The phone buzzed again, and Stone picked it up.
“Mrs. Finger isn’t in,” Joan said. “The maid said she’s expected back from Las Vegas later today.”
Stone was taken aback. “Las Vegas?”
“That’s what the maid said. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“Nah, it’s got to be a coincidence.”
“Maybe it’s a farewell dirty weekend,” Joan said.
“No, I think she’s too pissed off at Bernie for that. It’s got to be a coincidence.”
“Anyway, I left a message for her to call.”
“You know what to tell her if I’m not here.”
“Sure. Bye.” Joan hung up.
Stone checked the block for signs of Devlin Daltry or his two ex-cops, then took Celia’s bags out to the car. She handed him a slip of paper.
“Here’s how to reach me,” she said.
“And you have my numbers.”
She kissed him. “Thanks for taking such good care of me.”
He laughed. “I think you took better care of me.” He waved her off, then went back into the house and his office.
Joan buzzed him.
“Yes?”
“Sam Teich for you on line one.”
Stone picked up the phone. “Good morning, Sam. Where’s the accounting?”
“Good morning, Stone. I’m happy to tell you that an accounting won’t be necessary.”
“Oh, yes it will,” Stone said.
“You don’t understand.”
“What don’t I understand?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Finger have reconciled; there won’t be a divorce.”
Stone was stunned. Visions of stacks of money blowing away in the wind raced through his mind.
“They spent a long weekend in Las Vegas and put their marriage back together.”
“I’ll believe that when I hear it from Mrs. Finger,” Stone said.
“I’m sure you will hear from her as soon as she returns to New York later today,” Teich said. “I know this must be a great disappointment to you, Stone,” Teich said drily. “I’m sure you were looking forward to a large fee.”
“If it’s true, then I’m very happy for them both,” Stone said. “Good-bye, Sam.” He hung up. Joan was standing in the doorway.
“What’s going on?” she asked.