to sense it was a real possibility that Teddy might put him out of action and capture him alive. Teddy was sure the little man didn’t want that to happen. Somehow it would be worse than being shot dead.
Teddy was right. The little man backed into the darkness, even with Teddy’s gun trained on him.
Teddy could have shot him.
He sighed.
He probably should have.
46.
TEDDY RETURNED TO Stone’s house to find him and Dino having a nightcap.
“I thought we lost you,” Dino said.
“You almost did.”
“What?”
“A minor incident. But would you guys mind leaving tomorrow?”
“What!” Dino said.
“Just how minor was this incident?” Stone asked.
“Well, let me put it this way. I’m glad we left by separate doors.”
“Just what happened?” Stone said.
“What happened that we have to leave tomorrow?” Dino said. “I was just beginning to enjoy the place.”
“And I have a dinner date,” Stone said.
“Why am I not surprised?” Teddy said. “I’m afraid something has come up.”
“Oh?”
“I sort of killed someone.”
“‘Sort of’?” Stone said.
Dino put up his hand. “This is not the type of thing you tell a police commissioner.”
“You have jurisdiction in France?”
“Good point.”
“Is that why we have to leave?” Stone said. “Because you accomplished your purpose and you’re going home?”
“Not at all,” Teddy said. “The man I killed is not the man who was trying to kill me.”
“You shot an innocent bystander?” Dino said.
“He’s a member of the opposition, but he wasn’t the hitman. And he wasn’t the mole I was sent here to find.”
“If he’s not the man, why are you leaving?”
“Well, that’s the thing.” Teddy said.
“Uh-oh. You’re not leaving, you’re just sending us home? Is this for our own protection?”
“No, and I didn’t say I wasn’t leaving.”
“You are leaving?”
“I’m getting on the plane with you.”
“Why does that not sound like the same thing?” Dino said.
“Agent Felix Dressler must go home. Too many people are interested in him, and it’s rendered him ineffective. So, for all intents and purposes, I’m leaving with you tomorrow.” Teddy looked at Stone. “Do you have Internet service here?”
“Of course. Why?”
“I need to send an e-mail.”
Teddy sat down at Stone’s computer and sent an encoded e-mail to Lance: Belt is buckled. Coming home.
“Can’t they break that code?” Stone said.
“I’m sure they can.”
“Then they’ll know it was sent from my computer.”
“Yes, which will fit in nicely with my leaving with you tomorrow.” Teddy got up from the desk. “Now, do you mind if I borrow your car?”
“Of course you can borrow my car. Where are you going?”
“To send an e-mail.”
* * *
• • •
TEDDY DROVE TO the nearest hotel and used the computer in the lobby to send an encrypted message to Millie.
He also sent an encrypted message to Kevin. That message was brief:
a) Melvin Melbourne; b) Daniel Remington; c) Arnold Mycroft; d) Claude Fisher. Send only lowercase letter.
Teddy logged off the computer, drove back to the mews house, and returned the car keys to Stone.
“All right, gentlemen, the bait is in the trap. All systems are go. We need to be all packed and ready to leave for the airport at three o’clock tomorrow. We need to be sure the plane is fueled up and ready to go.”
“That goes without saying,” Stone said.
“But there’s a wrinkle,” Teddy said.
“Oh?”
“There are a few extra preparations for this particular flight.”
“Like what?”
Teddy held up one finger. “Okay,” he said, “here’s what I need.”
* * *
• • •
JORAM GLANCED UP from his computer. He had news, but he wanted to tread lightly. Aziz had texted: Target alive. Glenville dead. Fahd, understandably, was in a mood.
“Sir,” Joram said. “I have intercepted an e-mail.”
“What e-mail?” Fahd said.
“An e-mail to Lance Cabot, sent from Stone Barrington’s computer.”
“Stone Barrington e-mailed Lance Cabot?”
“Apparently not. The e-mail originated from his computer, but the e-mail is signed ‘Felix.’ Isn’t that the name Billy Barnett has been using?”
“What did the e-mail say?”
“‘Belt is buckled. Coming home.’”
Fahd frowned.
“What does it mean?” Fahd said.
“I’m not sure. I’ll keep watch. See what else comes in.”
Fahd went back to his desk and sat, thinking. He was not at all convinced. “Belt is buckled”? What did that mean? Presumably that Billy Barnett had done the job. Could he possibly think Glenville was the mole, that taking him out solved the problem? No, Glenville didn’t work for the CIA. He was a hired thug, plain and simple—and not a particularly good one. So why was Billy Barnett going home?
Fahd didn’t care why, so long as he actually left. This e-mail was no real indication. He needed proof.
Fahd texted Aziz: Target may be leaving town.