Stone Barrington 27 - Doing Hard Time

Russian, then walked back toward the cockpit, closing shades on both sides as he went. The cabin was now dark, the only light coming from the open door and the cockpit windows.
    Teddy started down the airstair and met the stewardess coming the other way. He took the box lunches from her and set them in the galley. “Your passenger asked not to be disturbed,” he whispered to her. “He said he needs sleep.”
    She nodded. “Thanks for your help, uh . . .”
    “Just a neighbor. I’m in the Hawker across the ramp. Have a good flight.”
    As Teddy walked back toward the hangar a car was let through the security gate, and two uniformed pilots got out, set down their flight bags, and, each with a clipboard, began their walk-around and preflight inspection.
    Teddy walked back to the hangar, broke the syringe into three pieces, and tossed them over the fence; then he let himself through the rear door, went to the pilot’s lounge, took off the uniform, and laid it on the table. He had just gotten back into his own clothes as the big hangar door opened and Tim Peters drove in, closing the door behind him.
    Teddy found a canvas holdall in the clothes closet, then folded the uniform and put it inside with the cap on top. He carried the bag to Tim’s office and rapped on the doorjamb. “Good morning,” he said. “I found a uniform that apparently belongs to Livingston’s pilot. Can you send it to him, please?”
    “Sure,” Tim replied. “I’ll drop it by his place on the way home tonight.” He tucked the holdall into the bottom drawer of his filing cabinet and closed it.
    When Tim had left, Teddy called Stone Barrington on his cell phone.
    “Yes?”
    “You recall a couple of people we spoke of?”
    “I do.”
    “It’s my understanding that they are no longer a factor.”
    “Your understanding?”
    “My certainty.”
    “That is good to hear.”
    “I thought you might think so. Goodbye.” He hung up.
    Teddy went upstairs to make sure Betsy was awake. She was drinking coffee in the kitchen.
    “Hey, there. How about some breakfast?” she asked.
    “Stick with your coffee. I’ll toast myself a muffin.” He did, then sat down with her.
    “You look well rested,” she said. “Did you sleep well last night?”
    “You should know,” Teddy replied. “I was right beside you the whole night.”

Stone was getting dressed when Emma came out of the bathroom. They had spent half the morning making love, and she seemed aglow.
    “You all packed?” he asked.
    “Yes, and I just got off the phone with Tessa. She’s staying—oh well—in Hollywood. I made some calls to my New York office, too, and got some volunteers for a move to L.A.”
    “I’m happy for everybody concerned,” Stone said. “What time do you want to leave for the airport?”
    “In half an hour, I think. I’ll have lunch in the first-class lounge.”
    Stone’s Strategic Services driver was finishing a cup of coffee in the kitchen when Stone came down. He stood up.
    “Ready to go out, Mr. Barrington?”
    “Dick,” Stone said, “I think I’ll drive myself today—and every day from now on. You can report back to Mr. Freeman.”
    “As you wish, Mr. Barrington.”
    Stone walked into the dining room and found Peter’s keys to the Cayenne on the table where Stone had left them earlier that morning.
    He read the papers until Emma came down, followed by the butler carrying her bags. They got everything into the Cayenne and drove to LAX.
    “How long before you’ll be back?” he asked, as a porter loaded her luggage onto a cart.
    “Give me a month or so to sort out the personnel changes, and I’ll be back in New York with you. Or will you be here?”
    “In New York, I think. It’s time I let the kids get on with their lives.”
    “You’re no longer concerned about their safety?”
    “I’m told that the problem has been resolved,” Stone said.
    They kissed, then she followed the porter, and Stone got back in the Cayenne and headed for Centurion Studios.
    •   •   •
    Stone found everybody on the set, including Billy and Betsy. He watched as they shot a setup, then broke while the lighting was changed for the next shot.
    Peter came over, and Stone handed him the keys to the Cayenne. “Okay, kiddo, you’re on your own again.”
    “Should I go armed?”
    “Unnecessary, I should think.”
    “That’s good news,” Peter said, grinning.
    “I’ll let your security detail know,” Stone said, glancing over to where