Scandalous Behavior

29

Stone took the call in a far corner of the library. “Yes?”

“Mr. Barrington, this is Dr. Don Beverly Calhoun. I think you know who I am.”

“Oh, yes, I know who you are.”

“I thought that, since we have similar interests, perhaps we should meet and have a chat.”

“Similar interests? You and I?”

“We are both interested in Curtis House and in your son and his partner.”

“Mr. Calhoun—” Stone said.

“That’s Dr. Calhoun.”

“Oh, yes, you hold a Ph.D. from that South Carolina diploma mill, don’t you?”

“Mr. Barrington—”

“Mr. Calhoun, you have no legitimate interest in either of the subjects you just mentioned, particularly the latter one, and I would advise you, most seriously, to back away from both.”

“Or suffer the consequences? Do I detect a threat in your words?”

“I make it a point not to make threats, except in a legal context.”

“Then let’s get legal: I am contemplating suing your son and his partner for libel.”

“In Britain?”

“Possibly.”

“Then I suggest you ask your attorneys to advise you on the perils of proving libel here. It is more difficult than, perhaps, you have read in the newspapers, and it is very expensive. It’s even more difficult in the United States.”

“I have the resources to press such a suit to its conclusion,” Calhoun said.

“And my son has not only his resources, but mine to back him up, plus those of a major Hollywood film studio. Such an ill-considered action would have the eventual effect of reducing your financial status to a smoking ruin.”

“I’m told I have grounds, in either country.”

“Then you are poorly advised. Have you even seen the film?”

“I have.”

“And you still believe the nonsense you have been told?”

“It is not nonsense.”

“I should tell you that the film has been reviewed by the best legal counsel in both countries, and they did not find it necessary to make a single cut in order to defend it. But if you wish to squander the fortune you have sucked from the pockets of your credulous followers, then do what you must.”

“Now, now, Mr. Barrington, don’t you think that in a friendly chat we could iron out our differences?”

“On what basis?”

“For a start, I am willing to pay you a million pounds more than you have agreed to pay for Curtis House. How does that sound? A quick million-pound profit in less than a week?”

“I would not consider it a good return on investment to have you and your followers for neighbors.”

“Must we descend into telephone insults?”

“Certainly, I would prefer to insult you to your face, but since I have no intention of meeting you, the phone will have to do.”

“I warn you, Mr. Barrington, I am keeping abreast of your movements and actions.”

“And how did that work out for you in the states of Connecticut and New York? I should tell you that the law in this country with regard to firearms is much stricter than in the States, and I should also tell you that you have already attracted the attention of local law enforcement, and that private security arrangements for my property are in place. Now, since we have nothing further to discuss, I bid you good day.” Stone hung up.

Peter got up and walked over to where Stone sat. “Is everything all right, Dad?”

“Did you overhear my end of the conversation?”

“Well, toward the end you were sort of shouting.”

“I apologize, but I was speaking to Dr. Don Beverly Calhoun.”

“Ah, I see.”

“He’s threatening a libel suit, but don’t be concerned. You should, however, call the studio and have them call your British distributors and warn them. If he proceeds, Calhoun will ask for an injunction to stop distribution, pending disposition of his suit, and if they aren’t ready, he might get it, at least temporarily. British businesspeople get very skittish at the mention of libel, because the laws are so different here. I should think that a little proactive PR defense would be a good idea. You should give a couple of interviews and address the problem head-on. Say that your legal advisers have told you there are no grounds for such a suit.”

“They have already done so, and they didn’t ask for a single cut.”

“I thought as much.” Stone picked up the phone. “Excuse me for a moment, I have another call to make.” Peter went back to his seat, and Stone called Felicity Devonshire.

“Yes, my dear?”

“I have just had a phone conversation with Dr. Don Beverly Calhoun.”

“And how did that go?”

Stone related the substance of the conversation. “Could you speak to the Home Secretary again?”

“Give me more ammo.”

“Calhoun’s people followed me in Connecticut and New York and were arrested for carrying illegal firearms. As we speak, one of his trademark SUVs is parked near my front gate, and I have alerted the local authorities. I think that indicates a disregard for the law in three places, not to mention the fact that the man is a suspect in the murder of a journalist in California who had the temerity to tell the truth about him.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“You are a sweetheart.”

“Of course I am.” She hung up.

Stone rejoined the others.

“Has your blood pressure returned to normal yet?” Peter asked.

“Almost.”

“Another Knob Creek?”

“What a good idea.”

“What did Felicity say?”

“Was I shouting again?”

“No, but in the circumstances, she seemed the next logical call.”

“You are such a smart young man — it must be an inherited trait.”

“Yes, Mom was very smart.”