“I can’t swear to it, but I think so. I remember that the initial ‘G’ appeared in the names on all three licenses.”
“What does he have against Dick Hickock?”
“I don’t know, but I know what he has against me.”
“What?”
“After we stopped… seeing each other, I was very angry with him, and I did something that someone in my position should never do – I used the Infiltrator to get back at him.”
“How?”
“He was trying to make a career as an actor in L.A., and I assigned a reporter to call a couple of dozen casting directors and studios, and let drop that the Infiltrator was investigating him. Of course, no one would have anything to do with him after that. He left town and, I think, came to New York.”
“What does he look like?”
“Early to mid-thirties, tall, slender, but well-built, light brown hair, highlighted at the ends. He’s quite beautiful, actually.” Peebles sounded regretful.
Amanda had produced a notebook and was writing furiously. “Have you had him investigated? Really, I mean?”
“No; I’m afraid to. I’m afraid of what he’ll do.”
“What do you mean?”
“He has a somewhat unsavory background. He hinted at working for some government agency at one time, something secret. That may have been bragging, of course, but I don’t really doubt it. He seems to have all sorts of, well, skills that ordinary people never come by. And he has a violent streak.” Peebles blinked rapidly. “I’m terribly afraid of violence. Also, I can’t be seen by anyone to have had an interest in him. I’ve compromised myself too much already; my whole world is hanging by a slender thread.”
“I understand your position,” Amanda said. “Why did you come to me?”
“You already have an investigation under way that is not seen as being connected with me. Stone Barrington has a reputation as very bright and discreet; if he can track this thing down and put it out of business – quietly – then we’re all safe: Hickock, you, and me.”
“I see,” Amanda said.
“Tell your investigator as much of what I’ve told you as you feel is necessary, but for God’s sake, keep my name out of it, if you possibly can. I don’t know any more than I’ve told you, so there’s no point in my speaking directly to Barrington. Will you do that?”
“I’ll have to think about this,” Amanda said. “About the best way to approach it. Of course, I’ll keep your name out of it… if I can.”
Peebles’s face fell; he obviously knew that his fate was in her hands. “I would be very, very grateful,” he said.
Amanda lowered her window and waved at Paul. In a moment they were rolling back toward the East Side.
“Where can I drop you?” Amanda asked.
“Anywhere,” Peebles said disconsolately. “It really doesn’t matter.”
Chapter 35
On the morning following his return from the hospital, Stone felt well for the first time since his encounter with the intruder. He was sitting at his desk, trying to make some sense of the work that had accumulated, when his secretary buzzed.
“Yes, Alma?”
“Bob Cantor is here to see you,” she said.
“Send him in.”
Cantor was, uncharacteristically, wearing a business suit. “How you doing, Stone? Recovered?”
“Much better, thanks.”
“This guy is some piece of work, huh?”