The Short Forever (Stone Barrington 8)

“Got any ideas?”

“Why don’t I take Lance Cabot to lunch?”

“Someplace good, I hope.”

Stone picked up the phone and called Lance’s number.

Erica answered. “Oh, hello, Stone,” she said brightly. “How are you?”

“Very well, thanks; is Lance there?”

“Sure, just a minute.”

“Good morning, Stone,” Lance said.

“Good morning; are you free for lunch today?”

“Sure; where?”

“The Connaught grill, at twelve-thirty?”

“See you then.”

Stone hung up.

“What do you hope to accomplish by having lunch with him?” Dino asked.

“A few days ago, he tried to bring me into some sort of business deal; I blew him off at the time, but now I feel more receptive. Also, it will give you a good look at Lance; I’ll get you a table, too.” He called downstairs and made the reservations.

Stone arrived in the grill on time; Dino was already seated a couple of tables away from his own; Lance showed up five minutes later.

“Well, what’s up?” Lance asked, after they had ordered lunch.

“Last weekend, you asked me to do some legal work for you in New York.”

“Yes, but you weren’t interested; I accept that.”

“Now I’m interested.”

“What changed your mind?”

“I have some time on my hands here. I won’t do the legal work myself, but I’ll give you the name of a man who can handle it. I’m more interested in participating in the business end of the, ah, transaction.”

“You mean you want a piece of the action?”

“If I like the action.”

“I assume you’d be willing to make an investment?”

“That depends on what the deal is and how big an investment you want.”

“Could you come up with a quarter of a million dollars?”

“If I were sufficiently motivated.”

“What do you want to know?”

“Everything.”