Class Act

48

Stone called Hilda’s throwaway.

“Well, hi, there,” she breathed, making the hair on Stone’s chest stand on end. “Are you on your way?”

“Not for a couple of days. Complications at the law firm. I’ll be there, though.”

“You’d better hurry. I might explode.”

“It occurred to me that I could send you a playmate to keep you busy, until I get there.”

“Who is he?” She sounded doubtful, even a little hurt.

“She, not he. Her name is Cara Connery. A year or so ago, I offered her the house, but the timing was wrong. She called today and said she’d like to go down.”

“That part sounds interesting. How did you know I like a girl now and then?”

“Intuition,” Stone said. “Hang on, I’ll send you a photo.” He sent it on its way. “Got it?”

“Yes, and I want it.”

“Let me call her and tell her about you, then I’ll get right back.” He hung up.

“Did she bite?” Jack asked.

“Oh, yes. You’d better call Cara.” He explained what he’d told Hilda.

“I’ve already spoken to Cara, while you were on the phone.”

“What was her reaction?”

“Positive,” Jack said. “Enthusiastic when I offered her twenty-five grand and expenses.”

“She knows why she’s going, then?”

“Yes.”

“She knows not to be seen with Hilda or to leave a body in my house?”

“Disposal is included. Cara will drop her off in the Everglades on her way home, in the dead of night. There are hungry things in the Everglades.”

Stone sat and stared at his desk. How was this any different from killing Trafficante at the Savoy? He had been ready to do that, he thought.

“You’re still going to have to deal with Trafficante, though. From his conversation with his Don, I’d say he hates you.”

“Believe me, I realize that.”

“I may be able to help with that, too.”

“I may need help with that.” Stone buzzed Joan. “How much cash do we have in the safe?”

“About thirty-five thousand, I think.”

“Put twenty-five of it into an envelope and bring it to me, please.” He turned to Jack. “Where is Cara now?”

“In New York, for a few days’ shopping.”

“I think she’d better get to Key West right away, before Hilda gets bored again. She can rent a car at the airport and return it in Palm Beach.”

“She’ll be on a six o’clock plane. Should be at your house by nine.”

Joan came in with a fat envelope. “Give it to Mr. Coulter, please. He’s going to make an investment for me.”

Joan gave Jack the envelope. “Do we need a receipt?” she asked Stone.

“That won’t be necessary,” Stone replied. “Restock, though.”

“Will do.” Joan left.

“Tell Cara that the maid is off this week. She’ll be back on Monday to clean up after Hilda.”

“That’s convenient,” Jack said.

Stone gave him the address and directions to the house from the airport, and the code for the driveway gate. “Tell her there’s off-street parking, and she can use the garage closest to the house; same gate code.”

“Do you want her to call you when it’s done?”

“No, I want her to call you when it’s done. Then you can call me and just say ‘the package arrived,’ and I’ll know she’s on her way back to Palm Beach.”

“Done,” Jack said, rising. “I’ve got to get home. Hillary and I are dining with friends tonight.”

“Thank you, Jack,” Stone said, and saw him out.

Stone went back to his desk and called Hilda.

“What’s up?”

“Cara,” Stone said. “She’s landing this evening; should be at the house by nine. She’s got this number, if she needs to reach you.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Hilda said.

“I’ll be down the day after tomorrow. I’ll let you know what time to expect me.”

“My guess is, you can expect to find both Cara and me here,” Hilda said. “We’ll plan something special for you.”

“That sounds enticing,” Stone said. They both hung up.

The phone rang, making Stone jump.

“Hello?”

“It’s Dino. What’s up?”

“Not much.”

“Dinner at P.J.’s, seven o’clock?”

“You’re on.” Stone hung up. He’d need the alibi.