Criminal Mischief

61

On the way back to the city in the Bentley, everybody was quiet. Everything had not gone as planned, but everything had finished as planned.

“Stone,” Wilcox said, “you’re having us for dinner tomorrow evening, correct?”

“Yes, Henry.”

“May I bring a guest?”

“Of course. I’ll let the cook know. It’ll be black tie.”

“Right,” Wilcox said.

Before dinner the following evening, Stone walked the living room, dining room, and study to see that all was in order, the table set and the wine he had chosen resting on the sideboard for decanting later. Everything was perfect. He went back to the master suite, and peered into the guest dressing room. Brio was sitting at the makeup table, applying lipstick, an activity that Stone had learned, through experience, could take ten minutes. Her new badge and ID were on the table beside her. “Any word on an assignment yet?”

“Not yet. The director says he’s waiting for the retirement list, so he’ll know what’s vacant.”

“Are you a heroine at the Bureau?”

She smiled. “I am,” she said, and with some satisfaction. “Nobody thought I could bring him in.”

“Without Henry’s quickness, Zanian would be in the wind, and with two billion dollars.”

“I know. The Bureau has a banking team working to trace it all. They’re optimistic that they can get most of it back to the investors.”

“I wouldn’t mention that to the press, until it actually happens,” Stone said.

“Good advice. How many of us are we tonight?”

“The Bacchettis — Viv is here — you and I, and Henry and a guest.”

“Who’s the guest?”

“I didn’t think to ask.”

“Perhaps he has a wife stashed somewhere.”

“In my experience, married men can’t get through a conversation without using the phrase ‘my wife.’ ”

Brio snorted. “I’ve known married men who could get through a year of conversation without using those words.” She checked her lipstick again. “I’m ready.”

“Then let’s go down,” Stone said.

They walked down to the living room and found Henry Wilcox there alone.

“Where’s your guest?” Stone asked.

“Just running a little late,” Wilcox replied.

Fred came into the room and handed Brio a manila envelope. “This was hand delivered a moment ago, ma’am.” Brio stepped aside, opened the envelope, and examined the contents. She found a sealed envelope inside and handed it to Stone. “This is for you, marked ‘personal and confidential.’ It’s from the director.”

Stone opened the envelope, then walked toward the study. “I’ll be right back,” he said. He reappeared a short time later, as the doorbell rang and the Bacchettis entered.

Fred saw to the drinks, and Stone asked him to decant the wine, then he gave Viv a hug and a kiss.

“I understand you haven’t been leading Dino astray,” she said. “For a change.”

“I don’t think Dino would have liked the desert,” Stone said, handing her an envelope. “You two should open this together.”

Dino came over as she ripped it open and examined the contents. “Good God!” she said.

“What’s the matter?” Dino asked. He took the paper from her. “Good God!” he said. “It’s a check for five million dollars!”

“As promised,” Stone said, patting his breast pocket. “Give me time to deposit the big one, before you cash it.”

“Happy?” Brio asked.

“I’ve every reason to be.”

“You thought we’d try to weasel out of it, didn’t you?”

The doorbell prevented his answer.

“That would be my guest,” Wilcox said.

Fred went to the door and came back with Lance Cabot, who knew everyone there.

“Good God!” Stone said. “It’s just come to me. Henry is one of yours, isn’t he?”

“Well, technically,” Lance said, “he’s still the ambassador to the Sultanate, but that will change tomorrow, when he starts his new job.”

“Congratulations, Henry,” Stone said. “What’s the new job?”

Lance spoke up. “Deputy director for operations.”

Henry Wilcox beamed.