Worst Fears Realized (Stone Barrington 5)

“That would be the Calders.”

“Why, yes; how did you know?”

“I sold Vance the house about four years ago. Of course, he’s pulled it apart and put it back together since then. He’s a charming man, isn’t he?”

“Yes, he is.”

“How do you know them?”

“A mutual friend introduced me to them a couple of years ago at a dinner party. Then I saw something of them in LA last year and got to know Vance a little better.”

“Oh, I haven’t met Mrs. Calder yet; her name is Arrington, isn’t it?”

“That’s right.”

Dinner was served, and they began to eat.

“I hear she’s lovely; she was a writer before they married, wasn’t she?”

“Yes, she wrote for several magazines.”

“And I read in the paper that they have a new baby.”

“Right, again. You don’t miss much, Carolyn.”

David spoke up. “You might say that Carolyn is the unofficial historian of Litchfield County.”

“You’re going to love Vance’s house,” Carolyn said.” It’s really something.”

“I can’t wait to see it,” Stone replied. They finished their first course. Stone looked into the back room and saw Warkowski’s companion leave the table, apparently for the ladies’ room. Stone stood up. “Will you excuse me for a moment? I’ll be right back.”

He walked into the back room and stopped at Warkowski’s table. “Good evening,” he said. “Do you mind if I sit down for a moment?”

Warkowski looked up at him. “Suit yourself.”

Stone slid into the booth opposite him. “You live around here?”

Warkowski shook his head. “Just a weekend outing with the wife.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you the last time I was at the prison.”

“I was pretty busy at the time,” Warkowski said.

“Look, I know that Dino got off on the wrong foot with you, but there’s something really serious going on, and we need your help.”

“We?”

“Dino and I are both involved.”

“What is it?”

“We need to find Herbert Mitteldorfer, and quickly”

“I’ve no idea where he is,” Warkowski replied. “He didn’t leave a forwarding address.”

“Is there anyone you know who might have a way of contacting him?”

Warkowski shook his head. “Nope.”