“You know it. How’s the Derek Sharpe operation going?”
“It’s going. Mitzi’s a smart cop; she’s handling it very well. I’m just trying to stay out of the way.”
“That doesn’t sound like you.”
“Well, I’ve seen Sharpe with her a couple of times, and I give her advice.”
“That’s very fatherly of you. What else is going on there?”
“Let’s not get into that,” Stone said, a little embarrassed.
“Oh, so that’s what’s going on.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions.”
“What, you think I condemn you for sleeping with more than one woman at a time?”
“It’s your Catholic upbringing,” Stone said.
“I got over that a long time ago,” Dino replied.
“Catholics never get over it. I’ll bet you still go to confession.”
“Every couple of years, maybe. I love shocking the priest.”
“I’ll bet you do.”
“It’s a good thing you’re not Catholic,” Dino said. “At confession, you’d give a priest a heart attack.”
“You’re right. It’s a good thing I’m not Catholic; I’m not sure I could bear the guilt.”
“Guilt is very important,” Dino said. “It keeps you on the fairly straight and narrow.”
“The fairly straight and narrow? I like that.”
“So do I,” Dino said.
They split the check and walked outside, where Dino’s unmarked car with driver awaited him.
“You want a lift?” Dino asked.
“No, thanks. I think I’ll walk home, get some exercise.”
“I thought you were getting lots of exercise,” Dino said, laughing.
“Well, the cardiovascular thing is important,” Stone said.
“See you later.” Dino got into his car and was driven away.
Stone wal
ked home and entered through the outside door to his office.
Joan flagged him down. “Eduardo Bianci’s secretary called. He would like you to come to lunch at his home tomorrow at noon.”
Eduardo was a mind reader, Stone thought. “Say that I accept with pleasure.”
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