Unnatural Acts (Stone Barrington 23)

“I was a detective with the NYPD,” Stone said, “when I was too young to know better.”

“How does one go from being a detective to being a lawyer?” Marla asked.

“One takes the bar exam,” Stone said. “I had gone to NYU Law, but then became a cop.”

“For how long?”

“Fourteen years.”

“And what law firm do you practice with?” Marla asked.

“Woodman and Weld.”

“Ah,” she said, looking impressed. “My late father was a client there.”

“He sounds like a wonderful human being,” St

one said.

She laughed.

“What do you do, Marla?”

“I’m a choreographer and a director in the theater. Rita is starring in one of my shows, opening next week.”

“Not exactly starring,” Rita said, “but I’m the lead dancer.”

“To me,” Marla said, “dancers are always the stars. I used to be one myself.”

“What made you give it up?” Stone asked.

“You don’t give up dancing,” she replied. “Dancing gives you up. It shouts in your ear, ‘YOU’RE TOO OLD FOR THIS STUFF,’ and it’s always right. Then it kicks you in the knee, for emphasis.”

“I haven’t heard that call yet,” Rita said.

“That’s because you’re ten years younger than me,” Marla laughed. “You’ll hear it soon enough.”

They ordered dinner and talked some more. Rita’s last name was Cara, and Marla’s, Rocker.

“As in ‘off one’s rocker,’” Marla said.

“So,” Rita asked, “what did you two guys do today?”

“I introduced a big client to a young attorney over lunch,” Stone said. “They got on beautifully.”

“I sent a SWAT team out to arrest a murderer,” Dino said.

The women looked impressed.

“It’s not as exciting as Dino makes it sound,” Stone said. “He means he signed a piece of paper.”

“How long have you two known each other?” Marla asked.

“We were partners when we first made detective,” Dino said. “I taught him everything he used to know.”

After dinner, they walked out onto Third Avenue.

“Which way are you going?” Stone asked.