“And you’d be a fool to go back to the tree. Right now, you’re clean. Only Grant knows about it, and, as you’ve pointed out, he’s unlikely to mention it to his superiors. But if you go back to the tree and get it, there’s always the chance that someone will see you do it or that something else might go wrong. You just can’t take the chance.”
“Okay, I’ve had your full views on this subject. Can we change it now, please?”
“Sure, what would you like to talk about?”
“How can I take Trini before the NYPD does?”
“Holly, you’d better forget about Trini. Let them take him, then you can get in line to prosecute him.”
“Which means never.”
“Lots of people could match that description, surely you know that.”
“It’s Trini. I know it in my bones.”
“If it is, wouldn’t you just as soon see him get the death penalty in New York as in Florida?”
“No, I wouldn’t. I want to sit in a Florida prison and watch him take the needle.”
“Dino can arrange for you to sit in a New York prison and watch. Wouldn’t that do?”
“No. I want to arrest him.”
“You want to kill him, don’t you?”
“If he gave me an excuse, I would.”
“Don’t you realize that he’d have as good a chance of killing you, maybe better?”
“I’ll take that chance.”
“So you’re going to pursue Trini with reckless abandon.”
“Right up until the moment somebody takes him off the street, and I hope it’s me.” Holly set her empty plate aside and started eating Grant’s lunch.
22
STONE WAS ABOUT to ask for a check when Lance strolled up to their table.
“Mind if I join you?” he asked, sliding into the banquette seat next to Holly.
“We’ve just finished lunch,” Stone said.
“I won’t keep you long. Let me buy you coffee.” He was sitting too close to Holly for Stone’s comfort.
A waiter appeared, and Lance looked at Holly.
“Decaf cappuccino,” Holly said.
“Stone?”
“Double espresso, please. The real thing.”
“Same for me,” Lance said.
“How did you know we were here?” Holly asked.
“The CIA knows all,” Stone said wryly.