Bel-Air dead

37

Stone was back at the Calder house when Rick Barron called.

“Stone, the Centurion shareholders’ meeting is set for early next week to take a vote on Prince’s final offer.”

“Has he come up with a final offer yet?”

“No, and he’s playing his cards very close to his vest.”

“We have a couple of new cards, too.”

“Tell me.”

“Jim Long is recovering; I think we’ll own his shares before the meeting.”

“And if we don’t?”

“We have fifteen thousand new shares that will vote our way.”

“From whom?”

“I promised I wouldn’t say. He doesn’t want it known until he actually votes. Frankly, I don’t blame him, what with the way that others have been dealt with.”

“Neither do I,” Rick said. “Do you feel confident he will actually vote with us?”

“He gave me his word, and I had a very strong impression that he meant it.”

“God, I hope I get through this without having a stroke,” Rick said.

“Just relax, Rick; it’s going to be all right.”

“I hope you’re right, Stone. Talk to you later.” They both hung up.

Manolo came out to the patio and handed Stone a brown envelope. “This was delivered by messenger a moment ago.”

Stone opened the envelope and found a formal offer for the Bel-Air property for two hundred fifty million and the new house. There was no mention of the Centurion deal. Stone called Arrington.

“Hello?”

“You out of your house?”

“I am; I’m in the rental.”

“We got an offer from Prince for your Bel-Air property a moment ago: two hundred fifty million and a house for you, built to your specs.”

“Wow!” she said. “I never thought he’d go that high.”

“It’s a rich offer, no doubt.”

“But?”

“But there’s no mention of the Centurion deal. I told him you wouldn’t consider an offer that didn’t include that.”

“What do you think he will do?”

“I’ve learned that the Centurion deal money is coming from some very sleazy people who would go nuts if he backed out of it.”

“So he’s-what’s the expression?”

“Between a rock and a hard place.”

“Exactly. What do you want to do?”

“I want to ignore the offer.”

“And how do you think he will react?”

“He’ll be very upset. The Centurion shareholders’ meeting is scheduled for early next week, to vote on his final offer, and we now have the votes to kill the deal.”

“Does he know that?”

“No. He’s going to get a rude shock when the votes are tallied.”

“Do you think he’ll still want the Bel-Air property if the Centurion deal doesn’t happen for him?”

“I think he will, but I don’t know what the consequences of the failed deal might be.”

“What should I do?”

“Nothing. I won’t even respond to the offer on Bel-Air. Let him stew in his own juices.”

“If he calls me directly, what should I tell him?”

“Refuse to discuss it; refer him to me.”

“Whatever you say, Stone.”

“Those are words I don’t hear nearly often enough.”

She laughed. “Bye.” She hung up.

Stone put the offer back in its envelope and tossed it on the table. It might make a nice souvenir, he thought. He picked up the phone and buzzed Manolo.

“Yes, Mr. Stone?”

“Manolo, if a Mr. Prince phones me, I’m not available, and you don’t know when I will be.”

“Yes, Mr. Stone.” He hung up.

Dino came out of the guesthouse in fresh clothes. “Lunch?” “Don’t mind if I do,” Stone said. He called Manolo and ordered for them. Stone showed Dino the offer.

“Wow!” Dino said.

“That’s what Arrington said.”

“Is she going to take it?”

“Nope. We’re not even going to respond.”

“I think you’d better start traveling with a bodyguard,” Dino said.

“But Dino, I have you; what more security do I need?”

“I hope you’re right, pal.”

Stone’s cell phone buzzed. He checked the caller ID before answering. “Hello?”

“It’s Harvey Stein; I have good news.”

“I can always use good news,” Stone said.

“I saw the judge this morning, and I’ve gotten Jim released on bail. His doctor says we can take him home tomorrow morning.”

“That is good news, Harvey.”

“There’s more. He signed the sales documents and the stock certificates just a moment ago.”

“That’s great news, Harvey; messenger them to me at the Calder house, and I’ll get the funds wired”-he looked at his watch-“just as soon as I receive them.”

“I’ll bring them myself,” Stein said. “Is now a good time?”

“It is,” Stone said.

“I’ll be there in half an hour.”

They hung up. “Long has signed,” Stone said, “and he got bail.” “Congratulations,” Dino said.

“Harvey Stein is bringing over the completed documents. Then I’ll call Bill Eggers and get the money wired.”

Lunch arrived, and they had just finished eating when Manolo escorted Harvey Stein out to the patio. Stone shook his hand and introduced Dino.

“Here you are,” Harvey said, handing him the documents. “Take a look and see if they’re properly executed.”

Stone went through the papers. “Perfect,” he said. “Just a moment.” He called Eggers and told him to wire the funds to Long’s account, then hung up. “Long’s account will have the funds within the hour,” he said to Stein.

“What do you think Terry Prince’s reaction will be when he hears?” Stein asked.

“Well, if our experience holds, he’s already heard about it, and we’re both still alive. Now that we own the shares, he has no reason for another attempt on Jim’s life, unless he just enjoys revenge.”

“I’m not taking any chances,” Harvey said. “I’ve doubled the security at Jim’s house.”

“Good move,” Stone said. His cell phone went off, and he checked it. “That’s Terry Prince,” he said.

“What are you going to say to him?” Stein asked.

“I’m not going to say anything to him,” Stone said, putting away his cell phone.