Strategic Moves (Stone Barrington 19)

“I’ve just finished a four-day, ah, deposition,” Stone replied.

“Oh, the one with the CIA?”

“I will not confirm or deny that.”

“I will consider it confirmed, then.”

“I’m afraid your boss is not going to make any cases from what transpired—unless he has extended his jurisdiction to Europe and the Middle East.”

“He will be very disappointed to hear that,” she said.

“In that case, you shouldn’t tell him, but let Lance Cabot explain.”

“Good idea. You free for dinner?”

“Sure. I should have recovered my health by then.”

“Can we go to Elaine’s?”

“Oh, you liked it there, did you?”

“It wasn’t bad; I enjoyed the crowd.”

“Okay, eight-thirty at Elaine’s?”

“See you there,” she said, and hung up.

Stone closed his eyes and lay back. After what seemed only a moment later Joan spoke. “It’s six-thirty; I’m leaving.”

Stone opened his eyes. “Six-thirty? You’re kidding.”

“You’ve been out like a light.”

Stone struggled to a sitting position. “I certainly have.”

“A cold shower will bring you around.”

“Brrrr,” Stone said.

FORTY-SIX

As Stone was leaving the house the phone

rang. “Hello?”

“It’s Dino. I can’t make dinner; work.”

“I’m devastated,” Stone replied. “Have you gone off me?”

“Long, long ago,” Dino replied, then hung up.

Stone walked into Elaine’s to find his table uncharacteristically vacant. He sat down and accepted his usual Knob Creek, which the bartender had begun pouring as he was getting out of the cab.

Elaine came over and sat down. “So, where’s Dino?”

“He’s not going to make it tonight.”

“Is he in the hospital? We could send flowers.”