Worst Fears Realized (Stone Barrington 5)

Stone went into the study, hoping against hope that Martin Brougham’s telephone number was not unlisted. It was not. He called the number, and when a woman answered, asked to speak to Bill Eggers, hoping he was still there. He was.

“Hello?”

“Bill, it’s Stone; listen carefully: the tapes that Marty used to convict Dante were somehow falsified by Deacon, or somebody in his division. I have this on very good authority.”

“Thank you,” Bill said. “That’s very interesting.”

“How’s it going?”

“Call me tomorrow.” He hung up.

Stone hung up and went back to the kitchen.

“This information was helpful?” Bianchi asked.

“I believe so; I won’t know for sure until tomorrow.”

“I would very much like to know the outcome of this,” Bianchi said.

“I will certainly let you know.”

“It is terrible to see such abuses of power by public officials,” Bianchi said. “To think that a man like Brougham could destroy another’s livelihood for nothing more than his own political benefit. He wants to be district attorney, of course, when the present occupant of that office finally vacates.”

“I’ve heard that.”

“Perhaps it would be a public service if that could be prevented,” Bianchi said.

“Perhaps so.”

“I will give it some thought.” Bianchi looked at his watch. “Well, it is getting late; I must go. I will leave you young people to your evening.” He shook hands with Stone, and Dolce walked him to the front door.

Stone had another cup of coffee and waited for her to r

eturn.

She came in. “Now you can bring your bags up,” she said, kissing him.

Stone went to the garage for his luggage and returned.

“Your father knows we were together in Connecticut,” he said.

“He talked to Lou this morning, so that cat is out of the bag. Still, I didn’t think he would like to see you arrive with luggage.” She kissed him again. “Now, how about another slice of Italian cheesecake?”

“I’m starving,” Stone said.

Half an hour later, Dolce stroked Stone’s face. “What’s the matter?” she asked.

“I don’t know; just tired, I guess.” He had discovered that he could not think of Arrington and make love to Dolce at the same time.

“You’ll get over her,” Dolce whispered into his ear.

Stone pretended to fall asleep.

51

D INO’S DRIVER DOUBLE-PARKED THE CAR and put down the visor with the police badge. “There’s the shop,” Dino said. “You want to take the back or the front?”

“He’s not going to run, Dino,” Stone replied. “He’s a legit parolee with no violations.”