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“Got him,” Dino said. “You didn’t mention him being that big.”
“He is.”
“Remember the first rule when dealing with a big guy.”
“What’s the first rule?”
“Get in the first punch. He’ll be easier to deal with if he’s flat on his back.”
“That would be a good idea if we weren’t in Clarke’s,” Stone said. “If I keep punching guys in here, I’m going to get myself eighty-sixed. Then who are you going to drink with?”
“It’s so like you to think of me first,” Dino said. “Handle it.”
Stone swiveled his stool through a one-eighty. “Something you want to say to me?” he asked Bryce. Sandy’s old boyfriend.
The man was caught off guard. “Well, uh...”
“That’s what I thought,” Stone said. “Now, do you want to continue this outside, or do you just want to take a hike?”
Bryce turned and walked out.
“Nicely handled,” said Sid, the bartender. “Unless he’s waiting for you when you leave.”
“Thanks, Sid, you’re a sweet guy. Wait here, Dino. I’ll be right back.”
“No chance of that. I want to watch this.”
Stone headed for the back door, while Dino jumped off his stool and followed him.
Stone pulled on a pair of cashmere-lined gloves; no point in getting his knuckles bruised. He walked outside, ready to duck a punch. The block was empty.
“I guess he thought better of it,” Dino said.
“Let’s get some dinner,” Stone said, shucking off his gloves and walking back inside.
The maître d’ seated them at their usual table, and they ordered steaks and a bottle of wine.
Stone’s phone rang. “Hello?”
“It’s Sandy,” she said.
“Hi, there.”
“Are you still at P.J.’s?” she asked.
“Yes, we’re just finishing dinner.”
“Be careful how you go. I heard from a friend that Brycehas rounded up a group of friends and will be waiting for you outside.”
“What is it with that guy?”
“I’m a real catch. He hates losing me, and he hates you for managing that.”
“Do you know if they’re armed?”
“Bryce doesn’t carry, but some of his friends do, licenses and everything.”
“Got it,” Stone said. “Thanks for the warning.” He hung up.
