“Maximum effort; the department finally believes me about this business.”

“It’s about time. Have you put out an APB on Mitteldorfer?”

“I’m not at that point, yet; we don’t really have any hard evidence on him, nothing to tie him to these crimes but our suppositions and a lot of bodies.”

“I think you ought to get his most recent prison photograph into the Sunday papers, along with the artist’s drawing of the hit man. You can say that Mitteldorfer may be in danger, and you want to talk with him. At least, that’ll get his face out there, and you might get a tip from a citizen.”

“Good idea; I don’t think I’ll ask the brass; I know a guy at the Times. How’s the house?”

“The stuff Sarah and I bought all arrived, and I’ve spent the afternoon making it habitable. Still needs a lot of pictures and lamps and other things.”

“Have a good weekend; when you coming back?”

“I don’t know; I may not come back at all; at least, not until Mitteldorfer has popped you, and I have to look for him, myself.”

“Don’t hold your breath, kid; he’s not going to get a crack at Dino. The department has lent me a special car, not unlike your own.”

“A Mercedes?”

“No, just a Crown Victoria that could take a hit from a tank. They’ve been using it to transport VIPs to and from the UN.”

“That’s good news.”

“You bet it is. I gotta go.”

“Keep me posted.”

Dino hung up, and so did Stone. Immediately, the phone rang again.

“Hello?”

“Stone? It’s Carolyn Klemm; how are you coming with the house?”

“It’s in pretty good shape for the first day, I think.”

“My husband, David, and I are going to grab a bite at our local joint, the George Washington Tavern; why don’t you join us? It’s real casual, and a lot of the weekend crowd will be there.”

“Thanks, I think I’d like that,” Stone replied.

“Want us to pick you up?”

“Just give me directions; I’ll meet you.”

“Go back down the hill to the Depot, cross the river, then a right at the intersection, and you’ll see it on your right. About seven?”

“See you there.” Stone hung up, relieved not to have to spend his first evening in Connecticut alone.

Pity about Bruce Goldsmith, he thought. But not much of a Pity.

42

STONE ARRIVED AT THE RESTAURANT AND found the parking lot nearly full. He found a spot and went inside. Carolyn Klemm spotted him from a seat near the fireplace and waved him over.

“This is my husband, David,” she said.

Stone shook David Klemm’s hand.

“Welcome to Washington,” David said. “You’re going to love it.”