“Also, the deadline has been moved up to tomorrow,” Stone said. “And will now be handled in person.”
“In person?” Dino said. “That sounds like the perfect opportunity for my people to swoop in during the exchange.”
“Not as perfect as you think,” Stone said. “He’s sending a proxy.”
“And if he finds out we double-crossed him…” Jack said, then shook his head. “I can’t risk anyone else getting hurt because of me.”
“I’m confused,” Dino said. “How are you going to grab him if he’s not there?”
“Simple,” Stone said. “We follow the money to him.”
“You said he’ll be checking for tracking bugs.”
“I think I might know a way around that, but I need to make a call first.”
“I suppose you’ll want me to have people on standby, just in case.”
Stone smiled. “I knew we could count on you.”
Dino grimaced. “You’re going to owe me more than a dinner at P. J. Clarke’s.”
“If all goes well,” Jack said, “I’ll gladly buy both of you dinner every night of the week for the rest of your lives.”
“Careful, Jack. Dino might take you up on that. I, on the other hand, will simply bill you for my hours.”
As soon as Stone arrivedhome, he called Mike Freeman.
“Good evening,” Mike answered.
“I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“Not at all. Still at the office. In fact, I’m meeting with Tamlyn.”
“She was going to be my next call. Can you put me on speaker?”
“Of course.”
A moment later, Tamlyn’s voice came over the line. “You’re up late.”
“I’ve had an eventful evening,” Stone said.
“Is everything all right?”
“It will be, I think, with Strategic Services’ help.”
As succinctly as possible, he brought Mike and Tamlyn up to speed with Jack’s situation and the latest developments. He then explained in what manner he was hoping to receive Strategic Services’ assistance.
“That’s a question for Tamlyn,” Mike said. “Is it ready?”
“If it isn’t, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure it is by morning,” she said. “Don’t worry, Stone. You’ll have it.”
“Thank you,” Stone said. “And the other item?”
“That one’s easy.”
“I knew I could count on you. Would nine a.m. be too early for me to come by and pick them up?”
“If that’s when you need them, that’s when they’ll be ready,” she said.
