Stone Cold by David Baldacci Read Free Book Online

10
    S TONE AND A LEX F ORD met at a familiar place for both men, Lafayette Park across from the White House. Here the six-foot-three-inch Alex had guarded the occupant of the Oval Office for years and Stone had respectfully protested against this same inhabitant, as he had against the man’s predecessors, from across the street. The two men sat on a bench near the statue of a Polish general whom history remembered as a sound ally of the Americans in their war for independence. He was also a man, it was probably safe to say, hardly any American alive today would either know or care about.
    “What do you have for me?” Stone said, eyeing the manila folder Alex pulled from a trim black leather briefcase.
    “I wasn’t sure what you were looking for, so I thought I’d cast a broad net.”
    “That’s perfect, Alex, thanks.”
    As Stone looked over the file, Alex studied his friend. “Like I told you on the phone, the Justice Department has been interested in Bagger for a long time but can’t make anything stick. I talked to Kate about it. She said Justice hasn’t given up but if they can’t pin something on him soon, they’re going to have to move on. Even Uncle Sam has limited resources.”
    “How is Kate?” Stone asked, referring to Kate Adams, the Justice lawyer Alex had been dating.
    “Things didn’t work out. She’s seeing someone else.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that. She’s a wonderful woman,” Stone replied.
    “Yes she is, but just not the woman for me or me the man for her. Speaking of women, where’s Adelphia?”
    Adelphia, a strange woman of undetermined origin and interesting accent, had been the only other protester left in Lafayette Park besides Stone. Alex had long suspected that she had a crush on his friend.
    “I haven’t seen her for some time,” Stone replied. “She even took her sign down.”
    “She was a strange bird.”
    “We’re all strange birds.” He closed the folder and stood. “I appreciate this. It will be a big help.”
    “Jerry Bagger, Jersey casino operator. So you thinking about doing some gambling?”
    “Maybe, just not the way you probably imagine it.”
    “From what I’ve heard, Bagger is a real psycho with a mean streak. Not a guy to mess around with.”
    “I have no intention of doing anything like that.”
    Alex rose too. “Even so, should I be expecting another eleventh-hour phone call for the cavalry?”
    “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
    “Saw our favorite buddy Carter Gray got the Medal of Freedom. It took all my willpower not to call the prick up and tell him to go to hell.”
    “My willpower’s obviously not as strong as yours.” Stone then explained what he’d done.
    Alex’s expression brightened. “You didn’t!”
    “Yes, I did. And on top of that Gray’s asked me to visit him at his house tonight.”
    “And you’re going?”
    “I wouldn’t miss it.”
    “Why? What could he possibly have to say that you’d want to hear?”
    “I have some questions to ask him about . . . my daughter.”
    Alex’s expression softened and he patted Stone’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”
    “Life is what it is, Alex. You just have to accept it, because you have no other choice.”

CHAPTER 11
    T HE BOAT H ARRY F INN was currently riding on the side of was not quite as fast as the naval vessel he’d piggybacked on previously, but it was more than adequate. Like the military folks, the people he had hitched the ride from tonight had no idea of his presence. He had chosen it because they were heading in the direction he wanted to go. He would have to get home another way, a way he’d already figured out. He had timed out the ride and kept glancing at his illuminated watch in anticipation of when to peel away and swim for shore. A storm was percolating, which was both good and bad for his plan. He’d come prepared; he always did.
    As the boat neared where he would be leaving it, Finn reflected on the last conversation