“I can’t tell you that.”
“Is your interest in him personal, or are you working for someone else?”
“Both.”
“Who are you?”
“Do you wish to continue to represent me in this matter?” Now Bartholomew was angry.
“I don’t much care one way or the other,” Stone replied evenly, “but I don’t like to be kept in the dark about the motives for my investigation.”
“I’m afraid it will have to be that way for a time, but I’d like very much for you to continue.”
Stone made his decision. “All right, I’ll continue.” Until I find out what the hell is going on, he thought.
“Good. But please keep the phone I gave you on your person at all times. I don’t like not being able to reach you.”
“All right.”
“Contact me again when you have something to report.”
“All right.”
Bartholomew hung up without further ado.
Stone called Bill Eggers.
“Hi there, you called while I was in Chile?”
“Yes, I did. You’re going to Chile for the weekend, nowadays?”
“At the invitation of a client who has a Gulfstream Four.”
“You’re a lucky man. Who is the man you sent to see me last week?”
“How do you mean, ‘who’?”
“What’s his real name, for a start.”
“I thought it was Bartholomew.”
“It’s not; I know that much. How did he come to you?”
“A client referred him.”
“Who’s the client?”
“I’m afraid that’s confidential.”
“Where is the client located?”
“In Washington; you can infer what you wish from that.”
“I will. Do you have any idea what Bartholomew really wants?”
“I don’t even know what he told you he wants.”
“He told me a cock-and-bull story, and I’m annoyed.”