“To hold a block of plastique in place under their bed.” The phone rang and Ed grabbed it, half expecting it to be the twins. “Yeah?”

“It’s Stone. Is something supposed to happen?”

“Yeah,” Ed replied, “only I fucked up, and in a big way.”

“Explain, please.”

Ed explained.

“I thought the pros knew to clean up after themselves when they’ve left a bomb under somebody’s bed.”

“I believe they covered that in explosives class, but in my haste not to get shot, I neglected to check off that box.”

“I take it you didn’t get shot?”

“No, but I had to slide down a drainpipe, run thirty yards, dive into sixty-degree water, then swim in the dark over to my dock, none of which I’m in shape for. I’ll spare you the rest of the details.”

“Did your controller get wet?”

“Yes, but I dried it.”

“Well, at least you’re okay.”

“Sure, but now the twins have four ounces of C-4 in their possession, and I have a feeling they’re going to figure out how to use it.”

“Well, they’re not going to figure out how to use it tonight, so you might as well get some well-earned rest. That’s what I’m going to do.”

“What a good idea,” Ed said, then hung up.

“I suppose that was Stone,” Sally said.

“Yes, and he didn’t berate me.”

“You took care of that yourself.”

“Do you think you could get my clothes off and get me into bed?” Ed asked. “Because I think I’m going to collapse.”

“One of my favorite things to do,” she said, and began to work at it.

Three minutes later Ed was snoring.

40

The following day, Stone flew Carly and Primmy to New Haven for Carly’s Yale Law commencement. Once on the ground, Stone put them into a cab. “I have a stop to make,” Stone said. “I’ll catch up with you.”

Stone took another cab to a location where he had earlier made a purchase over the phone. His package was ready, and he headed for Yale.

The graduates were lined up in their black gowns with blue sleeves and filing into the building. He found Primmy and they managed to get seats.

“We thought you were going to miss the ceremony,” she said. “Carly was nearly distraught.” Primmy pointed. “There she is!” Waves were exchanged.

Stone had not been to a graduation since his own from NYU, and he had forgotten how exciting they were for the graduates. They listened to speeches, including Carly’s valedictory address. Then the thing broke up, and Stone took them out to the parking lot. He handed Carly a key. “You drive.”

“Drive what?”

“Right there.” He pointed to a metallic blue BMW convertible with the top down. “Happy graduation!”