Stone - 25 - Collateral Damage

are on the way up.”
    “Thank you.” She hung up. “They’re here,” she said to Stone.
    A moment later the two women bustled into the office. “Hey, I like this,” Kate Lee said. “Hi, Stone.”
    “Hello, Director.”
    “Did you enjoy this morning’s meeting?”
    “It was enlightening,” Stone replied. “Are you staying overnight?”
    “Maybe.”
    “May we take you to dinner?”
    “I’d like that. Let me check in with the White House and see what my schedule there is like.”
    Holly showed Scotty her office and the kitchenette.
    “I’ll make coffee,” Scotty said.
    Kate flopped down in a chair in Holly’s comfortable sitting area. “I’ve been on the phone with the director of the FBI,” she said. “They’re terribly upset over there about the expansion of our charter.”
    “I got that impression from the AIC,” Holly said.
    “I know that man, and he’s an ignoranus,” Kate said.
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “He’s both stupid and an asshole.”
    Holly and Stone erupted in laughter. “I couldn’t have characterized him better,” Holly said, when she had control of herself again.
    “Appear to be cooperating with the Bureau,” Kate said, “but don’t let it get in your way. Any news?”
    “Yes, the commissioner has turned out all the students at the police academy and has them papering the West Side with flyers.”
    “What a great idea! I like that man.” Her cell phone rang, and she answered it. “Hello, darling,” she said. “I mean, hello, Mr. President. Yes, good flight. I’m with Holly and Stone. They’ve asked me to dinner. You need me this evening? Not for that, dummy, do we have a state dinner or anything? Good, then I’ll stay over. At the Carlyle. The Secret Service likes it. Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow night.” She hung up. “I guess we’re on for dinner. I warn you, it’ll be a production—the Secret Service will be all over it.”
    “It’ll be just the three of us,” Stone said, “so why don’t we dine at my house? I’ve got a wonderful cook, and there’s already Agency security on the place.”
    “Sounds great. Nothing fancy, I hope.”
    “We’ll dine in the kitchen. And I’ll invite Mike Freeman, if you like.”
    “Wonderful! Scotty, will you let my Secret Service detail know that I’m dining at Mr. Barrington’s tonight?”
    “Yes, ma’am,” Scotty said. “I have the address.” She stepped out into the hallway for a moment, then came back with an agent.
    “Mr. Barrington,” the man said, “may we have a look at your home this afternoon?”
    “Of course. My secretary, Joan Robertson, is there, and so is the housekeeper. I’ll let them know you’re coming.”
    “I’ll be staying at the Carlyle tonight,” Kate said to the man. “Will you let them know?”
    “You’re welcome to stay at my house,” Stone said.
    “Thanks, but I’ve got clothes and stuff at the Carlyle. What time?”
    “Drinks at seven?”
    “Perfect.”
    “Is there anybody you’d like to ask?”
    “No, let’s keep it small, it’ll be more fun.”
    Stone excused himself and stepped away, digging out his cell phone.
    “Woodman & Weld,” Joan said.
    “Hi, it’s me. Will you let Helene know we’ll be four for dinner this evening? Oh, and invite Mike Freeman. Drinks at seven. Adjust the numbers, if he’s bringing someone.”
    “Of course. Do you want anything special?”
    “Tell her to cook Greek. It’s what she loves most, and tell her our guest is the first lady.”
    “Omigod! Are you sure you want her to know?”
    “Maybe you’re right, we’ll surprise her, but you can tell Mike.”
    “I think that’s best. What time?”
    “Drinks at seven, in the garden. The Secret Service will be calling on you shortly, so give them a look around. Have them look at the garden, too. We can dine out there, if they approve.”
    “Okay.”
    “Any calls?”
    “Nothing you’d want to hear about.”
    Stone laughed. “Okay, you can deal with those.” He hung up.
    “We’re all set,” he said to Kate.
    “I’m sorry about all the Secret Service stuff. I know it’s a pain in the ass.”
    “Not in the least. I’m happy to have the extra security in these troubled times.”
    “Wait until you taste Helene’s cooking,” Holly said.
    “I feel a weight gain coming on,” Kate replied.

Stone had Helene put a couple of extra chairs at the banquette in the big kitchen, and told her to use a linen tablecloth.
    “Anybody I know coming, Mr. Stone?”