Book : A Safe House (a Stone Barrington Novel) - Woods,...

-Titulo Original : A Safe House (a Stone Barrington Novel)

-Fabricante :

G.P. Putnams Sons

-Descripcion Original:

In this latest adrenaline-charged thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Stuart Woods, Stone Barrington takes on a vengeful rival.Stone Barrington is looking forward to some quiet time in New York City, until he is asked to transport precious, top-secret cargo across the Atlantic. Taking on the challenge, Stone flies off unaware of what-or who-he is bringing with him. But his plans to lie low are quickly spoiled when a dangerous dispatcher tracks down Stone and his tantalizing mystery guest, intent on payback-and silencing anyone who poses a threat. From the English countryside to the balmy beaches of Key West, Stone is on an international mission to hide and protect those closest to him. About the Author Stuart Woods is the author of more than eighty-five novels, including the #1 New York Times-bestselling Stone Barrington series. He is a native of Georgia and began his writing career in the advertising industry. Chiefs, his debut in 1981, won the Edgar Award. An avid sailor and pilot, Woods lives in Florida, Maine, and Connecticut. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. 1 Stone Barrington and Dino Bacchetti were dining at their favorite restaurant, Patroon, on East Forty-Sixth Street in New York City, when simultaneously their chateaubriand for two was served as two gentlemen sat down at their table. Their names were Lance Cabot, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and Henry Wilcox, his recently appointed deputy director for Operations. What a surprise! Stone said. And we were only expecting the steak. I apologize for interrupting your dinner, Wilcox said. Do you apologize for Lance, as well? He does, Cabot said. Dont let us slow you down. Stone carved a slice of beef and put it into his mouth. Well? he said, after he had swallowed. Would you like to see a menu? Well just order dessert, Lance said, raising a finger, which instantly summoned a waiter. Two apple pies ˆ la mode. The waiter vanished. Neither of you is watching your weight, then? Stone asked. The pies were set down before them and place settings produced. They dug in. Well wait until you finish the pie before we ask what youre doing here, Stone said. Neither of them spoke, but both kept eating. Lance finished first and held up the magic finger again. Coffee for two, he said to the respondent waiter. Stone and Dino kept eating. The coffee arrived. Now, Lance said. Were listening, Stone said, while still chewing his steak. It may not seem so, but we are. There are two more gentlemen at this table than we require, Lance said. Are you telling my dinner guest and your deputy to go away? Stone asked. Lance said, Since they both have my complete confidence, they may remain. Swell, Dino said. Stone, Lance said, I am recalling you to active duty. You make it sound as if Im in the Army Reserves. Pretty much the same thing, Lance said. You are aware that you collect a monthly salary as my associate director. I seem to recall that, Stone said. But the amount must be very small, since I cant remember how much it is. Its the principle of the thing, Lance responded. What is it you want, Lance? I need you to provide a safe house for a person who shall remain unidentified, even with regard to gender. So, its a woman? Stop guessing. Its unbecoming. The person will be referred to in the editorial masculine. Okay, well pretend its a man. What does he need? A bed for the night? Several nights, perhaps many. At my house? At your house in England. Will he make up his bed and be neat at all times? I believe you employ staff to attend to those details. When may I expect him? As soon as you can transport him there. Stone blinked. You want me to transport him to my home in England and house him there, indefinitely? For reasons I cannot explain to you, he may not be transported on an airline or government aircraf