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“I have to go to sleep now. Is there anything else that can’t wait until tomorrow?”
“I guess not.”
“Good night, then.” He hung up and was soon asleep.
23
Stone arrived atPatroon before dinner and was shown to their usual table. A martini was set down across the table for him.
“For your guest,” the waiter said. “Your usual?”
“Yes, please.”
Stone’s cell phone rang. “Yes?”
“It’s Jack Collins.”
“Good evening. Your martini awaits you.”
“It’s my understanding that you’ve invited another guest. Who is he?”
“His name is Dino Bacchetti.”
“The police commissioner of New York?”
“That is correct. Dino and I were partners when we were police detectives.”
“I’m not sure I’m comfortable with this.”
“Why? Have you committed a crime in New York?”
“Well, no.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
Silence for a moment. “You want a witness,” Collins said.
“I do. You may bring one, too, if you like.”
“Who would I bring?”
“Anyone you like. Anyone you trust.”
“There are very few of those.”
“Then don’t bring one,” Stone said. “Your martini is getting warm.”
A man slid into the seat across from him, raised his glass, and sipped his martini.
“You’re wearing a disguise,” Stone said. “Gray wig, eyebrows, and moustache. Who are you hiding from?”
“From those who might wish to harm me.”
“Who are they?”
“I have my suspicions, but I can’t prove it yet.”
“Who tried to kill you?”
