“I thought your clients loved you.”
“They do. I said plaintiff, not client.” Stone told him an abridged story of the will drama.
“He really said, ‘see you in court’?” Dino asked.
“He did.”
“He watches too much TV.”
“That’s exactly what I told him. I don’t think he took it too well.”
“People like him seldom do.”
Ten minutes later, they were in the air, and soon after a dinner of grilled sea bass was served. They finished off the meal with glasses of port that proved to be just the relaxant they both needed to fall soundly asleep.
Major Bugg met Stone andDino as they deplaned at Windward Hall’s private airfield.
No-nonsense and one of the most organized people Stone had ever met, the major had essentially come with Windward Hall when Stone purchased it, as the estate’s property manager.
“Good morning, Mr. Barrington, Mr. Bacchetti,” he said.
“Good morning, Major,” Stone said.
Dino settled for a nod, as he’d only woken upon the plane’s descent.
While Major Bugg led them to the waiting Land Rover, one of Windward Hall’s staff retrieved the luggage and put it into the back of the SUV.
“I’m afraid this will be a quick trip,” Stone told the major as they drove the short distance to the house.
“I was informed,” the major said. “I was also told you need to be in London for an event at eleven a.m. today.”
“Correct.”
“To ensure you arrive on time, a car and driver will be ready for you in an hour and a half.”
“Just enough time for a shower and breakfast,” Stone said.
“Yes, sir. Will any guests other than Mr. Bacchetti and Mr. Cabot be joining you?”
“Lance is here?”
“Arrived last night. I thought you knew.”
“I never know anything about what Lance is doing.”
“I gave him his usual room. I hope that’s all right with you.”
“It’s fine, Major. It’s not like he would have left if you told him to.”
Lance seemed to think Stone’s homes were available to him whenever he needed them. Stone had at first tried to push back but had come to realize that it wasn’t worth the effort.
“I suppose he’ll be riding into the city with us,” Stone said.
“No, sir. He left an hour ago. He told me to tell you he’ll see you later this morning.”
They arrived at the house and were greeted inside by Geoffrey, the butler.
He extended a tray, on which were two cups. “Coffee?”
