Page 42 of Near Miss

“That’s a shame.” They stood. “Thank you for your help.”

“Of course.”

The woman headed into the bar and Fred returned to the Bentley.

There, he retrieved the bomb from the trunk and then went for a walk.

Chapter 24

I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal when I’m with you,” Carly said.

Matilda eyed her. “Have you eaten a lot of meals with Stone?”

“That depends on your definition of ‘a lot.’ ”

“More than three?”

“That seems like a low bar, but, yes, more than three.”

Matilda turned to Stone, pressing her softest spots against him. “Do you always treat your junior attorneys so well?”

“Carly is no ordinary junior attorney.”

“Oh, that’s right. The whole acing-the-bar-exam thing.”

“It’s more than a thing,” Stone said.

“Of course. My apologies. I didn’t mean to trivialize it.” She gave Carly a weak smile. “Smart and beautiful. Congratulations again.”

“Thank you.”

Stone’s phone rang. Fred.

“All done here. Ready to go when you are.”

“Thank you, Fred. Were you able to get a positive ID on the driver?”

“It’s Bozo.”

Not a surprise, but it was nice to have it confirmed.

“And he’s not alone,” Fred added.

“Oh?” Thiswasa surprise.

“Trench Molder is with him.”

“Is he now? Not his lucky day, I guess.”

“No, it is not.”

“His bad luck is our good. Thanks again, Fred. We’ll be out in twenty.” Stone hung up.

“Are you going to tell us what’s going on now?” Matilda asked.

“All in good time.”

“I’m curious, too,” Dino said.

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