“It was a good deal more important than that,” Stone replied, “and I think I can safely say that the outcome was favorable for all concerned, including me.”
“How was it favorable for you?” Dino asked.
“Harlan sent me a check for twenty-five grand this morning by messenger.”
“Now I’m impressed,” Dino said.
“Me, too,” echoed Cantor.
“And well you should be,” Stone said, drawing himself up to his full height. “Harlan certainly was.”
“Is that what you call him? Harlan? Not Mr. Deal?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“And what does he call you?”
“He calls me Mr. Barrington.”
“Sounds a little standoffish,” Cantor said.
“Our relationship is perfectly cordial,” Stone replied.
“I thought maybe this had something to do with that story in the Times business section this morning,” Dino said.
“His acquisition of the aircraft-leasing company? That was the icing on the cake. Harlan had a good day.”
Cantor, who was sitting facing the door, suddenly sat up.
Stone and Dino followed his gaze to the bar. A heavyset, florid-faced man was taking a stool.
“What?” Stone asked.
“I’d swear to God that’s Harry Collins,” Cantor said.
“Who?” Dino asked.
“The other guy from the Colonel’s old outfit. Charlie mentioned seeing him at the track. I mean, he’s gained a lot of weight, but I think that’s Harry.”
“Now that’s interesting,” Stone said. “First Charlie Crow walks into P. J. Clarke’s when you’re there, and now Harry Collins walks into Elaine’s when you’re here. And you’re hardly ever here.”
“Well, I’m not speaking to him,” Cantor said. “I’ll leave that to Charlie.” He picked up a menu and ordered dinner; they all did. By the time their first course arrived, Harry Collins had finished his drink and left.
29
Stone was throwing a few things in a bag on Sunday afternoon, getting ready to pick up Carla for their trip to Connecticut, when his phone rang.
“Hello?”
“It’s Eggers.” He sounded dour.
“Hi, Bill. What has you making phone calls on a Sunday?”
“I had lunch with Harlan Deal.”
“That sounds like a reason for indigestion, not a Sunday phone call.”
“His girlfriend dumped him,” Eggers said.