A Safe House

6

Stone took Jenna on his usual route around his property, including a jump over a stone wall. Then they stopped and rested under a tree for a few minutes, while the horses munched grass.

“I am so happy to be here,” Jenna said, looking around. “It’s such a beautiful place.”

“The place is happy to have you here,” Stone said, “as is its proprietor.”

“This is the first time in weeks that I have not felt fearful or unnerved.”

“This place does that for me, too,” Stone replied, “on the rare occasions that I have those feelings.”

“I was impressed with Dame Felicity,” she said.

“How so?”

“She’s smart and funny.”

“She was impressed with you, too.”

“How could you tell?”

“She told me so. I should tell you that Felicity’s tastes in romantic activity are broad and inclusive.”

“Does that mean that she’s likely to make a pass at me?”

“Nothing as gauche as that. If she’s attracted to you, she’ll tell you so, then extend an invitation.”

“Does she know how to take no for an answer?”

“She does, and you shouldn’t feel fretful around her. She’s very discreet.”

“But she likes both men and women?”

“Oh, yes. And sometimes together.”

“I’m glad you told me.”

“I didn’t want you to be shocked.”

“I’m not, though a little surprised.”

“At what?”

“That she enjoys both genders. Does she have a preference?”

“No, she’s the complete voluptuary. If you and I were in bed together, she’d think nothing of asking to join us.”

“But she would ask.”

“She would. She has perfect manners, at all times.”

Jenna laughed, a pleasant sound, Stone thought. “Shall we ride on in?”

“Why not?”

He gave her a leg up, mounted himself, and they walked on. On their return, they let the horses to cool down before allowing a stable hand to water them.

Dino came out the back door of the house. “Good ride?”

“Oh, yes,” Jenna replied.

“Stone, I got a call from Viv, who was at the Bangkok airport. She’s going to fly into London and join us.”

“Great!”

“Can a borrow a car to meet her at the airport? I’ve booked us into the Connaught, and we’ll spend a couple of days up there before driving down.”

“Of course, take the Bentley.”

“You mean the car with the big sign on the bumper that says Mug Me, I’m Rich?”

“Oh, all right, take the Range Rover or the Porsche.”

“I’ll take the Range Rover. Viv doesn’t travel light.”

“As you wish. Will you stay for lunch?”

“I’ve already had something. I’ll pack a bag and go now.” He went back into the house.

“Well,” Stone said, “I’m as sweaty as my horse. I think I’ll have a shower before lunch.”

“If Dino weren’t here, I’d join you,” she said playfully.

“He’s leaving,” Stone replied. As if in confirmation, Dino brushed past them in the hallway, carrying two suitcases. “See you in a few days,” he said, and was gone out the back door.

“Feel free,” Stone said, then went to his room.

He shaved and got into the shower. He had been there for a couple of minutes when the glass door opened, and Jenna stood there, statuesque and naked. “Knock, knock,” she said, then stepped into the shower.

Stone received her in his arms, and it was a thrill.

They lay in bed a few minutes later, recovering, her damp head on his shoulder.

“Did I mention that I don’t feel nervous or afraid anymore?”

“You did.”

“I feel very relaxed, too. It must be the company.”

“I’m glad you’re relaxed,” he said, and they got relaxed all over again.

After a good dinner they sat at the table over a glass of port and slices of Stilton, still relaxed.

The butler entered. “Excuse me, Mr. Barrington, but there’s a call for you from the Connaught Hotel.” He began clearing the dishes.

“That will be Dino,” Stone said, going to a phone in the corner and lifting the receiver. “Hello?”

“Mr. Barrington, this is John Spence, the night manager at the Connaught.”

“Good evening, Mr. Spence. I hope you’re well.”

“I am. And I apologize for the hour, but we had an inquiry at the desk a short time ago that I thought you should know about.”

“Yes, go on.”

“A large gentleman wearing a Stetson hat and western boots came to the desk and asked if you had checked in yet. I was not aware that you had made a reservation, so I checked and found that you had not. So I told him so, and that you were not expected. Commissioner Bacchetti is here, though.”

“Did you tell him that?”

“No, just that you were not expected. He asked if he could have a room, and I told him we were fully booked. That is not strictly so, but I didn’t like the feeling I was getting. He departed shortly after a look around the ground floor, apparently to see if you were in one of the bars.”

“Mr. Spence, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about, but thank you for letting me know. I’d be grateful for another call, if he should return.” They said good night and hung up. Stone returned to the table.

“Everything all right?”

“Let me describe someone to you: large gentleman in a Stetson hat and western boots.”

“That sounds like Wallace, except for the ‘gentleman’ part.”

“Someone of that description inquired at the Connaught front desk to see if I were in residence or expected. They told him no on both counts and declined his request for a room, so it sounds as if he just arrived.”

“Well, you asked if he would look for me here.”

“I did, and you were right. I wonder if he knows about this house?”

“I don’t know,” she said.

“Well, I suppose we’d better sleep with the doors locked and a shotgun beside the bed.”

“I suppose we’d better.”