“Is it still on Monday?” Dino asked.
“It is.”
“Then it’s a yes.”
“Great. Fred and I will pick you up at three a.m.”
“I’m sorry. Did you say three a.m.?”
“I did.”
“Then I change my answer to no.”
“Too late. Lance, you’re welcome to join us, too.”
“As appealing as the offer is, I’m afraid I must decline,” Lance said. “I’ll be in Paris.”
“Can I go with you instead?” Dino asked.
“I do enjoy your company, Dino, but sadly no.”
“I guess you’re stuck with me,” Stone said. “I promise, we’ll be back in New York by noon tomorrow, and that should give you plenty of sleep time before Monday morning.”
“Your generosity knows no bounds,” Dino said unenthusiastically.
“That’s what friends are for.”
Chapter 24
At exactly three a.m. onMonday morning, Stone and Fred pulled up in front of Dino’s building.
“Mr. Bacchetti doesn’t appear to be here,” Fred said.
“I’ll call him.” Stone pulled out his phone, but before he could tap Dino’s number, Dino stepped out of the building.
Fred hopped out and hurried around to open the Bentley’s door for him.
As Dino climbed in the back, Stone said, “Good morning.”
“Says who?” Dino grumbled.
“Maybe this will help,” Stone said, handing him a coffee in a takeaway cup.
Dino took a sip. “Thanks. But I’m going to need at least four of these.”
“You’re in luck. I’m told there’s a coffee maker on the boat.”
Thanks to the early hour, they reached theMinerva’s dock in no time.
Josie was there to greet them as they stepped on board.
“Good morning,” she said.
“If you say so,” Dino said.
“Don’t mind him,” Stone said. “He’ll be fine in an hour or two.”
She smiled. “Come inside. I’ll introduce you to the crew, and we can get underway.”
