“Ryan Sidney.”
The bridge of Stone’s nose creased. “Not Aaron?”
“Did I say Aaron?”
“Thank you, Joan.”
He picked up his receiver and connected the call. “This is Stone Barrington.”
“Mr. Barrington, it’s Ryan Sidney. We met yesterday when you read my father’s will.”
“My memory isn’t nearly that bad, Ryan. How can I help you?”
“Sorry, right. Um, I have a question.”
“All right. Ask away.”
When Ryan didn’t immediately respond, Stone looked at the phone to make sure the line was still active.
“Are you still there?” he asked.
“Sorry,” Ryan said. “Maybe this was a bad idea.”
“Only you know that, but I don’t see how asking a question is going to hurt you.”
“I suppose not.” Ryan paused again. “I was wondering if it would be possible for you to put me in contact with my, um, sister.”
“I assume you mean Susan.”
“Yes, Susan.”
“I can’t give you her contact information without her permission,” Stone said.
“That’s what I thought,” Ryan said, sounding disappointed. “Thanks, anyway.”
“Hold on. What I can do is give heryourcontact info, if you want me to, and I can tell her you’d like to talk to her.”
“Really? That would be great.”
“I’ll do it right away.”
“Thanks, Mr. Barrington. I appreciate it.”
After he hung up, Stone called Susan.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Susan, it’s Stone. I’m glad I caught you. I thought you might be in class.”
“I have an early lunch today. How can I help you?”
“I just got a call from your brother Ryan.”
“Oh,” she said, sounding surprised. “I’m still not used to the fact that I have siblings. I’d been an only child my whole life until your visit last week.”
“I can imagine it’s quite the change.”
“That’s an understatement.”
