He hustled down the stairs to find Valentine at the open door staring at... Jennifer Stamos. In some way, Mr. Mason, he had found out that I was the person who had told you to get the stock for me. I... I feel a little guilty. I could have deescalated things. Devine sat back.Okay, here we go. A twinkle of humor softened Dorley Alders eyes. There was something almost hypnotic about the calm cadences of his voice. I will assume that you have made such a survey, Mr. Mason, that you have probed for points of weakness, and that you may perhaps have found some. As you are probably aware, the actual control of the corporation is in the hands of my nephew, George S. Alder. Koontz shrugged.Who the hell knows? he said. “You get a long strike and whos gonna get pissed off most? Well, the fuckin voters, thats who, and they’re already screamin’ about how the city’s got too many people on the payroll anyhow. Well, if a strike keeps them from getting their garbage picked up for two months, then come election day they’re sure as shit stinks gonna vote for somebody who ain’t gonna play patty-cake with no union. And don’t think the pols don’t know this. She eyed where his hand was under the bed and he saw something in her expression he didnt care for. The pattern was now established. Transactions flowed into Area 51 with green, and those same transactions stopped with red. And someone on the 6:20 train was receiving those signals and then doing what needed to be done, namely either putting on the brakes or punching the gas based on the color of a freaking bikini. No, sir. Incidentally, I verified that from the servants, but I presume that wouldnt be admissible as evidence now. What the hell was she doing searching Valentines room? I dont know. It was the first time shed said that, and Stone believed her. Its nothing personal. But this is how I put food into my familys mouths. So nobodys messing with that. What kind of envelope? A British bike thats older than you are. Were going to miss it a lot, Jess said. I know that. Im going to do my best to find him and protect him. They have a special bond, Stone said. Mason looked up, simulating surprise at the witnesss hesitance. Cant you answer that?.