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Back Strategic Moves Save as PDF
Chapters (66)
  1. Title Page
  2. Copyright Page
  3. Dedication
  4. ONE
  5. TWO
  6. THREE
  7. FOUR
  8. FIVE
  9. SIX
  10. SEVEN
  11. EIGHT
  12. NINE
  13. TEN
  14. ELEVEN
  15. TWELVE
  16. THIRTEEN
  17. FOURTEEN
  18. FIFTEEN
  19. SIXTEEN
  20. SEVENTEEN
  21. EIGHTEEN
  22. NINETEEN
  23. TWENTY
  24. TWENTY-ONE
  25. TWENTY-TWO
  26. TWENTY-THREE
  27. TWENTY-FOUR
  28. TWENTY-FIVE
  29. TWENTY-SIX
  30. TWENTY-SEVEN
  31. TWENTY-EIGHT
  32. TWENTY-NINE
  33. THIRTY
  34. THIRTY-ONE
  35. THIRTY-TWO
  36. THIRTY-THREE
  37. THIRTY-FOUR
  38. THIRTY-FIVE
  39. THIRTY-SIX
  40. THIRTY-SEVEN
  41. THIRTY-EIGHT
  42. THIRTY-NINE
  43. FORTY
  44. FORTY-ONE
  45. FORTY-TWO
  46. FORTY-THREE
  47. FORTY-FOUR
  48. FORTY-FIVE
  49. FORTY-SIX
  50. FORTY-SEVEN
  51. FORTY-EIGHT
  52. FORTY-NINE
  53. FIFTY
  54. FIFTY-ONE
  55. FIFTY-TWO
  56. FIFTY-THREE
  57. FIFTY-FOUR
  58. FIFTY-FIVE
  59. FIFTY-SIX
  60. FIFTY-SEVEN
  61. FIFTY-EIGHT
  62. FIFTY-NINE
  63. SIXTY
  64. SIXTY-ONE
  65. Acknowledgements
  66. AUTHOR’S NOTE

“Well, since information about this thing is abroad in the land, I may as well tell you, on the condition of absolute confidentiality.”

“But why, when I already know about it?”

“Okay, let’s forget it and change the subject.”

“Oh, all right, absolute confidentiality.”

Stone gave her the background to the story.

“And that’s the Mercedes that ended up in that swimming pool in Westchester?”

“One and the same.”

“And your client was driving . . . flying it?”

“For a short time, yes.”

“That is the wildest story I’ve ever heard!”

“Tell me, is the DA expecting to call my client as a witness in these prosecutions he’s so looking forward to?”

“That was my impression,” Willa replied.

Well, Stone thought, we’ll see about that.

THIRTY-EIGHT

THIRTY-EIGHT

Stone excused himself, let himself into Dick Stone’s secure office, and called Lance Cabot’s cell number.

“Yes, Stone? And why are you in Maine again on such a cold weekend?”

Stone ignored the question. “Why does the Manhattan district attorney believe that Pablo’s questioning is going to result in numerous prosecutions for him and that Pablo will be testifying?”

Lance sighed. “I happened to have dinner with him at Peter Luger’s in Brooklyn the evening before last. I’m afraid he may have overestimated his potential involvement in the results of Pablo’s testimony.”

“Were you drunk?” Stone asked.

“Now, Stone, don’t make too much of this, please.”

“Too much of it? Apparently, details of my client’s cooperation are abroad in the land. Surely you’re aware that that sort of information could endanger his life and those of his family?”

“Nonsense. Pablo has nothing to fear.”

“Well, let’s take a hypothetical example: Pablo tells you, on tape, that he sold X arms to X person on X date, and someone in the DA’s office lets that slip to an acquaintance of X. What do you think X’s reaction will be?”

“You have a hypothetical point, Stone, but don’t stretch it. It won’t happen that way.”

“Lance, I give you notice now: if you ask Pablo a question the answer to which might put his life in jeopardy, I will instruct him not to answer.”

“Stone, I’m sure our four days together will go very smoothly, and I’ll do everything I can to protect Pablo’s health and happiness during the proceedings.”

“Thanks, Lance. I’m going to hold you to that, and afterwards, too.” Stone hung up and returned to Willa.

“Problem?” she asked.

“Not anymore,” he replied, hoping it was true.

They had a good dinner and retired early. Willa came to bed wearing only a short, filmy nightgown, and Stone received her wearing only boxer shorts. Shortly, neither was wearing anything.

“You have a reputation to live up to,” Willa said, throwing a leg over and snuggling close, her breasts firmly against his chest.