"It seems that Dolce took the gun from my house."
Dino groaned. "Are the cops coming?"
"I didn't call them," Charlene said.
"Why not?" Stone asked. "I told you to call nine-one-one."
"Two reasons: First, the tabloids would make my life hell if they found out that somebody shot up my house; second, I know who her father is."
Stone nodded. "All right."
"Also, once I had the Berretta in my hand, I figured I could handle her."
"Yeah, I thought I could handle her, too," Stone said. He turned to Dino. "Is Eduardo still in L.A.?"
Dino nodded. "At the Bel-Air."
Stone turned back to Charlene. "You want to come with us? Maybe you shouldn't stay here tonight."
"I'll come with you," she said. "I'll sleep at the studio in my RV; let me get some things." She disappeared into the bedroom again.
Stone picked up the phone, dialed the Bel-Air, and asked for Eduardo."
"Yes?"
"Eduardo, it's Stone Barrington."
"Good evening, Stone."
"It's important that I come and see you right away"
"Of course; I'll be here."
"I'll be there in an hour."
"Have you had dinner?"
"No."
"I'll order something."
"Thank you." He hung up as Charlene emerged from her bedroom, wearing jeans and a sweater and carrying a small duffel.
They drove into town, not talking much. Charlene wedged into the space behind the two front seats. Stone dropped Dino at the bungalow. "Tell Mary Ann I'm sorry I can't have dinner, but don't tell her what's happened."
"I'll send her back to Arrington's with the car," Dino said. "I'm coming with you."
"You don't have to, Dino."
"I'm coming."
"I'll be right back." He drove Charlene to her RV and got her settled there. "Will you be all right here?"
"Sure, I will. The fridge is full; I'll eat something and watch TV. Will you come back later?"
"Probably not," Stone said. "I have to take care of this."
"I understand."