Stone reciprocated. “I would love to take you out to dinner to thank you for your help.”
“I haven’t secured the sub yet.”
Stone held her gaze. “The invite is not contingent on whether you do or not.”
She smiled. “Then I accept.”
“Are you free tonight?”
“Business dinner, I’m afraid. Tonight and tomorrow. I’m free on Wednesday, however.”
“Then Wednesday it is.”
Ben looked at Peter. “Why do I get the feeling we shouldn’t be here?”
“Same,” Peter said.
Later that afternoon, Stone receiveda call from Felicity.
“How’s the hunt for the Jackal going?” he asked.
“Wrong assassin.”
“Have you given yours a name yet?”
“We’ve been referring to him or her as the assassin.”
“That’s not very imaginative.”
“Coming up with a name hasn’t been high on our priority list. But if you have a suggestion, do feel free to share with the class.”
“If something comes to mind, you’ll be my first call. So, any updates onthe assassin?”
“We’ve narrowed our list somewhat, but it’s still too long. In fact, that’s why I called. I’m hoping you will do something for me.”
“If it’s within my power, of course.”
“Wonderful. I need you to attend my funeral.”
Stone was momentarily stunned to silence. “I don’t believe anyone has ever asked me to do that before.”
“Well, if I was really dead, you would go, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course.”
“Then you not being there might cause questions.”
“From whom?”
“From me, for starters. Am I not important enough for you to attend my funeral?”
“But you’re not really dead.”
“You and I know that, but almost no one else does. And many who know we are close would expect to see you there.”
“So, you want me to go so no one wonders why I didn’t?”
“Honestly, Stone. Some days I wonder how that brain of yours works. Iwantyou to go because Carly, Jillian, and I think there’s a good possibility the culprit or someone working on his behalf will be there, too.”
