“I’m perfectly fine.”
“Not from where I’m sitting.”
A waitress arrived with their drinks.
Dino immediately downed his Johnnie Walker and said to her, “I’ll have another. And you probably should get him another one, too.”
She tried not to look surprised as she nodded and left.
As soon as they were alone, Dino said, “So you’re telling me you passed up spending the night with a beautiful woman.”
“Is that so surprising?”
“Yes. It is. It is about as surprising as finding out…You know what? I can’t think of something that would be as surprising as this. You’re sure you’re feeling all right?”
“I’m fine.”
“Well, I’m not going to tell Viv about this. She’d never believe me.”
“Can we consider the matter settled?” Stone asked.
“Not even close. But wecanconsider it tabled for the moment.”
“I guess I’ll take that.”
“Good. Because it’s all you’re getting. So, any word on how things are going for your guest in Maine?”
“Did I not tell you? Felicity’s funeral is on Saturday. I’m flying out late tomorrow afternoon to attend. If you’re free, you should join me. We’ll fly back on Sunday.”
“That does not sound fun.”
“So, you’ll come?”
“I suppose I could make it happen. Wait, did you say late afternoon? Does that mean—”
“We’re red-eyeing it.”
“You’re not selling this very well.”
“All the seats on my jet lie flat, so we can sleep on our way there.”
“Can’t wait,” Dino said, deadpan.
Chapter 18
On Friday, Stone was gettingready to leave for lunch when Joan appeared in the doorway.
“Your twelve-thirty is here,” she said.
Stone had checked his calendar first thing that morning and hadn’t seen anything on it for that time. “I don’t have a twelve-thirty.”
“You do now.”
“I’m meeting Bill Eggers for lunch.”
“I’ll call him and let him know you might be a few minutes late. I’m told this won’t take long.”
“Who is it?”
