Cold Paradise (Stone Barrington 7)

Manning signed the documents on a credenza behind Stone, and the woman notarized them.

“When do we get your client’s signature?” Ginsky asked.

“She’ll sign today, and the documents will be FedExed to your New York office right away.”

Ginsky gave Stone his business card.

The notary left. “What about the money?” Manning asked.

“To be wire-transferred as soon as the judge signs the divorce decree,” Stone said.

“It’s in the documents, Paul. He’ll provide a release from the insurance company at the same time. The deal won’t be final until we’re in receipt of those two items.”

“I don’t like waiting,” Manning said.

“It can’t be helped,” Ginsky replied. “It’s how these things are done. Trust me.”

Stone heard the door open and close behind him.

“Sorry, my client’s a little edgy today,” Ginsky said.

“How’d you get mixed up in this, Ed?” Stone asked.

“I’ve known him since college. He popped up in my life only a short time ago, when he got the e-mails from yo

u.”

“Can you make him hew to the terms of the agreement?”

“I think so. He wants out of the marriage, and he wants the insurance matter off his back.”

“I’ll tell you, off the record,” Stone said, “that if he doesn’t stick to the letter and the spirit of the agreement, I’ll take it upon myself to expose him for who he is, and in a very public way.”

“Are you threatening me, Stone?” Ginsky asked.

“No, Ed, I’m threatening Paul Manning, and I mean it. You should know that he’s a dangerous man, and my advice to you is, when this matter is concluded, to stay as far away from him as you can.”

“That may be good advice,” Ginsky admitted.

Stone put his copies of the document into his briefcase and stood up.

Ginsky stood up, too. “We saw you taxi up and get out of the airplane,” he said. “I was expecting you to drive in. Where are you flying back to?”

“I’d rather not say,” Stone said.

“I don’t think you’ll have any more trouble from Paul. Where do you want to do the divorce?”

“Anywhere in Florida will do.”

“I know a judge here in Palm Beach, and I’m licensed to practice here.”

“Fine with me. I’m not licensed here, so I’ll get Bill Eggers to find somebody. He’ll be in touch.”

“I’ll look forward to receiving the signed documents tomorrow.” Ginsky held out his hand.

Stone shook it. “Thanks for getting him to see sweet reason, Ed.”

“See you around the courts in New York, I expect.”