Strategic Moves (Stone Barrington 19)

“I’m afraid it is,” Stone replied. “I met him last night.”

“There’s no mention of the wedding in the story,” she said.

“They’ll get around to it, don’t worry.” His phone rang and Joan picked it up. “Mr. Barrington’s office . . . One moment.”

She covered the phone with her hand. “Somebody called Adele Lansdown.”

Stone took the phone from her. “Good morning, Adele.”

“Have you heard?” she asked.

“Yes, Herbie was just here. He’s on his way to the Gunns’ place to see Stephanie.”

“Stop him, if you can,” she said. “There’s a mob scene over there.”

“Hold on, please. Joan, see if you can get Herbie on his cell. Tell him to go straight home, not to the Gunns’, and to try Stephanie on her cell and tell her the same thing.” He went back to Adele. “My secretary is trying to reach Herbie. Do you know anything about what’s led up to this?”

“Not a thing. Jack is the most upright man I have ever met.”

“Do you have money invested with him?”

“Yes, most of my liquid assets.”

“Can you get it out?”

“I can’t do that; it would look awful if Jack’s sister-in-law appeared to have no faith in him.”

“Have you talked to Christine?”

“Just for a moment. She has no idea what’s happening, except some people showed up at their house at breakfast time and took Jack away.”

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Do I need a lawyer, Stone?”

“Are you in business with Jack, except as an investor?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Then just sit tight and get somebody to screen your phone calls. Don’t talk to anybody from the press.”

“Not even to support Jack?”

“Not even for that, until you know more. Call me if you need any help.”

“All right. Thanks, Stone.” She hung up.

“Do you know anybody who invests with Gunn?” Joan asked.

“That was his sister-in-law; she does, but nobody else that I know of. Did you reach Herbie?”

“Yes, I caught him in a cab. He’s going home, and he’s trying to reach Stephanie.”

The phone rang again and Joan answered. “It’s Mike Freeman at Strategic Services,” she said.

“Hello, Mike.”

“Morning, Stone. Have you heard about this Jack Gunn thing?”