“What the hell would a dump truck be doing out at this time of night?” Holly asked.
“Looking for us,” Stone said. “Or rather, for me.”
“Did anybody see the driver?”
“I saw a man running,” the driver’s companion said. “Big guy, black or dark clothes, heavy boots.”
“Like the French assault-team cops wear?” Stone asked.
“Exactly like that,” the man said.
They continued to huddle behind the bus shelter, waiting for rescue. Holly had the Glock in her hand again.
36
The car came, and Stone’s guards shoved him and Holly into the rear seat, while they flagged a cab. “We’ll catch up with you,” his driver said, “but in a new vehicle.”
—
HALF AN HOUR LATER, Stone and Holly sat in their suite with brandy glasses in hand, trying to come down. There was a hammering on the door, and when Stone answered it, Rick LaRose walked in and locked the door behind him.
“Everybody okay?” he asked.
“Just as soon as we get the brandy down,” Stone said. “Pour yourself one.”
“I can’t find Lance,” Rick said, “and he’s not answering his phone.”
Stone and Holly exchanged a glance. “Lance just needs a little downtime,” Holly said. “He’ll turn up.”
“I even called the ambassador’s residence,” Rick said.
“Don’t worry about it,” Stone replied.
“One good thing, though—that van took a beating and came out whole, not even a broken window. It’ll see service again.”
“I’m so happy for it,” Stone said.
“Don’t worry, there’s a new one downstairs.”
“Aren’t you running out of them yet?” Holly asked.
“Soon, but not yet. Lance has the authority to requisition replacements.”
“Swell,” Stone said.
“Did anybody see anything?”
“One of the drivers said the truck driver was dressed in black clothes and wearing heavy boots, like those the police assault teams wear.”
“Yeah, Lance told me his theory about Jacques Chance.”
“I don’t think it’s a theory anymore,” Stone said.
Stone took a swig of his brandy and sighed.
“What?” Holly asked.
“I was just thinking how nice home would feel at this point.”
“Not before we’ve neutralized Jacques Chance,” Rick said.
Holly looked up. “Not before I’ve worn my new dress to the l’Arrington grand opening.”
Stone’s phone rang. “Yes?”
“Are you children well?” Lance asked.
“We’re still breathing, and nothing is broken.”
“Quite a lot like last year’s incident, don’t you think?”