“Right now,” Stone said. “Has Lance lost his mind?”

“He’s losing it right now,” Holly replied. “I know you won’t believe this, but Lance didn’t do this. I think it’s somebody at the Agency who has it in for Lance.”

“I would imagine their numbers are legion,” Stone said.

“Lance is more popular here than you would imagine,” she said. “Somebody’s head is going to roll for this.”

Stone had an idea. “Listen, I think you ought to offer Pablo protection, find him a hiding place and put guards on him.”

“That’s an idea I wouldn’t argue with, and I don’t think Lance would, either, but he’d have to go to the director for funding; he doesn’t have that kind of discretion. Between you and me, I was astonished when Lance ordered two dozen of those jammers at twenty-five thousand a pop. And the kind of protection you’re talking about would cost hundreds of thousands.”

“Talk to Lance and get back to me.”

“Are you in touch with Pablo?”

“No, but he’s in touch with me. He called five minutes ago, having seen the news reports. His family are arriving today at wherever he is, and of course he’s very concerned about their safety.”

“I’ll talk to Lance,” she said, and hung up.

Willa was staring at him. “This is like being in the middle of a spy novel.”

“I want your word you will not speak of this to anyone,” Stone said.

“Do you think I’m an idiot? I don’t want to be involved, I’m just fascinated to hear about it.”

“Don’t you have to go to work?”

“It’s Saturday,” she pointed out, “but if you want me out of here, say the word.”

He kissed her on the neck. “No, I don’t want you out of here.”

“Who’s going to call next?” Willa asked.

“I’ve no idea.”

The phone rang. “Hello?”

“It’s Herbie.”

Stone was silent.

“Are you feeling better?”

“Yes, thanks, and I can’t talk right now,” Stone replied.

“Okay. Can I call you later?”

“Make it Monday,” Stone said, and hung up.

“And who was that?” Willa asked.

“A client, unrelated to anything on the news.”

Willa set her tray on the floor and cuddled up to him. “Let me take your mind off all this.”

“I don’t think you can,” Stone said.

But she could, and did.

FORTY-NINE

FORTY-NINE

Joan buzzed again, and Stone picked up the phone. “Why are you in on Saturday morning?” he asked, panting from his exertions with Willa.

“Never look a gift horse in the mouth,” she replied. “Holly Barker on line one.”

Stone picked up the phone. “Yes, Holly?”

“I figured out who gave Pablo’s name to the press,” she said.

“And who would that be?”

“Todd Bacon.”

“Your acolyte? The new CEO of your new air transport company?”

“One and the same.”