Chapters 49-54 Summary

In Chapter 49, Stone visits the home of Samuel Bernard, one of his former professors at NYU. Through his contacts, Bernard is able to tell Stone that Jonathan Dryer is actually Thomas Bruce, the 34 year-old son of a deceased career naval officer. Bruce is trained in covert operations, holds an engineering degree and has a history of violence. Thomas Bruce's younger brother, Charles Bruce, is a convicted burglar, currently serving time in a California prison. Bruce's sister, Louise Burch, is a New Jersey housewife. Stone thanks Bernard for his help and sets out in search of Thomas Bruce's sister, Louise.

Chapter 50 opens with Stone Barrington driving to New Jersey in a blizzard. He is heading for Louise Burch's house in hopes of gathering more information on her two brothers. Stone notices that Louise ("Lou") Burch is very attractive and slightly drunk. She...