“I can’t believe that happened because of me,” Jack said, stricken. “I am so very sorry.”
“Don’t be. You didn’t do anything. It’s their fault, not yours.”
“Still…” Jack took a breath. “How could they possibly have found out you’re my friend?”
“I didn’t tell you about this before because I didn’t realizeits significance,” Stone said. “On the evening of the same day you and I had lunch last week, someone jumped me so they could look at the calendar on my phone. I suspect someone saw us at the restaurant, recognized you as Jack Fratelli, and used me to find out what name you’re going by now.”
“And because they knew we’re friends, they tried to hurt you last night to put more pressure on me,” Jack said.
Stone nodded. “It fits.”
“I must say, using a garbage truck as a battering ram sounds more like they were trying to kill you than hurt you, though.”
“Believe me, if anyone but Fred had been behind the wheel, I’m sure it would have.”
“You should probably consider giving him a raise.”
“Already planning on it,” Stone said. “I should call Dino, so we don’t lose any more time.”
Stone got Dino on the line and told him about Jack’s latest message, then said, “Jack’s understandably concerned about these people finding out we’re talking to the police and wants to keep this on the down-low.”
“I can agree to that,” Dino said. “But I want to be there when they call.”
“I was hoping you would.”
“I have a suggestion.”
“That is?”
“Usually, I’d bring my tech squad with me on something like this, to see if they can trace the call, and at the very least make a recording. Since we want to keep this close to the vest, why not call in Bob Cantor? He can do all that without anyone here but me knowing what’s going on.”
“I think that’s an excellent idea.”
Bob arrived twenty minutes beforenoon, and Stone and Jack filled him in on Jack’s history as Johnny Fratelli.
“That’s why you look familiar,” Bob said.
“We’ve met before?” Jack asked.
“I don’t know if I’d say we met, but I was a uniform working as backup when you were arrested.”
“Jack’s done his time and lives a clean life now,” Stone said, though that last part was only mostly true.
“No problem for me,” Bob said. “It seems like you’ve made a good life for yourself since.”
“I have,” Jack said. “And I’d like to keep it that way.”
“Then let’s see what I can do to help.”
They headed to the conference room where Bob immediately began setting up.
At five minutes to noon, Dino walked in.
“I was beginning to wonder if you were going to make it,” Stone said.
“I was delayed by a call from one of the detectives working your garbage truck case.”
“Is that what you’re calling it?”
