Unnatural Acts (Stone Barrington 23)

“Just great. Did you spot my security people around the place?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Then I’ve done my work well. You’ll probably run into Josh Hook, who is personally supervising the crew. All the cameras are in operation, too, so none of the guests had better lift anything.”

Dino Bacchetti got off the elevator with a beautiful woman in what Herbie thought must be an Armani dress. Dino’s arm was still in a sling, but he looked well. Greetings were exchanged, and drinks were snagged from passing waiters. He shook Herbie’s hand. “I’d like you to meet Vivian DeCarlo,” he said, and she offered her hand.

“I’m very pleased to meet you, and thank you for saving Dino’s ass last week.”

“It was my pleasure,” Viv replied, smiling.

“No date tonight?” Stone asked.

“Just Marshall,” Herbie replied.

“No Allison?”

“Allison bowed out,” Herbie said, shrugging. “She felt that having an office relationship wasn’t good for her career.”

“She’s probably right,” Stone said.

A waiter passed, paging the guests to a large buffet dinner set up in the dining room. Everyone got a plate and a glass of wine and found seats.

Mark Hayes came by and welcomed everyone. “I want to thank you, Herb,” he said, “for making this happen.”

“It was more of a pleasure than I can tell you,” Herbie replied. “And you’re welcome. How’s the software going?”

“We’re out of beta and on the market,” Mark said, “and the reviews have been amazing.”

“I smell an IPO coming,” Herbie said.

“You have a good nose-hang on to your stock.”

“I certainly will.”

“The IPO is going to be something,” Marshall said. “There’s great anticipation in the industry and in the investment world, too.”

“Then maybe I’ll hang on to my stock for a few years, instead of dumping it on day one,” Herbie said.

“Good idea.”

After dinner, Herbie and Marshall climbed a broad staircase to the upper floor of the penthouse and wandered around. They found themselves alone in the master bedroom.

“I’m sure there’s a john around here somewhere,” Marshall said. “Excuse me while I find it.”

Herbie stepped out onto the bedroom’s terrace and was amazed at the view north. It was a cool night, clear of any haze, and the city’s skyline looked like a gigantic movie set. He leaned on the railing and took it all in.

“Well, Herb,” he heard a voice behind him say, so he turned around.

Dink Brennan was standing there, uncomfortably close to him. “Hello, Dink,” he said. He put a hand on Dink’s chest and pushed slightly. “Back off just a little, will you?”

Dink took hold of Herbie’s wrist and twisted a little. “This is good,” he said. “Did you take a look over the rail?”

“No, I didn’t,” Herbie said, trying to free his hand.

“Straight drop, seven or eight stories to the alley,” Dink said. “I’ve been waiting for a moment like this with you.”

Herbie was backed up against the rail, with Dink only inches from him, so he didn’t have much room to swing. He closed his free left hand and aimed a straight punch to Dink’s nose, but Dink saw it coming and turned his head back, and the blow glanced off his cheek.