Stepping S.T.O.N.E.

By Tess O'Connor

This second book of the S.T.O.N.E. series begins with Geoff surprising Carrie at his annual fundraising dinner for the Vietnam veterans. With the President of the United States and the First Lady only ten feet away, Geoff sets in motion the steps to clear Carrie’s late husband of treason. He knows there will be consequences. And there are.
Carrie finally meets Geoff’s best friend, Stu Levy, at that same dinner and together they will discover and uncover sinister plots going back to before Geoff and Carrie ever met.
Geoff is brutally attacked but vows to protect Carrie and her family. This attack, vicious as it is, moves them closer to finding the gaps in Geoff’s memory that he didn’t even know were there. While Geoff feels violated and wants the truth, he is afraid that one of these gaps will expose him as the STONE agent who killed Carrie’s husband.
And is Stu Levy, Geoff’s best friend, hiding his own secret?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tess O'Connor
• Release date: Jul 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301266456

Tess O'Connor

Tess is a graduate of Indiana University in Psychology and Sociology. She has lived all over the country, now residing in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is the mother of four children, all of whom had a contribution to the series be it advertising, research, art, or computer skills. Her sister was the constant force to finally getting the book published. Tess began writing when she was a little girl, mainly scripts for her favorite TV shows. After college she even submitted some of those with favorable results, but no actual broadcast. She turned to narrative after reading some favorite authors; Robert Ludlum, William Diehl and Trevanian, wanting to write in that genre with a female voice. Other favorite authors include Jeffrey Archer, Ken Follett, Diana Gabaldon, Judith McNaught and JD Robb.

Book preview

STEPPING S.T.O.N.E.

by

Tess O’Connor

Copyright 2013 by Kathleen H. Briere

Smashwords Edition

This second book of the S.T.O.N.E. series begins with Geoff surprising Carrie at his annual fundraising dinner for the Vietnam veterans. With the President of the United States and the First Lady only ten feet away, Geoff sets in motion the steps to clear Carrie’s late husband of treason. He knows there will be consequences. And there are.

Carrie finally meets Geoff’s best friend, Stu Levy, at that same dinner and together they will discover and uncover sinister plots going back to before Geoff and Carrie ever met.

Geoff is brutally attacked but vows to protect Carrie and her family. This attack, vicious as it is, moves them closer to finding the gaps in Geoff’s memory that he didn’t even know were there. While Geoff feels violated and wants the truth, he is afraid that one of these gaps will expose him as the STONE agent who killed Carrie’s husband.

And is Stu Levy, Geoff’s best friend, hiding his own secret?

Chapter One

Truth does not do so much good in the world,

as its counterfeit does mischief.

Rochefoucauld

Geoff was winding down his run on the school track listening to the tape in his Sony Walkman. The song, How Much Love Does It Take was his fare at the time. He was singing along with Survivor and Carrie ran by as he sang, I wanna know just how much love does it take to get to you. As she passed him, she showed him in inches. That's all it took and he was after her. Wanna do a couple? He would love to run behind her and just watch that toned little body of hers run.

Not if you're doing repeats.

Finished. ‘Repeats’ was alternating fast and slow distances. It was one way of increasing speed and Trevor's training and occupation dictated that he be able to move quickly. Carrie only did repeats or hill training when she was preparing for a race. He jogged beside her keeping her seven-minute pace. She noticed that there were probably 15 other women on the track who would do repeats and anything else those pair of legs of his asked. There always seemed to be more women on the track when Trevor was out here. I want to talk to you, Ms. Manners, he said bringing her out of her reverie.

Mrs. Manners, she corrected.

The lady with all the manners and etiquette on Long Island doesn't reezveep to the President of the United States.

For what? A donation? I have people to take care of that.

Oh, well excuse me Mrs. Penis Beautiful. Carrie had to chuckle at that one. I meant the invite.

What invite?

My yearly dose of VD.

The Vietnam Vets Dinner?

That's the one. Didn't you get it?

Stop it, Geoff. She picked up her pace.

He picked up behind her with a, Shit. Stop what?

I don't get social or political invites.

Why not?

Where have you been? She stopped and faced him, narrowing her eyes. Or what are you pulling now? She itched to brush a chunk of his damp black hair out of his eyes.

Please explain. And keep your heart rate up. You don't want to have to start over again. He huffed for effect. And neither do I.

Steve. Her husband.

What about him?

Persona non grata, Trevor. And she was off.

Geoff caught up again. Tom McInallen told me he invited you. While Geoff was MC, the fact that the President was actually attending this year brought scrutiny to the guest list, much to Geoff's chagrin. And the President had promised him.

Well, he didn't.

He asked me why you didn't reezveep.

He was just being.... political.

Bullshit. He's not political with me.

He would be if he thought you wouldn't go. You're the reason his brother-in-law can attend.

And Stan's the reason he's going. And I was going anyway.

Why would he ask you about me?

Because he knows I know you and wanted me to ask why you didn't answer. Did you get all that or have I been running too long? She didn't answer. You're not buying this.

Not yet.

He didn't want you to feel obligated to come if he called you.

Sounds logical enough.

Because it's true, Carrie.

Tell him I appreciate the gesture.

Oh for crissake, Carrie, you were invited.

I have no invitation to present and I'm...

I'll get it.

No. She almost yelled, attracting two other nearby runners, female, of course. Geoff spotted Mark Katz and wondered what he was doing out there. Running, asshole, just like you are, from Ffoeg.

He took Carrie's arm and stopped. Why, Carrie? He was genuinely interested.

I am sick and tired of having to hold up my head in a crowd when all I want to do is bury it in the sand.

Fuck 'em.

You would say that. And so did I for...

He grinned. Sure you did.

She softened with a snicker and started up again. You heard the kids. It was better for their sakes to retreat. And now, I'm not sure I want to start over.

You know that kinda shit isn't really my style anyway.

So why are you going? she challenged. She knew that he always went to this dinner.

'Cause this one isn't that kinda shit. Go with me? Should he tell her?

Thanks, Geoff, but I don't think so.

He sang, ’Can I persuade you so softly with a touch?'

She smiled and veered off the subject. Ask one of these beauties around here to accompany you. She spread her arms around the track.

I asked you. No answer. Okay, I won't push. But if you change your mind... He left it open.

I'll call you. She grinned. I gotta go. You're slowing me down.

He stopped running then called after her. She turned, waiting for the comment. Wanna compare sweaty bodies?

Trevor was an expert on foreign affairs. He knew the players, sometimes personally, and offered valuable input to the President and his Chiefs of Staff. Of the Presidential advisors, few knew that Geoff was one of them. They were just leaving a meeting with the NSA when Geoff called after the President. Oh, Tom. The President stopped and turned. His security detail stood at a discreet distance. They knew Trevor and sensed this was a time to stand back.

Thomas Patrick McInallen was a solid Midwesterner and his laid back manner disguised the keener aspects of his personality. He was a no-nonsense, hard core individual, the thing the country needed at the time. His foreign policy was one to be feared and at the same time, admired. He knew the intricacies of foreign politics and understood the statesmen and their heritages and cultures that influenced their thinking. The man's only fault, from the public standpoint, was his own heritage. He was an Irish Catholic. But so was Kennedy. But Kennedy was a Democrat, his advisors had told him.

So what do I change? My religion or my politics? Politics, of course, was the answer. They'll think you're split on your views if you're split on tradition.

Tough shit, he had answered. I'm Irish, Catholic, Republican and that's how it stays.

At least it's not redundant, Geoff had told him.

Trevor liked him. The President was a senator at the time Geoff had saved his brother-in-law's life. He knew Geoff had become an operative for the CIA and watched his career with interest. Geoff had turned down several promotions, received an honorable discharge, and stepped out and away from public and political arenas. McInallen didn't understand that. He, himself, didn’t wake up one morning and say he wanted to be President, but neither did he shirk the call and duty to his country. He actually believed he could make a difference and that was why Geoff liked him. Pitied him, a little, for his naiveté, but liked him for it also. The President respected Trevor and eventually they became friends. His wife, however, adored Geoff.

I have to beg out of your dinner, Trevor told him in the hall.

"Now it's my dinner? And why? We wanted you there."

You said you wanted Carol Courtney, too.

I do. He tried for levity. At least you told me I did.

It didn't work. I talked to her. She said she got no invite.

I sent her one. Maybe she's still pissed.

She may be, but she didn't get one. I asked your majordomo if he sent her one and he said, and I quote, 'It would be bad form, Mr. Trevor. And on reflection, the President agrees.'

Bullshit. I asked you to check, didn't I?

Simms said he was speaking for you.

Not this time. He sighed. Give me her number, I'll...

Trevor bristled. No. It was as though the President, by virtue of his position, would make everything all better. For some reason, that rubbed Trevor the wrong way. He didn't want any goddamn favors.

McInallen stopped in his tracks. What?

I said, 'no'.

I hope you explain that. Not many people got away with that with the President.

If I have to, you won't understand.

I resent that, Geoff.

And I'm sorry. I'll catch you later. He walked away.

The President called after him. Are you coming?

I doubt it. No.

Goddamn you, Trevor. My wife wants you there.

I'll say my regrets to Ellen. Bye, Mr. President.

Now you're pissed.

Yep. He left. Fuck it; it was probably a bad idea anyway, he thought.

The President’s wife called him. I got a call from Geoff Trevor. What's going on, Tom?

He's pissed. Honey, I really don't have time to talk about ruffled feathers right now. I'll talk to you tonight.

You're damn right you will.

Now don't you be pissed.

I want him there, Tom.

Jesus Christ, Ellen, can't this wait?

Until tonight. Bye, dear. She disconnected.

Shit. He looked at his guests. It was only his Veep and Attorney General or the President's secretary wouldn't have put the call through to him. He pressed his intercom, Lydia, get Simms up here. He quickly added, Please. When Simms arrived, he was forced to wait in the outer office. When the two previous guests left the Oval Office and Simms entered, the Commander in Chief almost yelled. Why in hell didn't you invite Carol Courtney to the vets dinner?

I didn't think it proper.

Fuck proper. I told you to invite her. My wife is pissed at me now. And when my wife is pissed, I'm pissed. Now Geoff Trevor has backed out.

Because of the Courtney woman?

I can only assume so. Other than the damn spin doctors he mentioned.

Then we don't need him.

"This is primarily his dinner, or have you forgotten that? You don't dictate to him. My wife also wants him there. And you don't dictate to her. He saved her brother's life and unless you've also forgotten, this dinner is for Vietnam vets, of which he and Trevor are a part. He has to sing that goddamn song."

What do you want me to do, Mr. President?

What I wanted you to do in the first place. Fucking invite her. We owe her and her family an apology.

I'm not sure that's wise, sir.

I don't give a shit what you're sure of, Simms. Get out of here and do nothing else until I tell you. Jesus! I can't believe I'm wasting time on this. Trevor's right, he thought. This is bullshit.

Ellen McInallen was a stunning woman, often compared to Jacqueline Kennedy, in looks and demeanor. By nature, she was a very private person, but handled her public responsibilities with ease and grace. She had been an Associate Professor in Marine Biology when she met Thomas McInallen at the Smithsonian. He was a lawyer running for Lieutenant Governor of Ohio when they met. They were married three days later and never looked back. But I still hate politicians, she had said.

Over dinner that night, they talked. McInallen just told her what had happened with Trevor. He knew when the gold shone in her predominantly brown eyes, that she was angry. And they glittered right now.

I can't believe you were so insensitive, Tom.

Insensitive? I invited her didn't I?

Apparently not. It's why I asked you to check with Geoff. Simms had brushed her off telling her that Carrie hadn't responded to the invitation. She hadn't believed him. So Geoff backed out because of her?

I'm not sure. It seemed I pissed him off.

I think you did. You seem to think that because you're the President, everyone will bow and scrape.

I do not. Especially Geoff Trevor.

Ellen McInallen finally smiled. That's why I like him. The most apolitical man I know.

I just didn't have the time to deal with it right then and it may have appeared that I was insensitive.

Geoff's as busy as you are. He took the time.

He knows and likes her.

And it's about time we got to know her. Her husband died for this country and we shit all over them.

We apologized.

"In a closed room and sealed files. That's as good as nothing. You didn't have to convince her that her husband was innocent. You didn't clear him officially. I wanted to make an apology at the dinner and see that it gets televised."

Jesus Christ, Ellen, that would be admitting the Agency fucked up!

It did! You said so yourself.

Yes, to you. And before I took office. Isn't inviting her gesture enough?

No. Tom, honey, look at our own kids. How would they feel? She took a deep breath. I promise you, Thomas Patrick McInallen, I want Geoff Trevor to escort that woman to the dais and sing his song or I will make a public apology telling how your precious CIA screwed up.

You wouldn't. The President studied his wife of twenty-five years. Of course you wouldn't. He took her hands in his. What is it, honey?

Stan has threatened to do it.

The President's head fell to his chest. Shit, he sighed.

It would be better if you did it. She grinned. You know I don't like Collier and I'd love to needle him.

Ellen, please.

"We will get it known, Tom. It's about time someone welcomed her back into the fold."

Maybe she doesn't want back.

Can't say as I blame her, but at least it would be her choice. Geoff likes her, so I think she's good people.

I'm sure they are, dear. He sighed again. Christ, Collier's gonna love it.

He wasn't Director then. He can always cover his ass.

So what do we do? She's already pissed. And so is Geoff.

I'll call him and take his advice.

He took her hands. Please clear with me whatever you, or Stan, might even think about saying.

And you'd rather do it first.

He smiled. If you don't mind. His wife of quarter of a century smiled and kissed him.

Trevor's phone rang an hour later. Geoff? Ellen.

Hello, Ellen, how are you?

Fine, thank you. I need some advice.

Shoot.

I want Carol Courtney at the dinner. How do I get her there?

Why do you want her there?

To apologize - publicly.

Jesus! Tom's agreed to that? This was even better than what he had planned.

Yes. He's going to do it.

Admit the Agency fucked up? Geoff knew his line was clear. He just hoped hers was.

As delicately as possible, but yes.

Does Collier know?

Not yet.

Jesus.

I want to needle him anyway.

Trevor laughed. I'd love to be a part of that. He turned serious. Pardon my suspicious nature, Ellen...

You want to know why.

If you're not betraying any trusts, please.

"My brother...and this is between you and me, Geoff, all right?'

All right.

Stan knew Steve Courtney in Nam. Not well, but well enough to know it isn't true. Last year, he saw a group of kids on a field trip to the Smithsonian. He didn't know who they were at first until he took a look at the son. He looks so much like his father. While the other kids were grouped, some with two other chaperones, the Courtney kids were there with their mother. It seemed to be a class trip, but she had both kids there. It made sense to Geoff. Carrie was like that. Well, he saw how some of the parents took their kids away from the Courtney children and how they regarded Carol Courtney. It was appalling. And he says he's tired of it. And that Steve should have been cleared a long time ago. He's been checking around...

Oh God. He chuckled to cover up that slip. I thought he liked Tom. He heard her laugh. I hope he's been discreet at least. God, I hope he's been discreet.

At this point, he doesn't care. He threatened to say something at the dinner.

Ellen.... How do I do this without arousing suspicion? I'd like to do it if it's okay.

Are you getting political on me, Geoff?

You know better than that. He hesitated. For Carrie. He hoped she'd bite.

She did. Oh. Okay. But can I ask a favor?

Done.

Let Tom break the ice.

Are you getting political on me, Ellen?

This time, I'm sorry to say, yes.

You're forgiven.

I'd like you to escort her to the dais.

Jesus, Ellen, I don't know.

You don't want to?

I don't think Carrie would want that.

For some reason, Geoff, I think you're wrong.

How?

I don't know her, of course, so tell me if I'm off base, but as a mother of six myself, I think she'd love to have her husband vindicated publicly and have her kids, especially, see it. Sense?

Of course it was perfect sense. And he wondered why Ellen didn't ask him why he hadn't thought about that before. So he played stupid. I don't have any kids, but I know them and should have thought of that.

Should I call her?

She'd think I put you up to it. Let me talk to her. But let's keep it a surprise.

God, what a romantic.

Oh Jesus. I'm hanging up, Ellen.

She smiled. Goodbye, Geoff. Thank you.

"Thank you."

Geoff went to Carrie's office the next day. Hi, you look great.

She looked up towards the door and smiled, already suspicious. What do you want?

He sat on her desk and fiddled with the pencils in the stand. What makes you think....God, I'm crushed. She waited. Ellen McInallen called me and said she wants you at that dinner.

I thought we'd covered this.

She says Tom's going to give me some kind of damn medal.

What medal?

I don't know. It's supposed to be a surprise.

She touched his arm. Geoff, that's wonderful. She was genuinely happy for him, until she thought about it and backed away, suspicious. Then why did she tell you?

Because I had cancelled out of the dinner.

Why?

Because I don't have a date.

Geoff.

I'm serious. Ellen told me to bring a date and I told her the only one I had asked turned me down.

Geoff. It was a little louder.

I was kidding her but she wanted to know what idiot would turn me down and I told her.

Carrie laughed. Now you're kidding, of course.

I kid you not.

I'm very happy you're getting a medal. I really am...

Bullshit.

I know what you're trying to do...

No you don't.

Then tell me.

He was embarrassed, or pretended to be. I wanted you to be there with me, that's all.

It worked only to the point that she softened, slightly. Why?

Jesus, Carrie, I don't know. I guess you'd be happier for me. Or something.

But she didn't tell you about the medal until after you'd backed out.

I still backed out.

So why are you here now?

Because she said if I explained it to you that you might reconsider.

And then you would reconsider.

Yep. He smiled, adding to the pressure. Oh what a tangled web we weave, he thought.

She sighed. Why are you doing this?

She looked so sad that he regretted the charade. Carrie, I'm sorry. Never mind, I...

Of course I'll go with you.

I was just going to say that I’d go anyway.

Nonsense. What do I wear?

He stood to leave. I'll pick you up at six. He walked to the door, then turned. And thanks. He left. A few seconds later, he popped his head around the corner. You still look great.

Now he had to think. And to do that, he ran. The track was fairly deserted in the slight mist, which Geoff actually liked to run in. Do I warn Collier or not? Play offense or defense?

Let's tear it apart, his life-long conscience told him.

Yes. Tell him too many people are interested in Steve Courtney's file.

And if he asks for names?

Tell him that I don't know.

And he'll do some checking of his own. See who's been snooping. As good as Stan Sutherland may be, he's still a civilian and people will remember him if they're questioned. He's the President's brother-in-law, after all.

Okay, so I don't tell him. What'll he do?

Question Tom McInallen. And he'll mention his brother-in-law, telling him that the best defense is a good offense and that he'd better do it before it comes out.

Damned if we do, etcetera. He thought. I don't think Tom will volunteer Stan's name.

He may not have to. And can you take that chance?

No. And neither can I warn off McInallen. He'll get suspicious.

Can you go to Collier with it and tell him it's your idea.

I thought of that.

No you didn't.

I am now, asshole.

You'd have to tell McInallen you went to him and he'd ask why.

I'll tell him I wanted to do it for Carrie. Ellen's probably already told him that anyway.

But the bastard will go to McInallen anyway. And you know he'll catch McInallen in a trap. Or at least sense he's covering up something.

And if Tom's forced to mention Stan's name...

Collier will know you were covering for Stan and wonder what he knows.

Shit, Trevor said aloud. He sped up. Goddammit, Ffoeg, it's getting too fucking complicated.

You have to get to McInallen first and tell him not to mention his wife or his brother-in-law.

Regardless of what I do, Collier will find out about Stan, Ellen, and all of it. We know that.

Trevor slept on it. At seven o'clock the next morning, he called the President. Tom, Geoff. Sorry to call so early, but I'm going to be incommunicado most of the day.

Don't tell me you're not coming to that damned dinner.

I'll be there with bells on.

Good. I just got off the phone with Ron Collier.

Goddammit! Was he pleased?

He already knew.

Hmm. How? he asked casually.

Damned if I know.

Stan you think? Trevor knew better.

Stan wouldn't give him the satisfaction of a preview. You know that.

Yeah, he thought, but I didn't know you did. Then you didn't tell him what Stan threatened to do either.

Christ no! What is it, Geoff?

Shit. Nothing. I just called to say Collier's in New York today and wanted to know if you would like me to pave the way. I see it isn't necessary.

Now I'm curious as to how he found out. I thought it was you so didn't ask him.

Covering my ass?

I thought you were covering mine.

Trevor laughed. He tried to make light of it. Ah, who gives a fuck how he found out. As long as he doesn't get all paranoid about damage control, he'll leave it alone.

I'm beginning to wonder why I kept the man. I can't find anyone who likes him.

I always thought if you were good, nobody liked you.

Fuck you, Trevor, said the most popular president since Roosevelt.

Bye, Mr. President. He hung up. Goddammit, now I'll never know.

Guess who's coming to dinner? Geoff asked Carrie as they entered the Waldorf Astoria.

I hope he chokes on it, she said knowingly.

You still about fifty-fifty on the Heimlich?

She chuckled and looked up at him. Yes, and you were my last victim.

He laughed. Things are definitely looking up.

So am I. She came to a dead stop and looked at the dais as they entered the ballroom. It was early and the general paying guests had not yet arrived. Do I really have to sit up there?

Cheap at two-fifty a plate. And you'll handle it with the grace and poise you were born with. He hooked her arm in his and escorted her into the room. Did I mention you look lovely, by the way? She was wearing a navy silk gown, which matched her eyes, and her hair was luminous.

Yes, you did, but thank you again. And I'm going to be the envy of every female here. She brushed an imaginary piece of lint from his lapel.

He smiled down on her. Thank you.

And a few males, too. He laughed then turned as he heard his name called. The man was in his late forties, early fifties, affable, good looking, and well dressed. A business associate, Carrie thought. Until she recognized him. The man embraced Geoff who always felt uncomfortable with it, but dared not show it. The man seemed to enjoy every moment of life. Carol Courtney, Geoff said, I'd like you to meet Stan Sutherland.

It's a pleasure, Mrs. Courtney. He shook her hand. A genuinely nice guy, Carrie thought. She told him to call her Carol.

Stan's Chief Actuary at Sutherland, Moss, and Holmes, Geoff said.

I'm glad to meet you, Stan. And I admire the work you're doing for the vets. I'd like to help if I may.

Much appreciated. And trust me when I say it's an honor to meet you.

All right.

She's an English Prof, Stan, Geoff explained. Digests every word. He wasn't sure if Stan knew of the surprise.

Stan Sutherland smiled and his eyes crinkled at the corners. I see. He turned serious. I meant it. I knew your husband briefly. In Nam. I liked him. He didn't dare mention the disastrous school field trip he had witnessed.

Thank you, Carrie said.

Stan was Delta Dunce, too, Geoff told her to lighten it and let Sutherland know that Carrie was comfortable with talking about her husband.

And I never understood why you went SEAL, Geoff, Stan started the rival of the forces.

Pure physics, my boy, Trevor answered. Bullets travel slower through water than air.

Sutherland laughed. Just confirms my theory on SEALs. Wimps.

Wimps with brains, Trevor qualified. The latter sets us apart. Geoff saw Collier approaching and instinctively put his arm around Carrie's waist. It was a reflexive act of protection, although he didn't know it. What he did know was that he wanted to disassociate himself from Stan Sutherland as quickly as tact would allow.

Then why'd you get involved at all? Trevor heard Sutherland ask.

Got me there, he conceded. I guess they had a better ad campaign. He found his out. And if you'll excuse me, I'd better get to work on mine. He shook Stan's hand. See you a little later in the evening. They said goodbye and Geoff escorted Carrie to the band. "Will you excuse me for just