Page 12 of Stuart Woods' Golden Hour

“Unlikely, but I’ll grant that the possibility exists. To guard against that, there will be a team keeping an eye on you and your colleagues. Covertly, of course.”

“And without your mole knowing about them.”

“We may not know who it is yet, but we’ve uncovered enough to know he or she works at Langley. I will simply use resources outside of Virginia, and make sure all communication goes directly through me.”

“That seems a little—”

Lance held up his palm, silencing Teddy. “I am fully aware that it is not the perfect plan.”

“Thank God for that,” Teddy said wryly.

“The problem is we’re on the clock here. The longer this takes, the more people will die. People you and I know and have worked with. If you have a better idea, I’d love to hear it.”

Lance’s words struck Teddy in his weakest spot, his sense of loyalty to his former colleagues. And as much as he didn’t like it, the plan made sense.

“If I do this,” he said, “I’m in charge. That means I do things my way. My people. My methods. No interference.”

“With the exception of my people there for protection.”

“And if I need to use them, I can.”

“Agreed,” Lance said. “Also anyone I can send your way who might have information that will help you.”

“Only if you really think they can help.”

“I wouldn’t waste your time.”

“Fine,” Teddy said. “One more thing. You pick up the bills.”

“Of course, but let’s not buy any airplanes or mansions you might take a fancy to.”

Teddy pointed his thumb at Stone. “That’s him, not me.”

“I’ll have you know I’ve added neither plane nor home to my portfolio in quite some time,” Stone said.

“Which only means you’re due,” Lance noted. “So, Teddy, do we have a deal?”

Teddy hesitated a moment, then nodded. “Deal.”

Stone saw Teddy out, thenreturned to the living room.

Lance had moved to the back window and had his phone to his ear.

“The specialist I told you about is on board,” Lance said into the device. “He’ll have a contact embedded in a press tour for Centurion Pictures’ new film. I want a team in place to watch over everyone on the tour. I want nothing to happen to any of them.” He listened. “Good, then that’s settled. I’ll forward you the info on the tour and the contact.” He hung up.

Stone poured himself a Knob Creek and took a sip. “I told you it was better to let him know you’d be leaking the rumors than him finding out later.”

“Yes, yes. You were right, and I was wrong. Does that make you feel better?”

“It warms my heart.”

“I think that might be the Knob Creek.”

“Huh. You may be right.” Stone saluted him and took another drink.

5

Felix Braun, president and CEOof Braun Logistics and Security, was in his office in Berlin the next morning, going over a proposal for a new client, when his intercom rang.

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