“Is that right? Interesting.” The line went quiet for a moment. Then the Russian said, “I want you to be there.”
Pryce brow knitted in surprise. “What?”
“I wantyoutoattendDame Felicity’sfuneral.”
“Oh, um, I-I think…I think it’s private.”
“Then get invited.”
“I’m not sure I would—”
“Or I could send the media those lovely pictures of you.”
“No!” Pryce shouted. “I mean, please don’t do that. I’ll…I’ll figure it out.”
“I knew you would,” Bronsky said and hung up.
Pryce lowered his phone and stared out his living room window. Outside, it had started raining.
He considered stepping into the street, in hopes of being hit by lightning, but decided against it.
He would never be that lucky.
Chapter 17
Stone was in his officelate Thursday morning when Joan buzzed him.
“Commander Choi on one,” she said. “She says she’s with the Coast Guard.”
“Thank you.” Stone picked up the call. “Good morning, Commander.”
“Good morning, Mr. Barrington.”
“I’m not sure if I said this when we first met, but please call me Stone.”
“Thank you, sir, but that’s not going to happen.”
“Well, it was worth a try. Have you heard back from your superiors about my offer to get a look at theAmanda Jae?”
“I have, and they approved it, with one condition.”
“And that is?”
“That I am present when the search happens.”
“I don’t think that should be a problem.”
“Whose submarine is it?” she asked.
“Xavier Silva’s, do you know him?”
“Know him? No. Heard of him? Who hasn’t.”
“And we’ll actually be using an ROV and not a sub,” Stone said.
“That would give us more flexibility. I like it. Do you know when this is going to happen?”
“As early next week as possible. I’ll let you know for sure, when I know.”
