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They both hung up. A moment later, Joan buzzed again. “Dino, on one.”
“Did you hang up on him?”
“I couldn’t. He didn’t mention what’s-his-name.”
Stone pressed the button. “Steady, now, don’t forget and bring up Junior, or I’ll have to hang up.”
“Dinner tonight?”
“Didn’t we have dinner last night?”
“Not quite. P. J. Clarke’s at seven?”
“If you’re sure you can contain your curiosity about the kid.”
“I’ll try.” Dino hung up.
TWENTY-THREE
Stone walked into P. J. Clarke’s and was shocked to find Dino at the bar chatting amiably with a beautiful woman—a stunner, with bright red hair and green eyes. “Good evening,” he said, offering his hand. “I’m Stone Barrington. Who in the world are you?”
“I’m Bridget Tierney,” she replied, shaking his hand.
“I hope my friend, Mr. Peabody, here, hasn’t been bothering you.”
“ ‘Peabody’? He told me his name was Dino Bacchetti.”
“I’m very much afraid that he tells people that all the time, especially attractive women. He also tells a preposterous story about being the New York City police commissioner. Did he try that on you?”
“I’m afraid so,” she said, searing Dino with a glance.
“I’m glad I came along before any real harm was done. Did he invite you to dinner?”
“He did.”
“I’m afraid he can’t afford to dine in good restaurants. He would just stick you with the check.”
“Now that you mention it,” she said, “he does look pretty sneaky, doesn’t he?”
“He’s married, too. Did he mention that?”
“No,” she replied, “he did not.”
“Oh, yes, to a fine woman who has to support him and their four children. She’s taken away his credit cards.”
“All right,” Dino said, “this has gone far enough.”
“The truth hurts, doesn’t it?” Stone asked. “I wonder, Bridget, if you’d like to dine with me, instead? You won’t get the check, I promise.”
“I think I’d like that very much,” she said, hopping off her barstool.
“Right this way.” Stone led her to a table, with Dino tagging along like a puppy, denying all Stone had said.
“Really, Dino, this has gone far enough, hasn’t it?”
But Dino was showing Bridget his badge and ID.
“It’s a very good fake, isn’t it?” Stone asked Bridget. “He’s been using it for years.”
