“My point is, as far as you’re concerned, it’s over.” He put out his hand and Stone shook it. Knox continued, “Now, I’m going to walk that way.” He pointed to his right. “And I suggest you go the other way.”

“I can’t do that, Joe.”

“Oliver, get out of this place and go start over somewhere. I’ll even get you some money and a new ID. But you have to go. Now.”

Stone sat down on a weathered stone step and gazed up at the man.

“I’ve been going for thirty years and I’m just tired.”

“But the FBI is still investigating the murders. And with Hayes out of the way any impediment to them turning in your direction is gone. Sooner or later, they’re going to knock on your door. Particularly with Hayes screaming his head off about you.”

“I know that.”

“And, what, you’re going to just wait until they come get you?”

Stone stood. “No. I’m not going to wait. I’m going right to the top on this. But first I need to go get something.”

“Get something? Where?”

“At a graveyard.”

Chapter 82

CHAPTER 82

THE SECRET SERVICE examined the contents of the box that Stone had brought with him. It was the same one he’d hidden at Milton’s burial plot before leaving Washington. Knox had driven him over to the graveyard where he’d gotten the box, called Alex Ford and made the arrangements to be where the three men were now.

The White House looked particularly impressive in the crisp morning sunlight. Alex knew the agents on duty today at the northeast gate entrance and he talked to them as Knox and Stone went through the metal detector and security process.

After that Alex led them up the driveway and into the White House. They passed the guards stationed at that entrance. As they walked toward the West Lobby, the security badges issued to the three men bounced against their chests. They arrived at the small West Lobby and were cleared. Stone and Alex sat while Knox nervously paced.

In a calming voice Alex said, “Down that hall is the Roosevelt Room. It’s got a painting of FDR over the fireplace mentel and one of Teddy Roosevelt on the south wall. Straight ahead of that is the reception room, and to the immediate right of that is the Oval Office. The president doesn’t actually work there. He’s got another office nearby where he can get some real work done.”

“Interesting,” said Knox as he continued to pace the room, shooting glances here and there. All three men were dressed in suits. Alex and Knox had chipped in to buy Stone some appropriate clothes and he looked distinguished, if uncomfortable in his jacket and tie.

“You sure he’s going to see us?” Knox asked Alex.