Naked Greed

58

Stone sat between Viv and Hank. Viv leaned over and said, “The next time Dino describes a woman as a camel, I’ll know what he means.”

Stone laughed. He turned to Hank. “We were talking about you — don’t worry, it was nice.”

“Are you married?” Hank asked.

“Widowed. What about you?”

“Divorced. I’m sorry for your loss. Was your wife ill for long?”

“She died from a gunshot wound — a repelled suitor.”

“Any children?”

“A grown son, but he was raised mostly by his mother and stepfather. We didn’t become close until after the gentleman’s death and my reacquaintance with his mother.”

“Sounds complicated.”

“It is. I’ll explain it to you when we have more time.”

“What does your son do?”

“He’s a film director and producer.”

“Not Peter Barrington.”

“Yes.”

“I’ve seen a couple of his films. He’s very talented.”

“He and Dino’s son, Ben, are partners in a production company based at Centurion Studios, in L.A.”

“I’d like to meet him sometime. I’m interested in film — or rather, film people — as an investment opportunity.”

“Then Peter would be a waste of your time. His stepfather was the actor Vance Calder, and as a result, Peter has a large inheritance and is a major stockholder in Centurion. He’s probably a freer agent than anybody in Hollywood.”

“Then perhaps I should meet him as a prospective investment client.”

“I’m afraid that wouldn’t be a good use of your time, either. Peter is very well advised on all fronts, and he doesn’t have much personal interest in finance, except with regard to film.”

“It sounds as if the Barrington men are impervious.”

“This Barrington certainly isn’t.”

She smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind. Where do you suggest I look for an apartment?”

“If you’re into hip or cool or whatever the latest thing is these days, go downtown. If not, the Upper East Side might be more comfortable for you. How much space do you need?”

“Well, as a single girl, not so much, but as a businesswoman, quite a lot. I expect to do some entertaining.”

“I’ll give you the names of a couple of brokers when we meet again.”

“And when would that be?”

“It can’t come soon enough for me. How about tomorrow night?”

“Love to.”

“Come to dinner at my house, then. I’ll cook something for us.”

“Are you a good cook?”

“I am. I have a repertoire of three or four dishes, and I do those well. Beyond that I’m just a diner and a chooser of wines.” He slipped a card into her hand. “Seven o’clock?”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

“As will I.”

“You’re an interesting man, Stone.”

“How would you know that? We’ve just met — you know only that I’m widowed, have a son, and cook a few dishes.”

“I’m not without my sources. I also know that you’re a retired policeman, that you fly your own airplane, and that your mother was a well-known painter. I expect you know a good deal less about me.”

“You’re quite right. Until this afternoon I didn’t know you existed, and then I had to deal with some misinformation.”

“Misinformation?”

“From Dino, but I’m accustomed to that. However, what I’ve seen and heard impresses me and makes me want to know more.”

“Are you interested in investments, then?”

“Not very much.”

“Then what does interest you?”

“That remains to be seen, starting tomorrow evening.”

“How shall I dress?”

“Comfortably.”

The dinner came to an end, and Stone thanked his host and hostess. He had met Helen Hasker only in passing, but he liked her.

“May I give you a lift somewhere?” Stone asked Hank.

“I’m at the Waldorf,” she said.

“That’s on my way.”

They followed the Bacchettis down the hall to the elevators.

When the car came, the Bacchettis got on, then Dino raised a hand and said, “Take the next one,” and the door closed.

“Does he think we want to be alone?” Hank asked.

“I don’t think so. Something is going on that we’re not privy to.” The next car came, and they got on.

“Well, what will we do on the ride down?” she asked.

Stone kissed her. “Not as much as I’d like to do.”

Then the elevator reached the ground floor, and all hell broke loose.