Dirt (Stone Barrington 2)

“We’re talking about you, Stone.”

“I surprised a prowler in my house, right before he surprised me.”

“A burglar?”

“Maybe. He took my wristwatch and the cash in my wallet.”

“Maybe a burglar?”

“Maybe not.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I think he may have been bugging my house and phones again.”

“Does that mean he’ll try to do my place again?”

“Possibly, although being caught at it might give him pause. I wouldn’t count on it, though.”

“How can I stop him?”

“Hire a security guard, I suppose. Do you want me to find somebody for you? I might be able to get an off-duty cop to sit on your apartment and offices.”

“Oh. Yes, I would like you to find somebody for me.”

“I’ll make a call or two.”

“Stone, does this business mean this person is getting violent?”

“Not necessarily, unless he’s caught in the act.”

“I do not want to catch him in the act.”

“That’s what the cop will be for. I don’t think you have to worry about violence, Amanda; he hasn’t attacked anyone else but me, and I did get in his way.”

“I’m relieved to hear it, but I’d still like your policeman to come. How soon can you get somebody?”

“Right after my nap,” Stone said. “They want me to take lots of naps.”

“Oh, of course, I don’t want to interfere with your recovery.”

“Don’t worry about it; I can still use a phone.”

“What kind of watch was it?”

“What?”

“Your wristwatch that was stolen; what kind?”

“A Rolex. It had my name engraved on the back.”

“What kind of Rolex?”

“The quartz one; I don’t remember what they call it. Why are you worried about my watch?”

“I was just curious. You go back to sleep, and call me when you’ve found a guard for me.”

“I’ll do that,” Stone said, and hung up.