Class Act
- Автор: Вудс Стюарт
- Серия: Stone Barrington #58
- Год: 2021
- Язык: английский
- Год: G.P. Putnam's Sons
- ISBN: 978-0-593-33166-8
- Жанр: Триллеры
Электронная книга - «Class Act». Краткое содержание книги:
As Stone sets out to unravel a tangled web of crime and secrets, his mission becomes even more complicated when he makes an irresistible new acquaintance. In both the underbelly and upper echelons of New York, everyone has something to hide — and if Stone has learned anything, it’s that history has a way of repeating itself...
“And is this a nautical situation?”
“The Beaulieu River is right over there and there are lots of boats moored upon it.”
“Are you going to invite Dame Felicity up here after dinner?”
“I thought I would leave our after-dinner disposition to you and Dame Felicity, once you’ve each had an opportunity to inspect the other and get to know one another. I will abide by the wishes of the two of you, whatever they may be.”
“So, you’re remaining neutral in the matter?”
“I’m remaining flexible. Do with me as you will.”
“What more could a girl — or two girls — ask?”
“I’m sure you’ll both think of something.”
She turned her back to be zipped, and Stone obliged.
“You’re very good at that,” Tara said.
“I’m better at the unzipping,” Stone replied.
“You will have that opportunity.”
They walked down the stairs and turned into the library, where Dino and Viv awaited, drinks already in hand. A young man poured Stone’s and Tara’s.
“What is that young man called in the household?” Tara asked.
“In the old days, he would have been called a footman, but nowadays we call him a bartender — or a stable hand, which is his day job.
“How was your day?” Stone asked the Bacchettis.
“Spent in bed, reading,” Viv said. “Mostly reading, anyway.” She batted her eyes at Dino.
“We went riding this morning and had a picnic lunch,” Stone said.
The door opened, and Geoffrey, the butler, called out, “Sir Thomas Callaway and Dame Felicity Devonshire.”
Stone introduced everyone who had not already been introduced. Felicity leaned close to kiss Stone on the cheek, and she whispered, “She’s scrumptious.” Stone winked at Tara, who blushed.
Callaway shook Tara’s hand. “It’s Tommy, if you please.”
“I please,” Tara replied, and the two of them began an animated conversation with the Bacchettis.
Stone momentarily had Felicity to himself, and he used the opportunity.
“I wonder if I might impose on your good nature?” he asked her.
“Do you wish someone shot?” she asked, archly.
“Well, that is devoutly to be wished, but too soon to act upon. I’d like to find someone in London.”
“Someone of some consequence, I take it.”
“Yes, an American Mafioso named Salvatore Trafficante. There is a rumor, unconfirmed, that he is staying at the Dorchester. If I know where to find him, I can have him watched.”
“Do you employ a watcher, or do you wish me to provide that service, as well?”
“I would not so impose upon you, but a location would make my life easier — and safer.”
“Stone, don’t tell me someone is after your scalp — not again.”
“I’m afraid so.”
“And what, pray, are the circumstances?”
“Boring. A jealous lover.”
“I am shocked, but not surprised.”
“I don’t even know the fellow. We saw her on different occasions, and he assigned more importance to our relationship than was justified. Alas, he employs people who make people go away, and I am very happy, here on planet Earth.”
“Consider it done. And I may, in turn, ask a favor of you, before our evening is over.” Her eyes traveled toward Tara.
“I will leave that matter in your capable hands, and hers,” Stone said. “But I am here to assist in any way I’m asked.”
“You are a dear,” Felicity said, “and I’m sure, so is she.”
“You are an excellent judge of character,” Stone said.
“And of flesh,” Felicity replied. Then they were joined by others and she stepped aside. “Excuse me, phone call.” She walked to a corner of the room and spoke for a moment, then came back.
“Nothing that would require you to leave us, I hope,” Stone said.
“Oh, no, nothing like that. I would not allow myself to be torn away from this happy scene.”
In due course, they were called to dinner in the small dining room.
“I’ve seen your Hinckley in the Squadron marina,” Tommy Callaway said to Stone. “Very handsome.”
“Yes, I’ve abandoned the adventure of sail for the comforts of motorboating,” Stone replied.
“Oh?”
“Yes. Also, I was unable to find a woman willing to be both cook and foredeck gorilla.”
“It is a rare one who is highly qualified for both,” the commodore agreed.
“Also, for some reason, they don’t like being shouted at,” Stone said, “which is a big part of working the foredeck.”
“That way lies disaster,” Tommy agreed.
Stone looked down the table and took note of the animated conversation between Tara and Felicity, both of them talking right past Dino, who was trying not to look bored.
After dinner, they adjourned to the library for brandy. Bob left his place by the fire and graciously greeted each of the guests, presenting himself for a petting or a back scratch. He finally settled under Felicity’s hand, as if the proper place for it was on his head.
Somehow they had gathered before the fire with the ladies at one end and the gentlemen at the other.
“You looked bored during dinner,” Stone said to Dino.
“With the conversation, yes,” Dino replied, “but the cleavage was electrifying.”
41
The Bacchettis excused themselves and went upstairs to bed. Shortly after that, Tommy Callaway left, too, explaining that he and Felicity had arrived in their own boats. This left Stone alone with Tara and Felicity.
“Shall we?” Tara said to Felicity.
“Oh, yes,” Felicity replied. “And, Stone, you can come, too.”
Stone’s cell phone chose that moment to ring. A check of the caller ID revealed it to be the managing partner of Woodman & Weld. “I have to take this call,” he said to the women. “I’ll join you as soon as I can get rid of him.”
The women seemed happy to start without him.
“Hello, Bill,” Stone said.
“What time is it there? Am I calling too late?”
“It’s eleven o’clock. What is it?”
“I’ve got Steele on a conference call, so I’m switching you in.”
He did so, before Stone could stop him.
“Stone?”
“Arthur,” he replied. Arthur Steele’s insurance companies were Stone’s largest and most boring account. He settled in for nearly an hour of hemming and hawing, then was finally released.
Weary, but looking forward to what was to come, Stone trudged up the stairs and turned the knob on the door of the master suite. It was locked. Never mind, he thought, I have a master key. He did, but it was not in his pocket; he realized he must have left it on his dresser. He rapped lightly on the door, waited, then rapped as hard as he felt he could without disturbing the Bacchettis. He put an ear to the thick, oaken door: nothing.
He tried, first, Tara’s cell phone, then Felicity’s. Both went straight to voicemail. “Unlock the door,” he responded to both of them.
He rested his forehead against the door and resisted the temptation to fall asleep standing up. Finally, with no other recourse, he wandered down the hallway and entered the nearest vacant guest room. He shed his Squadron mess kit, crawled into the bed, and was asleep almost instantly.
He awoke in a sunlit room, an hour later than he usually did, and found himself alone. He thought about it, then gathered his clothing and marched down the hall to the master suite and hammered on the door, not caring whom he woke.
After a minute or so, the door was opened by a sleepy Tara, who was naked. “What are you doing out there?” she asked. “We waited for you as long as we could.”
Stone walked into the room. “You locked me out,” Stone said.