Swimming to Catalina

53

An hour later they had secured the boat, hosed it down with fresh water, and removed the tape from its identifying marks. In the car, Stone sat up front, while Dino drove and Arrington occupied the rear seat.

“You think we got out of there without being seen well enough to identify us?” Dino asked.

“The captain ofContessa recognized me.”

“That’s not good.”

“Somehow, I don’t think he’ll mention it to the police; he knows he’s involved in a kidnapping.”

“He’ll mention it to Ippolito.”

“Good. I don’t think Ippolito will mention it to the cops, either.”

“What about his insurance company? Those guys don’t give up easily.”

“The yacht wasn’t insured.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope, the skipper told me they had liability only. I guess Ippolito believes in self-insurance. I hope so.” Stone directed Dino onto the freeway, then used his phone to call the Bel-Air’s night manager. “Is the room next to my suite free?” he asked.

“I’ll check,” the woman said. “Yes, it’s available.”

“Will you please have the adjoining door to my suite unlocked? I’ll be needing the extra space.”

“Of course, Mr. Barrington.”

“Thanks; I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He hung up and turned to Arrington. “How are you doing?”

“I’m pretty wet, but apart from that, I’m okay. Aren’t you taking me home?”

“No, not yet; we’ll sort that out later. You look awfully tired.”

“I am,” she said, and she stretched out on the back seat. “Let me know when we’re there.”

Back at the hotel, they parked and got Arrington to Stone’s suite.

“Thanks, Dino; I’d better put her to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Not too early,” Dino said, and left.

Arrington was out on her feet. Stone got her wet clothes off and put her into a hot shower long enough to wash away the salt, then he put her into a terry robe and took her to the room next door. He turned down the bed and tucked her into it.

She put her arms around his neck and pulled him close. “Sleep here with me,” she said.

“I can’t,” he said. “You sleep; don’t think about anything, we’ll fix it tomorrow.”

But she was already out. He tucked the covers under her chin and went back to his own room. He took a shower and got into bed with a brandy, somehow unable to sleep. He dozed a little, and then it was dawn.

At six o’clock he called Vance Calder.

“Hello?” He seemed wide awake.

“Vance, I think you know who this is; don’t talk, listen. Do you remember where I’m staying?”

A pause. “Yes.”

“Get over here now; come through the back gate. I’ll be waiting.”

“Is it…”

“Shut up. Just get over here.” He hung up, and got into some clothes. When Vance drove up to the back gate, Stone was there to meet him. They walked up to Stone’s suite together.

“What’s going on, Stone? Why were you so careful on the phone?”

“For all I know, your lines are tapped; I wouldn’t put it past them.”

“What’s wrong? Has something happened to Arrington?”

“No. Arrington is asleep in the next room.”

Vance headed for the door, but Stone stopped him. “Don’t wake her; she’s had a rough night. Let’s have some breakfast.”

Vance finished his coffee and put down the cup. He had said little for the past hour; Stone had done all the talking. “Thank you, Stone,” he said finally. “What has Arrington had to say about…her experience?”

“Nothing; she was too exhausted.”

“It’s important that I talk to her before you do.”

“She’s your wife,” Stone said.

“I have some things to explain to her before you start asking her questions, as I know you will. Then you can ask your questions, and I’ll take her home.”

“I don’t think you should do that, Vance.”

“Why not?”

“Because this isn’t over by a long shot, and she may not be safe. I think it would be better if you arrange a suite here, move in, and not talk to anybody.”

Vance thought about that. “All right. I’d better go and get some clothes for us both.”

“Good idea; I’ll talk to the manager. Come back here when you’re done, and don’t tell your staff where you’re going.”

Vance nodded, got up, and left.

Stone called the manager. “Thank you for the adjoining room,” he said. “Is there a suite on the other side of it?”

“Yes, there is.” He checked for a moment. “And it’s empty.”

“Please open it up and slide the key under my door.”

“Certainly, Mr. Barrington.”

“And please be sure to deny any knowledge of me. If any phone calls come in, say that I checked out this morning.”

“As you wish.”

Stone hung up. Arrington was standing in the doorway, naked.

She came to him and put her arms around him.

“Aren’t you cold?” he asked lamely.

She shook her head. “I was hot, so I took off the robe.”

“Did you sleep well?”

“I had some bad dreams.”

“I’m not surprised. Do you want some breakfast?”

“I want to make love to you.”

Stone wanted that, too, more than he had wanted anything for a long time. “Vance was just here,” he said. “He’s gone to get some clothes for the both of you, and he’s moving into the hotel until we get this figured out.”

She didn’t respond.

“I think you’d better be back in your room when he gets here.”

“All right.” She kissed him for a long time, then she turned and started for the door.

“Are you sure you don’t want some breakfast?”

“Maybe later.”

“I’ll send Vance in when he gets here.”

“All right.” She closed the door.

Stone wanted very badly to follow her, but he didn’t. He sat down weakly and put his face in his hands.

Vance arrived a few minutes later, loaded down with suitcases; he hadn’t bothered with a bellman.

“I think she’s awake,” Stone said.

Vance knocked, then he went into the bedroom, carrying suitcases, and closed the door behind him.

Stone took the coffee pot out onto the terrace and sipped it until it was cold. Vance was in the bedroom with Arrington for more than an hour, and he could hear nothing.

Finally Vance emerged from the bedroom, looking tired and drawn. “Arrington wants to talk to you,” he said.

Stone went into the bedroom and closed the door. Arrington was taking things out of suitcases and putting them into another.

“Please sit down,” she said.

Stone sat on a sofa and waited for her to begin.

She came and sat next to him. “First, you need to ask me some questions about the last couple of weeks; let’s get that out of the way, then I have some things to say to you.”

Stone nodded. “All right.” Then he began to ask the questions.