Swimming to Catalina (Stone Barrington 4)

“My impression was that Lisa would have enjoyed being tampered with,” he said.

“Would you have enjoyed it?”

“What’s not to enjoy?”

She laughed. “I like your attitude. Maybe the next time you come out here I can arrange something like that.”

“What an exciting idea.”

She had his genitals in both hands now, and they were both unbearably excited. She lay down beside him and took him into her, throwing a leg over his body. From that time until morning they did not speak again.

“So, you’re leaving today?” Betty asked over breakfast.

“Maybe. Or maybe I’ll stick around a little longer.”

“What for? Last night you sounded determined to leave.”

Tired of cat-and-mouse, he decided to go for broke. “Ippolito interests me,” he said.

“The banker? Why?”

“I think he’s behind all this.”

“Behind what?”

“Affington’s disappearance.”

“That doesn’t make any sense at all, Stone,” she said, sounding worried.

“I’m beginning to think it does. I think the two men who followed us the other night work for Ippolito.”

She stopped eating. “Stone, I think it’s better that you stay away from Mr. Ippolito.”

“Why? It’s a free country. I’ve been a cop and an investigator long enough to know that you can find out anything about

anybody, and I’m going to find out more about Ippolito.”

“That could be dangerous,” she said quietly.

“I thought you didn’t know anything about the man,” he said, “and here you are telling me he’s dangerous.”

“It’s just an impression.”

“And how did you get that impression?”

“Just from things I’ve heard.” She looked at her watch. “God, I’ve got to get to the office; Vance is coming in early this morning for a meeting about a new film.”

Stone walked her to the door. “I want to thank you,” he said. “You’ve been wonderful.”

She put her arms around his neck. “If you want to thank me, go back to New York today.”

“I don’t think so,” Stone said.

She looked frightened but said nothing. She kissed him and ran out the door.

Stone watched her go, wondering how long it would take to pass on their conversation.

It took until just before lunch. The phone rang.