should tell you it’s none of your business,” Stone said, “but it wouldn’t do any good.”
Lance laughed and hung up.
7
Stone was athis desk the following morning when Joan buzzed. “Two gentlemen in suits and ties,” she said. “They flashed badges.”
“Send them in, I guess.”
Joan led two men into his office. Stone looked them over: too well dressed to be NYPD. “Good morning, gentlemen,” he said. “What can I do for the FBI today?”
