“You are so stubborn, Stone,” Lance said, laughing and shaking his head. “But I respect your loyalty and your rectitude, which is why I am now formulating a new approach to Mike Freeman and Strategic Services.”

“I’m sure he’ll be interested in hearing what you have to say,” Stone said, “as will I.”

“Properly noncommittal,” Lance said. “I’m going to make Mike an offer he can’t refuse, as the Godfather used to say.”

“I hope the content of your offer will be different from those of the Godfather,” Stone said.

“Don’t you worry, Stone; it will all be legal, proper, and aboveboard. Well, perhaps not entirely aboveboard, given the business we have chosen. Aboveboard is not really what we do, is it?”

“Finally, something we can agree on,” Stone said.

There was a sharp rap on the door of the study.

“Come in!” Lance commanded.

The door opened and a large man in hunting clothes filled the doorway. “The gentleman has said he is ready to speak to you now, sir.”

“Tell him I’ll be right with him,” Lance said, and the man closed the door.

“Did someone make him an offer he can’t refuse?” Stone asked.

“Well, yes,” Lance replied.

“I suppose that involved what you people like to call ‘enhanced interrogation’?”

“His interrogation was certainly enhanced,” Lance said, “but not in the way you might imagine. The offer he couldn’t refuse involved a new life for himself and his family, certain protections, and a considerable sum of money. He will be a very happy ex-spy.”

“More likely a double agent,” Stone said.

“That, while covered by your security clearance, is on a need-to-know basis, and you most definitely do not need to know.”

Lance rose. “Will you invite me to dinner tonight on your island?”

Stone stood, too. “I’m very sorry, but I have a previous engagement with someone a lot more beautiful than you, Lance.”

“Rain check, then?”

“Next time you’re in New York, I’ll take you to Elaine’s.”

“Done.”

The two men walked toward the door together. “The chopper awaits you,” Lance said.

“And when will you make your new offer to Mike Freeman?”

“I have already done so,” Lance said.

“And what did you offer him that he can’t refuse?”

“I’m sure he’ll tell you in due course,” Lance replied. “He may even tell you about the mission we’ve engaged him for. That’s up to him.”

“I’m not going to like it, am I?” Stone asked.

“You may, or you may not,” Lance replied. “Your opinion is of little consequence. Have a nice flight.” They were in the entrance hall now. Lance turned and bounded up the stairs, two at a time.

Stone found his coat, hat, and gloves and walked outside. The rotors of the helicopter were already turning.

“Right this way, Mr. Barrington,” a man standing next to the machine shouted.

Stone climbed aboard, found a headset to protect his hearing, and buckled his seat belt.