Son of Stone (Stone Barrington 21)

“Good man. Now I have to go back to work.”

“Thank you, Bill. I feel better now.”

“Just remember your promise.” Eggers hung up.

Stone didn’t wait. He looked up the name of the foundation president, called him and made him an offer for the house. The man said he’d discuss it with his board and get back to Stone.

Next, Stone called Mike Freeman.

“Good morning, Stone. My men are on the job.”

“Yes, I know, Mike, and thank you. I called about something else, though.”

“What can I do for you?”

“Arrington left me the Bel-Air property. I want to proceed with the hotel development.”

“I’m delighted to hear it,” Mike said. “I’ll let the investors and the management company know.”

“Mike, you obviously think this development is a good investment, or you wouldn’t be involved in it.”

“I think it’s an outstanding investment,” Mike said. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be putting Strategic Services’ money into it.”

“How much, total, do we need to raise to complete the project?”

“Half a billion dollars,” Mike said, “plus the property purchase. You could lease it to the company to make it easier for them.”

“How much is Strategic Services investing?”

“A hundred million.”

“I’ll invest two hundred million, and that way, you and I will keep control of the project. I’ll keep title to the land and lease it to the company.”

“That’s wonderful, Stone. I’ll get in touch with the others and put it to them, and we’ll make you an offer on leasing the property.”

“Good, Mike,” Stone said. “Get back to me, and we’ll work it all out.” He hung up, and reflected on his day’s work. Making these decisions had actually made him feel better, and not just about the money. To his surprise, he felt something he hadn’t felt since Arrington’s death: enthusiasm.

63

P eter got home from school a little early and came in through Stone’s office entrance, closely followed by his two security men. Hattie was with them.

“Thanks, fellas,” Stone said to the guards. “You’re done for the day. Same time tomorrow morning.”

The two men said good-bye to Peter and Hattie and left.

Peter flopped down on Stone’s office sofa, and Hattie sat beside him and held his hand.

Stone reflected that he was going to have to reintroduce the subject of sex to Peter. These two couldn’t stay out of bed with each other for much longer; that was obvious.

“So, Peter, now that you’ve finished your film, what’s your next project?”

“I want to write a play, so that I’ll arrive at Yale with something to show them.”

“Really good idea,” Stone said. He fished around among the papers on his desk and found the representation contract that Mort Janklow had sent over. “There’s something here for you to sign,” Stone said, handing it to Peter.

“What is it?”

“It’s a representation contract with the literary agency of Janklow amp; Nesbit. I’ve been over it with Mort and made a few small changes. The most important thing you have to know is that the agency’s commission is fifteen percent.”