Shakeup

32

They had adjusted their clothing and were finishing their drinks when the doorbell rang. Stone picked up the phone. “Yes?”

“It’s Dino.”

Stone pressed a button and heard Dino enter the house. “It’s Dino Bacchetti,” he said to Maren.

“How does my lipstick look?” she asked.

“Perfect.”

Dino knocked on the study door. “Come in!” Stone answered.

The door opened. “Why was the door closed?” he asked.

“There was a draft,” Stone replied. “This is the FBI’s deputy director for criminal investigations, Maren Gustav,” he said. “She’s taken over the Clark business.”

Dino shook her hand and pulled up a chair. He looked at them oddly, as if something were amiss.

“We’re having Grand Marnier,” Stone said. “Can I get you something?”

Dino stood and walked to the bar. “I’ll get myself a Scotch,” he replied, then did so and returned to his seat.

“Well, Director,” Dino said. “How did you come to be on this case?”

“Since one of the victims, Ms. Carlyle, was a federal employee, that makes this a federal case. The president personally asked me to take it over.”

“I’m an admirer of the president’s judgment,” Dino said.

“Thank you.”

“Welcome to the case. It will be nice having someone in charge who is not in the bag or an idiot.”

Maren laughed. “Thank you again.”

“Has Stone taken you through the case?”

“Let’s say that we have left no Stone unturned,” she replied.

Dino’s eyes narrowed. “Have you an opinion of whom we should suspect?” he asked.

“I believe that there are at least two suspects, possibly more,” Maren said. “And one abettor.”

“Do you have enough for an arrest?” he asked.

“Not until we turn one of them.”

“Who’s your candidate for turning?”

“I think Little Debby is the stupidest, so let’s start with her; I’ll go see her on my return to Washington.”

“And when will that be?”

“That remains to be seen.”

“Is Viv in town?” Stone asked.

“She is,” Dino replied.

“Maren, will you join the Bacchettis and me for dinner?”

“I’d love to. I’d like a little nap and to freshen up. May I do that here, instead of returning to my hotel?”

“Of course,” Stone said. “Let me show you upstairs. Excuse me for a moment, Dino.”

“Go right ahead.”

Stone took her up in the elevator and led her to the master suite.

“This is lovely,” she said. “I believe I owe you something.” Her hand wandered to his zipper.

“You may repay after dinner,” Stone said. “I shouldn’t keep Dino waiting. There are arrests to be made in this city.” He kissed her on the forehead and left her to it.

Dino was gazing into the fire, sipping his Scotch when Stone returned. “I booked us into Patroon, in your absence.”

“Thank you.”

“What the fuck was going on when I arrived? There was something in the air.”

“There was no fucking going on,” Stone replied firmly. “You’re not happy, are you, unless you suspect someone of something.”

“I’m usually right,” Dino said. “I must say, the quality of management at the Bureau is improving.”

“I can’t argue with that.”

“How do you find these women?”

“Holly sent this one.”

“I guess she feels guilty about leaving you without sex.”

“Nonsense. I asked her to goose the FBI to get moving on this, and she went right to the top. Maren happened to be in New York on other business.”

“She sounds like she’s planning to winter here.”

“Okay with me.”

“Am I keeping you from her side, so to speak?”

“You are not. She wants a nap, and I am content with your company, for the time being. Did you call Viv?”

“I did, and she approved our dinner plans.”

They had settled into their booth at Patroon, where Maren had insisted that she be seated facing the door. “The gunfighter’s seat,” she had explained.

They had just placed their orders when Stone saw Maren’s eyes dart toward the entrance. “Opposition?” he asked quietly. He half-expected her to produce a weapon.

“My boss likes to think so,” she replied. “He thinks I want his job.”

A tall, distinguished-looking man suddenly appeared at their tableside.

“Good evening, Maren,” he said to her.

“Good evening, Director,” she replied. “May I introduce my companions?”

“Mr. Barrington and Commissioner Bacchetti and I have met, but I’m not acquainted with your other lovely guest.”

“This is Vivian Bacchetti,” Maren replied.

“I should have guessed,” he replied, shaking her hand. “You’re with Strategic Services, are you not?”

“I am,” Viv said.

“Please give my warm regards to Mike Freeman,” he said.

“Certainly.”

“If you’ll all excuse me, my dinner guest is waiting.” He half-turned, then stopped. “And, Maren,” he said. “I don’t want to see this on your expense account.”

“Ms. Gustav is my guest,” Stone said quickly.

“Good.” He walked away from their table and took a seat at a table across the room, where an attractive woman awaited.

“Who’s the female?” Viv asked Maren.

“Oh, that is Ms. Not-His-Wife,” she replied. “I’m filing that as an arrow in my quiver.”

Everybody laughed.

“And thank you for being courtly, Stone.”

“Why? You didn’t think you were paying, did you?”

“A pity,” Maren replied. “I was going to put it on my expense account.”