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Stone looked at Chap he was scheduled to walk across the park? Who told you that?”

“Got it from the PM’s office”

Stone looked toward the northern edge of the park and tried to recreate in his ht But for some reason the most vivid details just wouldn’t come Maybe it was his concussion Orold

They joined Gross in exaarden at the Hay-Adaht into the park

“They were firing blind,” said Gross “Because if they had a spotter in the park they would’ve known the PM wasn’t there”

There were s had been found

Gross said, “TEC-9s, like I said before Over two hundred rounds So it was probably uns”

“Agreed,” said Stone as he gazed at the floor “And no one below or in the hotel heard or saw anything?”

“I think lots of people heard and saw lots of things But whether they can remember it correctly and communicate that to us effectively is a whole other question”

“You’ll obviously s found in the park,” said Stone

“Already done,” replied Gross “Not that there was much doubt about that”

“Good, because there’s plenty of doubt about everything else,” noted Stone

CHAPTER 19

LATER THAT NIGHT Stone and Chape When he opened the door he glanced to his right when he saw her

Annabelle was sitting in a chair by the fireplace He ushered Chap Chap when Annabelle held out the book written in Russian “I guess you’ll be wanting this back Are you still planning to go on your… trip?”

Stone frowned as he looked down at the book “There are personal boundaries, Annabelle And I’ve always respected yours”

“You’re not going to uilty about this, Oliver, so don’t even try I haven’t known you all that long and I think we’ve nearly lost you about five times at least by my count”

Chapazed at Stone in surprise “I didn’t think you orking anymore”

Annabelle answered “He wasn’t So just think what his mortality rate will be now”

Stone laid the book down on his desk “I think I’h to make that decision for myself And to answer your question, my trip has been postponed”

“What trip?” asked Chapman

Stone ignored her

Annabelle said, “But you are back working for the government?”

“Like I said, I’h to make that decision”

“Why, Oliver, ould you? After all they did to you”

“Yeah, why? I think we deserve an answer, said a voice”

They all turned to see Reuben Rhodes, Harry Finn and Caleb Shaw at the door to the cottage It was Reuben who’d spoken

“I feel like I’m at bloody Waterloo Station,” muttered Chapman as the men came forward

Stone looked down “It’s not easily explained”

“At least tellthis damn park explosion case,” said Annabelle

“That’s exactly what he’s doing”

This cae

“Blie the locks on your door”

Alex stood near the fireplace “Should I tell the to?”

“Tell us what?” said Annabelle

“That Oliver was presented with a coe today He is now a duly sworn in ent Chapman here from MI6 They’ve been tasked to find out who tried to blow up the British PM”

Stone looked coldly at his friend “Thank you forconfidences, Alex”

Reuben said, “Since when the hell are there confidences a us? How many times have I covered your back, Oliver? Risked life and limb? And you the same for me?”