“I should be able to have people there within ninety minutes,” Mike said, after Stone made his request.
“My associate, Ash Williamson, should be there by then. Please have your people coordinate with him.”
“Will do.”
“Hold for a second.” Stone put his hand over his phone. “Jack, I know you’re going to say no, but I think it might be a good idea for you to have a team watching you, too.”
“You’re right,” Jack replied. “I’m going to say no, but I do appreciate the thought.”
Into the phone, Stone said, “That’s all for now. Thanks, Mike.”
After Stone hung up, Jack said, “Dino, I hope you don’t mind, but I have something I’d like to discuss with Stone alone.”
“This must be one of those client confidentiality things Stone mentioned,” Dino said. He stood. “Shall I wait in the car?”
“I’ll catch a cab,” Stone said.
“Whatever you’re planning, try not to get caught.”
“Who said anything about planning something?”
Dino left without answering.
As soon as Stone and Jack heard the front door close, Jack got up and checked the hallway to the bedrooms.
After he returned, he said, “Sara’s door is closed, so they won’t be able to hear us.”
“Let me guess,” Stone said. “Waiting for Estrada and Kroger to make their next move is not something you’re interested in doing.”
“I do tend to prefer a more proactive approach.”
“And you want my help.”
“If you are willing.”
Jack hadn’t hesitated to help Stone when an assassin had been after him, and Stone wasn’t about to hesitate helping Jack.
“Whatever you need.”
Jack smiled. “That’s what I was hoping you’d say.”
Chapter 45
That evening, Gennaro was countingthe daily take from his bookies when the gate intercom buzzed. A few of his bet collectors had yet to get their envelopes in, so he assumed it was a runner from one of them.
Knowing Rosa would handle it, he let his thoughts drift to the new life he would begin in less than forty-eight hours. He was in the middle of imagining his dream house, when someone cleared their throat nearby.
He jerked in surprise and looked toward the noise. Miguel Montes, Pinkie’s right-hand man, was standing at the entrance to the dining area.
Gennaro plastered a smile on his face, then hurried over, hand extended. “Mr. Montes, what an unexpected pleasure.”
After they shook, Montes said, “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by and see how you’re doing. It’s been a while.”
“Glad you could stop by,” he said. “Something to drink? A beer, perhaps? Rosa, why don’t you grab Mr. Montes one of those IPAs you picked up.”
Montes held up a hand. “It’s okay, Rosa. I’m not thirsty.”
Rosa gave him a nod, then headed down the hall toward her bedroom.
