Jack handed him the paper.
“That’s right next to Columbia University. I’ll send some squad cars that way, so they’ll be close if needed.”
“We’d better get moving,” Stone said. “We’ll be cutting it close as is.”
On the ride down in the elevator, Stone briefed the Strategic Services team on the latest developments.
The team leader was a woman named Watkins. She gestured at one of the men with her. “Choi will drive for you. The rest of us will split between our two sedans.”
“Don’t stay too close to us,” Stone said.
“No, sir. One will stay a block ahead and the other the same distance but behind.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to ride with you,” Dino said to her.
“It would be my honor, Commissioner.”
The Range Rover and the Strategic Services vehicles were waiting at the curb when Stone and the others stepped out of the building.
Alicia opened the SUV’s back passenger door as Stone, Jack, and Choi approached.
“Thank you,” Stone said. “Please give the key to Mr. Choi.”
“Sir?” she said.
“Things might get a little dicey from here, so Mr. Choi will be driving.”
“With all due respect, Mr. Barrington, absolutely not. I am your driver, and I am more than qualified to handle ‘dicey’ situations.”
“Your uncle would never forgive me if I put you in danger.”
“I was under the impression you knew my uncle better than that,” she said. “He told me to stick by you no matter what, and specifically mentioned that people might wish to do you harm.”
“Miss,” Choi said. “I’ve had extensive training for situations like Mr. Barrington might face today. I’m sure you—”
“Mr. Choi,” Alicia interrupted. “I’ve taken defensive driving training courses from the British Army, the U.S. Army, and three separate private defense organizations. I’ve spent over eighteen months working in combat conditions. I’ve been fired on by multiple-caliber rifles and twice by RPGs. I have never lost a passenger in any of that time. Is your training better than that?”
Choi took a step back. “My apologies. I’ll ride with the others.” He headed for the sedan in front.
To Stone, Alicia said, “Are you satisfied with my qualifications?”
“So much so that I regret questioning them in the first place.”
“Then shall we be off?”
“Please.”
Chapter 55
The address Gennaro had givenFratelli belonged to the Arts and Craft Beer Parlor, just south of West 116th Street.
Gennaro was positioned on an elevated walkway that connected the east Columbia campus to that on the other side of the road and could easily see the location.
Gennaro used his binoculars to search farther down Amsterdam Avenue but spotted no sign of the Range Rover yet.
His cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen. When he saw his sister’s name, he punchedAccept.
“Are you there yet?”
