“It may be your money, but it’s been my responsibility to this point,” Charley said. “And I’m not a fan of this kind of high-risk investment.”
“Which is why the rest of my money is staying safely under your control.”
“Speaking of other money,” Stone said. He removed the envelope holding the stack of hundreds he had received from Strategic Services.
“May I?” Charley asked.
Stone handed it to him, and Charley examined it, taking a particularly close look at a few of the bills.
“These are real,” he said, sounding surprised.
“Forgeryisa crime,” Stone said.
“I’m guessing we should probably not put it on top.”
“I was told a few stacks down and to one side.”
Charley moved the stacks around until the Strategic Services bundle was in the right place, and the top layer looked nice and even.
As he reached up to close the case, Stone said, “Hold on.”
He retrieved the envelope with the flash drive in it, laid it on top of the cash, and closed the case himself.
There was a knock on the door.
“Yes?” Charley said.
Jennifer stuck her head in. “Some people from Strategic Services are here, looking for Mr. Barrington.”
“Please tell them I’ll be right out,” Stone said.
“Yes, Mr. Barrington.” She shut the door.
“Thank you, Charley,” Stone said. “We’ll get out of your hair now.”
Charley frowned as Stone and Jack stood.
“What’s the matter?” Stone asked.
“I was just thinking,” Charley said. “This will be the first time I’ve ever watched a million dollars literally walk out the door.”
Chapter 52
Stefan woke with a groan,his head splitting. He slapped a hand onto the nightstand, searching for his phone, then realized the device was on the bed with him.
Squinting, he checked the time. It was nearly eight-thirty.
Cursing, he hurried into the bathroom.
Yesterday, after following the woman to the park and overhearing her conversation, he’d returned to his hotel to strategize on how to best mess things up for Gennaro.
That quickly proved to be a waste of time. While he knew Gennaro was going after a “big score,” he had no idea what that score was or where it was taking place. The only thing he did know was that it was supposed to occur midday on Friday.
He’d gone on a walk to clear his head and ended up buying a bottle of cheap whiskey from a liquor store down the street. Hence his hangover.
The only plan he’d been able to come up with yesterday was to return to Gennaro’s street early and hope that the woman came out again to make another call. So much for the early start.
A hot shower and the rush of adrenaline helped dull hisheadache, and by the time he was dressed and heading out, he was feeling almost human.
