“First, let me tell you what new information has come our way with regard to our surveillance of the brigadier.” Lance ran down for him what had been learned and what was suspected.

“Very interesting,” Stone replied.

“It has occurred to me that there is little point in having two intelligence services conducting separate investigations into the same subject, and that it might be better for us both if we combine our assets and information.”

“I expect that might be a good idea.”

“Felicity is coming down to the Beaulieu River for the weekend. I suggest that the two of you find time for a dinner together, preferably at your house, and share everything I have told you and what she already knows.”

“That’s an agreeable idea,” Stone said. “I’m just getting into the car now for the drive down.”

“Perhaps you could give me a ring on Monday and let me know the state of your discussions and what moves the two of you might wish to make.”

“I can do that,” Stone said.

“Have a lovely weekend.” Lance hung up.

Stone had not even gotten the car started before his phone rang again. “Hello?”

“It’s Felicity, my darling.”

“How good to hear from you.”

“Will you have dinner with me tomorrow evening, just the two of us?”

“I would be delighted to give you dinner at the Hall and whatever else your heart desires.”

“That will take longer than a dinner, I think.”

“Then bring your toothbrush.”

“Done.” Felicity hung up, and so did Stone.

50

Stone met Felicity at his dock and took her lines, then they drove up to his house in the golf cart, chatting about the lovely weather and whatever else crossed their minds.

The table had been set for two in the library, but first, Stone made her a martini and himself a Knob Creek on the rocks. They raised their glasses.

“Collaboration,” Felicity suggested as a toast.

Stone raised his glass, too. “Collaboration.”

Felicity took a deep draught of her martini. “Tell me what you know about the brigadier’s situation,” she said.

“Certainly. Let’s skip backward to the evening before last,” Stone said. “I expect you’re up-to-date for the period before that.”

“All I know is that a car called for them—he in black tie and she stylishly dressed. Unfortunately, my people lost them again after that, and they did not return until after midnight.”

“Our people lost them, too, but they turned up at the Russian embassy, where the Agency, merely by chance, has a very complete and high-definition video and audio system—installed during renovations to the building last year.” Stone handed her an envelope of stills taken from the video, and Felicity went carefully through them.

“Well,” she said, “it’s like the senior dance at the school of espionage, isn’t it. I’m quite surprised that our Roger made the guest list—and at the head table, as well.”