"Dolce is all right most of the time," Eduardo said to Stone. "But she occasionally has these…" He didn't finish the sentence. "I had hoped that if she were happily married, she might be all right." He stopped talking while the waiter set the dining table, then he motioned for his guests to take seats.
He poured them some wine and waited until they had begun to eat their pasta before continuing. "She's seen a psychiatrist from time to time, but she always discontinued treatment after a few sessions. Her doctor advised me at one point to have her hospitalized for a while, but instead I took her to Sicily, and after some time there, she seemed better."
"What can I do to help?" Stone asked.
"I'll have to ask her doctor to recommend some place out here where she can be treated," Eduardo replied.
"I believe I know a good place," Stone said. He told Eduardo about the Judson Clinic and Arrington's stay there. "Would you like me to call Dr. Judson?"
"I would be very grateful if you would do so," Eduardo replied.
Stone left the table, called the clinic, and asked them to get in touch with Judson and have him telephone him at the Bel-Air. "I'm sure they'll be able to find him," he said when he had returned. "I was very impressed with Judson," he told Eduardo.
"Good," Eduardo said. "I'll get in touch with her own doctor and ask him to come out here and consult."
"I expect that, after treatment, she'll be all right," Stone said.
"I hope so," Eduardo replied, but he did not sound hopeful.
The phone rang and Stone answered it. "Hello?"
"May I speak with Stone Barrington, please?"
"Speaking."
"Stone, this is Jim Judson, returning your call."
Stone briefly explained the circumstances. "Do you think you could admit her to your clinic? Her father will be in touch with her doctor in New York and ask him to come out here."
"Of course," Judson replied. "When can you bring her to the clinic?"
"I'm not sure," Stone said. "We have to find her."
"Is she likely to be violent?"
"That's a possibility, but I don't really know."
"I'll have my people prepare, then. When you're ready to bring her
here, just call the main number. I'll alert the front desk. If you need an ambulance or restraints, just let them know."
"Thank you, Jim; I'll be in touch." Stone hung up and returned to the table. "Dr. Judson will admit her," he said.
"But now we have to find her," Dino said. "Where do we look?"
Eduardo sighed. "I know where she is," he said sadly. "She's at the home of some friends of mine who are out of the country. We'll go there together."
Stone shook his head. "Dino and I can do this, Eduardo. Dolce is already angry with me; let's not make her angry with you, too."
Eduardo nodded. He found a pad, wrote down the address, and handed it to Stone. "I know I don't have to ask you to be gentle with her."
"Of course, I will be."
"But be careful," Eduardo said. "Don't allow her to endanger you or Dino."
Stone nodded and shook Eduardo's hand. "When this is done," Eduardo said, "there's something else I must talk with you about. Please call me."
"I'll call you as soon as we get Dolce to the clinic." He and Dino left before dessert arrived.