Bel-Air Dead (Stone Barrington 20)

“I know it did. I watched Jack Schmeltzer’s face at the end, and I knew he was going to vote with us.”

“Did you know about Strategic Services buying Jennifer Harris’s stock?”

“Not until this morning, and the name didn’t mean anything to me until Glenna explained who they were.”

“Then it’s time you met your new shareholder,” Stone said, and introduced him to Mike Freeman.

They continued out of the building, and as soon as they were on the street Stone saw what was going on. A big to-do was raging a few yards away. Terrence Prince’s Bentley Mulsanne was on fire, and he could hear the studio fire engine’s siren approaching.

Stone looked around and saw Jack Schmeltzer standing across the street, a broad smile on his face.

Then Stone was surprised again. He saw Sergeant Rivera of the LAPD and two uniformed officers approach Prince, say a few words to him, then handcuff him and lead him away, him protesting the whole time.

Stone turned to Dino. “What was that?”

Dino smiled. “Rivera and I brought Carter back from Mexico yesterday. In return for immunity, he’s agreed to testify against Prince for the attempted murder of Jim Long.” He laughed. “Is this a good day, or what?”

Stone began laughing. “It’s a very, very good day, Dino,” he said.

“I told you about my bones,” Dino said.

“And I’ll never doubt your bones again,” Stone said.

56

They watched as a police car drove Terry Prince away.

Rick Barron chuckled. “I was going to have studio security escort him off the lot,” he said. “I’ll give them instructions that he not be allowed to set a cloven hoof on these grounds again.”

Everybody laughed.

“The exhilaration is wearing off, now, and I’m tired,” Rick said. “Will you excuse Glenna and me?”

“Of course,” Arrington replied.

Rick’s car pulled up and they were driven away.

Stone led his party to the Bentley and everyone got in.

“I know how Rick feels,” Arrington said. “I’m tired, too.”

“Suspense is wearing,” Stone said.

“I’m sorry to have added to it,” Mike said from the rear seat.

“No, you stood up at just the right moment in the proceedings,” Arrington said.

They had been back at the house for only a few minutes when Stone’s cell buzzed. “Hello?”

“It’s Carolyn Blaine. I’d like to see you for a few minutes, if you can manage the time.”

“Come over,” Stone said, then hung up. He buzzed Manolo and told him to expect a guest.

“Who was that?” Dino asked.

“Carolyn Blaine.”

“She’s coming over? She’s a big loser in all this, isn’t she?”