Mile S.T.O.N.E.

By Tess O'Connor

Geoff Trevor had once been a Navy SEAL and CIA operative; a life he left to become a professor of physics and mathematics as well as a highly successful entrepreneur. Then he meets Carrie Courtney and her two beautiful children. And Geoff's only weakness is children. He knows from experience that that weakness could be fatal. Not for him. He would, unfortunately, have to live with it.
Carrie Courtney, Professor of English and Music Appreciation at the same elite Long Island college, is very wealthy in her own right. Carrie has a mission of her own: Keep Her Children Alive. Something she couldn't do for her husband. Up against STONE, she will do anything to insure their future. And does. If it means using Geoff, so be it. He might have been the one who killed her husband, after all. And for himself, Geoff wants nothing to do with STONE or Carrie. For her sake, and of course, her children.,
Geoff and Carrie are manipulated into a relationship by a bogus ploy of STONE's leader and become involved in a convoluted web of deception, not only from STONE but each other, until they decide to pool their talents and resources and fight back. They are thwarted at every turn, involving friends and relatives, all the way to the White House.
Geoff, who never wanted to love because of the inherent danger, doesn't even realize he is in love until it's too late to turn back. He loves with a passion he never knew existed, let alone possessed. Carrie accepts and returns that love and passion, which she too didn't want at this critical time in her life. A love they both fear can only lead to disaster; emotions they share that cannot be denied; and a force so evil that it has to be destyroyed; all put a value on life that Geoff promises Carrie will not be taken away.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tess O'Connor
• Release date: Feb 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310314100

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

MILE S.T.O.N.E.

by

Tess O’Connor

Copyright 2014 Kathleen H. Briere

In this third book of the S.T.O.N.E. series Geoff discovers the depth of his past with Stephen Courtney, Carrie’s husband, that none of them could have predicted.

Diamond sends Geoff to Germany to finally get the double agent who had set up Steve and Geoff six years earlier. While he is away, tragedy strikes which brings Geoff and Carrie closer but puts Diamond even more on alert. Ergo more dangerous.

Chapter One

The past is for us, but the sole terms

on which it can become ours

are its subordination to the present.

Emerson

WEST BERLIN – 1977

Geoff was sitting at a table with his back to the wall watching the entrance of the local Kneipe called Dicke Wirtin waiting for a six foot plus dark haired man in a business suit, carrying a newspaper and briefcase. Your typical American banker. Although with his dark Irish good looks, this man was more than average, Trevor thought. The man entered early for his appointment and ferreted his way through the crowd in the nostalgic café. He sat with his back to the door without giving it much thought. Stupid ass, Geoff thought.

Geoff Trevor? Geoff nodded. Steve Courtney. They both disliked codes among agents. With them it was superfluous. They knew of each other in the business world. You’re early.

So are you, Geoff said flatly. Steve signaled for a waitress. They didn’t talk until the beer had arrived. Now that you’re sure I’m alone, are you?

Yes. Geoff pointed to Steve’s briefcase. Running?

No. Good luck charm. Gift from my wife.

Expensive charm.

Expensive wife. He pushed the briefcase across the table. Check it.

If it becomes necessary. I won’t ask your cover.

Male hooker.

Geoff laughed affably. Useful in your business. As for this one, fill me in on Roher.

I’ve set up a meeting with him for tonight. He wants out so he’ll talk.

To us and the KGB.

That’s your job.

You’ll call me when you have him.

We have him. You go with me.

I’m solo.

You’re also here to get the information.

And I’ll get it.

I’m not letting him out of my sight after he talks, Steve said. I’ve told him I was bringing his ticket out.

You mean you’re sticking around to make sure. Not many did.

I’m thorough.

You have balls, I’ll say that. Why don’t you just pull the trigger yourself?

I don’t have your balls.

Geoff laughed. You’re all right, Courtney. The reason he didn’t call Carrie by her last name years later. They set up a time and place for the meet and finished their drinks. I’ll look at that good luck charm now, Geoff said as Steve was ready to leave. Steve pushed it across the table. You open it.Steve shrugged and took back the briefcase. Once opened, he moved it across to Geoff who started through it. He checked a couple of pens and lifted a French newspaper. He took something from under it.This?

He held up a pair of bikini underwear and Steve laughed.

My wife’s sense of humor.

Small wife.It didn’t have its intended effect – distraction.

Big heart.

Geoff searched around inside and out. He looked at the front clasps and saw two small brass buttons the size of corn kernels on either side of the clasps, which ostensibly were safety bumps to keep the fingers from slipping when opening the case.Camera?

No, sensor. I’m not always lucky enough to have my choice of seats. This latch opens if someone approaches too closely from the rear. This one if it’s been tampered with.

And you knew I wouldn’t open the case, consequently not see the buttons.

Good possibility. He shrugged again.If you had you would have known about them five minutes earlier.

I’ll have to get one.

It’s an exclusive. My wife’s idea.

Smart wife.

Protecting her interest.Steve closed the case and pushed the buttons to reactivate the sensors. Their testing of each other was complete. It was common for agents to test one another if they had to depend on each other. Another drink?

Who’s buying?

My wife.

Revenge?Geoff liked him.

My sense of humor. Let’s change our meeting place.

To where?

I’m staying at the Sylter Hof .Know it?Geoff nodded. The baroque style bar.

Why?

My wife hates Baroque music. He toasted his near empty glass. My revenge.

Geoff laughed and didn’t know at the time that Steve’s revenge saved their lives.

The most beautiful blonde Geoff had ever seen entered the café. Jesus H. Christ, I’m in love.

Steve shifted in his chair to casually change his position and look at the woman. She was a statuesque beauty nearly six feet tall, long blond hair and overly large dark green eyes. And, of course, great legs. Want an introduction? Steve asked.

From a man with a small expensive wife with a big heart you seem to get around.

Does the name Nina Sinkovic mean anything?

You’re shittin’ me.

I shit you not. She was part of the Moroyke Delo, the KGB assassination squad, and Geoff knew it.I’ll stop if you will, Steve said. Apparently the testing wasn’t quite complete.

Geoff nodded. It was over. Who’s she after, you or me?

They don’t want me dead.

I think I’d enjoy death. Not that it ever meant anything to Trevor anyway.

Petit morte, Steve quipped and the corner of Trevor’s lip quirked.

Call her over.

Why not wait for her to come to us? Courtney wanted to know. Then we’ll know what she wants.

We’ll find that out anyway. Best defense kind of scenario.

Fine. Steve stood and motioned her over. He introduced her to Geoff and when they shook hands, Steve no longer existed. He had warned Trevor so now the man was on his own. Courtney left and Geoff and Nina shortly after. The two spent the rest of the day together until it was time for Geoff to meet Steve.

Glad to see you’re still breathing, Steve said as Geoff took a seat in the bar.

Protecting your interest?

You saw my man. A statement.

Next time don’t send someone with a loose jaw.

The jaw was for you. He’s gay. Geoff laughed. But I have no doubt Sinkovic could persuade him otherwise.

Geoff knew something was on Steve’s mind.Am I stepping on any toes?

Christ no. She’s outta my league.

Better man than I, Gunga Din.

Better wife, Steve said keeping his eyes peeled.

If it’s personal, I don’t want to know.

Steve whipped his head to Geoff and decided to acknowledge the man’s insight. Was she with you until you came here? Geoff knew the tone wasn't meant to be intrusive but waited nonetheless. Steve didn’t give. Was she?

Yes, why?

She know why you’re here?

Not from me. What’s going on, Courtney?

Our original meeting place was set to blow us, or someone, into the next world.

You picked the place.

Steve nodded accepting the fate. He was sure Geoff hadn’t mentioned it but didn’t want to accept the alternative. Shit, he sighed.

Geoff would have let it go if it weren’t connected with business. What is it?

Steve shook his head. Different book.

Does the author happen to know where we’re meeting Roher?

Yes. He looked up at Geoff with a little more life in his eyes."But he doesn’t know we changed our meeting place."

Geoff smiled his understanding and complimented Steve on the same.Good boy.

They weren’t far from Tiergarten where they were to meet Roher. Geoff was hoping that whatever was bothering Courtney wouldn’t diminish his performance. Kids? he asked with seeming interest.

Yes.

How many?

Two.

Boys? Girls?

One of each. Steve wasn’t distracted, just more private about his family than he pretended.

You mean you’re not going to pull out a cascade of pictures?

Bright man. Steve said. Geoff knew Steve didn’t want to talk about his family but decided to test his new partner and have fun at the same time, at his new partner’s expense.

Bright as your wife?

I’m prejudiced.

She got balls?

Steve laughed.Yeah. He turned the corner onto Holflager. Almost there.

Geoff knew that. Bright kids? Geoff smiled and Steve looked at him and returned the smile.Yes. And you’re a bigger pain in the ass than my son.

He got balls?

You get much off Sinkovic?

You get much off your wife? They laughed. Steve would be all right.

Serious now. Is she after you?

She isn’t after you, Trevor affirmed. Feel better?

Not really. I might have enjoyed death, too.

Geoff rattled off, With a small, better, smart, expensive wife with a big heart and balls? I doubt it.

I could name a dozen corpses who thought they could handle her, taken in by her warmth and generosity.

But you won’t.

No. You’re a big boy.

Bright, too.

There he is. On my right.

Let me out here. Miss the light.

Steve pulled up to the stoplight and Geoff crawled out the opposite side of the car. When the light changed and Geoff was out of sight, Steve turned the corner onto Strasse des 17 Juni heading east. He pulled up to the curb and waited only a short time for a man in a topcoat and homburg to enter the car face to face with Steve’s own gun. Herr Courtney, I assure you that I have not double crossed you, Roher said.

Glad to hear it. The back door opened and Geoff slid in quickly. In the back, Steve directed Roher.

The man did as he was told, now facing Trevor's gun. Take off, Geoff ordered. He watched out the rear window as Steve accelerated and got back on Ku-damm heading for Grunewald Park.

Welcoming party?

Of two.

My men?

Sorry.

Shit. Theirs?

Same. You have your two bodies. They would plant them at their original rendezvous.

Need a raise?

Who is this? Roher was frightened.

My security blanket, Steve answered. Find anything?

He's clean.

I swear I knew nothing, the agent protested. You must help me.

Don’t shit me, Roher. I’m not a patient man. What did they promise you?

Money. Freedom.

You dumb bastard, did you think you’d live to spend it?

No more than with you, Herr Courtney. Roher was not stupid, just desperate. And resigned.

Tags? Steve asked Geoff.

No. And Trevor knew right then that Roher had an ace. Pull into the park and let's get out of the car. He didn't wait for an answer and opened the door to push Roher out of the car as soon as it slowed.

Steve didn't question Trevor and entered the Grunewald and immediately began looking for seclusion that wasn’t hard to find in that, Berlin’s largest park. Now, Geoff said and pushed the double agent out of the car, throwing himself on top of him. Steve let the car roll to a stop near the curb and slid out himself. He turned to find Geoff holding Roher at gunpoint behind a tree.Talk to me, Steve said to Roher.

Your man, Rhinehart, has sold out and you are being set up by him.

For crissake, I said talk to me. I read that in the Sunday Trib. You have five seconds to give me the name. Roher gave Steve the name of the East German mole in the CIA. Steve accepted it as true. It was. He nodded to Trevor that he got what he needed. What...

Steve didn't finish the sentence. Gunfire erupted from opposite side of the street into the Mercedes and Trevor knocked Roher on the side of the head with the butt of his gun. Steve and Geoff returned fire as two men ran to the car to get their agent who should have been on the floor. When Geoff went back to Roher, the agent was reaching for a rock to hurl at him. Trevor shot him once.

Let’s leave him where we got him, Steve said.

You’re a sneaky bastard.

You have any other plans?

I thought I might give your wife a call.

Keep it down for ten minutes and I’ll deliver you personally. Meanwhile, let's call someone to clean up this mess. He looked at the two agents, then turned and got in the car.

Later that night, Geoff and Nina decided they wanted to spend the rest of what they knew would be a short life together. Nina wanted the information Geoff had received, and from whom, but he said he didn’t have it. She tried to convince him it was her way out. He still refused and told her nothing else about his visit there to Germany. They made plans to go to Switzerland and live out what he called their sentence together. Trevor knew of a nice little place that faced the Eiger, the Mönch, and the Jungfrau mountains.

Nina went to Steve’s room that night. Please tell me the name, Stephen. It is my only way out.

You really want out. He knew she meant it and he began to have second thoughts about Geoff.

We both do.

I can’t give you the name, but I’ll help you and Trevor. Tell him to call me.

Way to go, schmuck, Steve said closing his suitcase preparing to leave.

I’ll make my own arrangements, Trevor told him.

Don’t be stupid, Trevor. They’ll never let her go.

She isn’t asking for permission. Steve shook his head, giving up on trying to change Geoff’s mind. And how do you figure in this?

I’ll be happy to have her out of commission. Anything I do would only benefit us – and you, of course.

You’re wife’s big heart?

Strictly business.

What do you want from Sinkovic?

Not a damn thing. She’s only hit and run. And I’m not telling her shit either. He sat in a chair picking up a drink off the coffee table. Is she after you?

Yes.

If she doesn’t deliver?

We both, rather all three, know.

Jesus. The man did live dangerously. He thought a few moments and sat up in his chair resting his arms on his thighs. All right, give her the Rhinehart stuff. See what she does with it.

You said it was public knowledge.

I lied.

Are you now? Steve shook his head. Explain.

I’m the only one in the Agency who suspected him of turning.

You dumb bastard. Why did you let me take out Roher before we got more?

As I recall, you didn't have much choice.

I didn't have to kill him, at least not before you got more out of him.

He didn't know anymore.

He knew you were taking him to Grunewald. I thought that was random.

Maybe he didn't. Maybe his goons got the information from my men before they killed them.

Geoff nodded that that was possible. Steve's men would know where he was going. And Rhinehart? Steve didn’t answer.Collier? Steve nodded that yes, the director wanted Rhinehart compromised. And this Johnson person? The name Steve got from Roher.

We want him. They think he’s solid. And we want to keep it that way.

And what if they know about Rhinehart and don’t give a shit?

We’ll go from there. Steve fixed his gaze on Geoff. But they don’t.

Is this a trade?

Goddamn, you’re a tough sonovabitch to please.

Why are you trying? This part isn’t your fight.

Collier would have my balls if anything happened to you. Protecting my interest.

Geoff knew that to be true. Diamond always protected his own interest.

Geoff gave Nina the Karl Rhinehart information and she passed it on to the KGB along with the fact that Trevor had gone. They gave her three days to find him. Courtney had been right. The KGB hadn’t known about Rhinehart. Geoff relayed all this to Steve and they made plans to get Geoff and Nina to Switzerland after staging their deaths. It was the only way for Trevor. He went back to Nina with the plan but she had gone. Ten minutes later, the phone rang. Herr Trevor?

He left.

No matter. The caller knew better. If you see him, tell him the Russian dies in twelve hours if we do not get the information from Courtney. I will call back in one hour for your…..his decision.

I’ll tell him, Geoff said to a dead line. He called Steve to his suite and greeted him with a hammerlock. "So help me Christ, if you had anything to do with this, I’ll have you balls instead of Collier."

I wouldn’t have been that sloppy or that obvious. Now take your goddamn hands off me or you’re on your own.

That’s still a possibility. He held his arm at Steve’s neck.

You couldn’t do shit right now. Steve didn’t know until later that he had completely misjudged the man. He just assumed that Trevor would react as any human.

Geoff saw in Courtney’s deep brown eyes that he was telling the truth and let him free of his grip. Drink?

I’ll get it. Steve crossed to the bar, absentmindedly rubbing his neck.

Sorry. I had to know.

I’d have reacted the same way. He handed Geoff his drink and sat on the couch. What’s your pattern in situations like this? Dumb question.

I’ve never allowed myself to be in one like this.

Good. Then they can’t predict you.

Who are we dealing with?

My guess is the East Germans, unless you advertised your affair to the KGB, he paused.…or she did. Trevor said nothing. Let me make a call. Steve dialed a local number. Kraut? Mick. Who has Sinkovic?

SSD.

Steve nodded to Geoff that it was the East Germans. What the hell for? Steve asked the man on the other end. They pissed at the KGB? They’re on the same side – essentially.

She knows about Rhinehart.

This isn’t about him.

Yes it is, Mick. He has sold out to the East. I heard a favorite place of yours was blown up and two bodies found. I couldn’t reach you, so on the chance you were still alive, I gave Roher the information on Rhinehart.

Thanks, Kraut. I owe you. What about the SSD?

They want a bargain with the BND. West German intelligence.

What kind of bargain?

I do not yet know.

Where is she?

I do not know that either.

Is that true or are you under orders? Steve wouldn’t compromise a friend.

I am telling you the truth…..as a friend.

Steve believed him. See what you can find out for me?

I will. Be careful, my friend.

Steve hung up and repeated the conversation to Geoff and added, I don’t like the time factor.

It gives us time to look for her. But Geoff knew what Courtney was thinking. And keeps us here.

They know, or are sure, I have talked to Collier.

Can you trust Kraut?

Implicitly.

Who is he?

Steve shook his head. He wouldn’t tell Trevor and Geoff respected that. He had his own contacts in Germany that he wouldn’t divulge to Steve. Courtney stood and walked to the bar giving himself time to think. As he reached the bar, there was a knock on the door. He and Geoff exchanged glances, nodded, and drew their weapons. Flanking the door, Geoff called out, Ja?

Federal Internal Service, Herr Trevor. Open the door, please.

Send your credentials through first, with both hands. Geoff opened the door with Steve staying behind it. Geoff stayed to one side with his gun pointed at the door and watched as the hands appeared in front of him holding out identification. The other one. Geoff waited for a second pair of hands he knew was there. He motioned the men inside with his gun and Steve closed the door behind them. They turned to see the gun in Steve’s hand, then back to Geoff. Keep your hands out, Trevor ordered, and state your business. What does the BfV want with me?

It is a matter of internal security, Herr Trevor. Would you please accompany us.

A condescending chuckle and, I don’t think so, gave Geoff and Steve enough time to catch the two BfV men off guard for the seconds it took to render the Germans unconscious with quick blows to the sides of their necks.

Now what, bright boy? Steve asked. They’ve traced the first two bodies already.

Wait for our call and check out, Geoff said simply.

Okay, I give up. Make me bright, too.

Them? Geoff glanced at the two bodies on the floor. I would think that’s obvious. Collier likes you. Geoff knew damn well that Diamond was interfering.

The call came five minutes later and the caller told Geoff he would call him an hour before the exchange was to be made and give him the particulars. Let’s try that again, Geoff said. I’ll call you in exactly ten hours with further instructions. Give me a number. Geoff memorized the number. Now, I want to talk to Sinkovic now and then…alone. He waited.

Geoffrey? It was Nina’s voice.

Hi. You okay? And are you alone?

Yes to both. The knot in Geoff’s stomach surfaced.

Tell me what’s going on, Nina, or they can have you.

Jesus, Steve mumbled and wasn’t sure Geoff was bluffing.

The BND want me and will trade.

Be specific.

I cannot. I do not know.

Not the mole?

Of course we want him.

We?

The KGB.

And Courtney?

I will do what I can. You know that.

So will I.

I am sorry, Geoffrey. I love you.

See you in a few hours. He hung up and turned to Steve who was pretending to read a paper and not wanting to intrude. What do you think? Geoff asked after telling Steve their entire conversation.

If it’s any consolation to you, I think she does want to be with you.

Geoff knew that. And?

And hell, if you still want her, we’ll go through with it. He dropped the paper on the couch. Love like that don’t come every day, he quipped.

I don’t get you, Courtney.

It’s for me, not you. Got to have some schmaltz or I’d lose all perspective. He smiled almost sympathetically. Besides, it’s one less member of wet affairs after Rhinehart.

Not to mention you.

So don’t mention it.

As they were about to leave, the phone rang again and Geoff answered. For you, he held the phone to Steve.

Yes?

Kraut. I have news you may not like.

We know. She’s in on it. Anything else?

This is for you. Get the hell out of here. Rhinehart’s offered the SSD a better deal.

Shit. Is she in with him?

No. And since you will not leave, do you want someplace to stay?

We’ll be moving around. Steve waited before asking, You want him?

Steve heard the smile. Not yet. Give my love to Mickey. Carrie’s nickname. They disconnected.

Let’s go look for your girlfriend, Steve said to Geoff after finishing with his friend. He refused to elaborate on Rhinehart. It was a different case entirely. But Geoff had figured out most of it as they started their search.

I don’t know much about Rhinehart, but enough to know he covers his tracks a dozen times over.

Very good man. Just been in it too long.

What happened?

The usual. After twenty years, his wife gets tired of waiting and packs up and bolts.

He have kids?

You hung up on kids?

Better company. Did he?

A teenage son who idolized him. Steve looked into the future wondering if he would have a son who could respect what he did. Was a good man, he said again.

And he got wind of your discovery.

Apparently.

And he’s offered them a better trade.

Drop it, will you?

You want I should kill him?

Steve laughed not totally understanding this man. Christ, Trevor, what species bore you?

I owe you.

Balls. I told you, it’s for me, not you. But I may take you up on it in about six months or so. Or cut through all the bullshit. Whichever comes first.

It wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that you promised him to Kraut. Steve didn’t answer and after Steve died, Geoff vowed to get Rhinehart.

They spent nine hours looking for Nina, hitting every contact they both knew to no avail. They stopped at a bed and breakfast hotel in the Ku-damm/Zoo area to use as a base. Geoff called the number he was given before he talked to Nina, left the message to meet him at a café on the Kaiser damn with Sinkovic and they would do business. Steve put in a call to Carrie before they left. When the phone rang and Steve said, Hi, love, Geoff excused himself to get a pack of cigarettes. He came back to the room and Steve was still talking to his wife. He waved to Geoff to go ahead and pour them a couple of drinks. Just until I get home, honey…probably two or three days. I’ll let you know. She asked if he opened his briefcase and he laughed. Yes, right in front of God and everybody. Half the country thinks I’m a pedophile. Carrie knew by his tone that he wasn’t alone and asked. No, he said. Okay, kiss the kids for me…I love you too, putz. (The Gaelic version is pronounced ‘puts’). Geoff never forgot the ease with which Steve told her he loved her, especially in another’s presence. Steve was sitting on the couch thinking about his conversation as Geoff handed him his drink. Geoff didn’t know Steve or Rhinehart well and attributed Steve’s melancholy to emotional Irish. But he did know a worried man when he saw one. Steve caught Geoff’s look. Don’t ever get married in this business.

You put a watch on her? Steve’s look confirmed Geoff’s question. Good boy. He put in a call to the States and while waiting for the operator to call him, he asked Steve, Where do you live?

Long Island.

So do I. It’s a big island.

Why?

I’m going to put a few men on your house.

Steve stood and didn’t know why he was angry. The hell you are.

The hell I’m not. Look, Courtney, I’m not going to have you fucking up the rest of this job because you’re worried about a small, better, smart expensive wife with a big heart, balls, and an equal number of kids. Steve knew it was Geoff’s way of helping. I trust my men more than yours. Suddenly, so did Steve.

An hour later Steve and Geoff were meeting with their phone contact. Geoff went into the café alone while Steve waited in the car. As expected, Nina wasn’t there so Geoff wouldn’t talk. The man wouldn’t take him to her until he did. Geoff told him he had to make a call. He obviously wasn’t going to lead them to Steve. He instead went