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“Palmer!”
“You don’t watch TV or read the papers, do you, Smith?”
“Sometimes.”
“Well, when you get out of jail, you might read up on what’s been happening at home,” Stone said. “Herbie, do you think you can render Mr. Smith unconscious without fracturing his skull?”
“Sure,” Herbie said, and he swung the barrel of the.45 at the back of Smith’s neck. Smith collapsed in a heap.
“Thank you, Herbie,” Stone said.
“Any time, Stone. Who the fuck is this guy?”
“I’ve no idea,” Stone said. “See if he has a wallet or a passport.” Herbie went through Smith’s pockets, came up with both and handed them to Stone, who put them in a desk drawer. Then Stone picked up a phone and called Dino.
“Bacchetti,” Dino said.
“Morning, Dino. A strange man just walked into my office with a silenced pistol and threatened my life.”
“Okay, what’s the punch line?”
“No joke. Fortunately, Herbie Fisher happened in and made him go to sleep. Do you think you could haul him away and let him stew in your very excellent drunk tank for two or three days?”
“I don’t see why not,” Dino replied. “I’ll be right over.” He hung up.
Stone hung up, too. “Herbie, did I mention how very glad I am to see you?”
“No, you didn’t.”
“I am very glad to see you. That little man was about to put a round in my head.”
“I’d better put Joan’s.45 back in her drawer; she’s fussy about it.” Herbie walked down the hall toward Joan’s office, then returned.
Stone’s phone rang, and since Joan was out of the office, he answered it. “Stone Barrington.”
“Mr. Barrington?” a woman’s voice said. “I was expecting Joan.”
“She’s out at the moment.”
“I have Mr. Bianchi for you.” There was a click on the line.
“Hello, Stone?” Eduardo said.
“Yes, Eduardo. How are you?”
“I am greatly relieved,” Eduardo replied. “Yesterday, Dolce landed in Palermo and was recognized by some acquaintances of mine who happened to be at the airport.”
“Happened to be at the airport?”
“At my request,” Eduardo replied. “In any case, she is now sequestered in a safe and comfortable place, and is no longer a threat to you or anyone else.”
“I’m very happy to hear that, Eduardo,” Stone said.
“I wish to apologize for any inconvenience she may have caused you. I saw to the hospital bill of the gentleman she, ah, perforated and reached an immediate settlement with him, so he will not be a bother to you.”
“Thank you again, Eduardo.”
“If you will forgive me, I am rushing off to a board meeting.”
