Strategic Moves (Stone Barrington 19)

“It would be very pleasant to come and see you, Pablo.”

“Stone, I would like you to draw a new will for me.”

“I’d be happy to, as a courtesy.”

“I’ll messenger over a list of my bequests, so you can have it ready to be executed when I see you.”

“Pablo, do you have a residence in Florida?”

“I do, in Palm Beach.”

“I’m going to get a document for you to sign declaring Florida as your legal residence.”

“Is there a tax or some other advantage?”

“Yes, you’ll avoid paying New York State and City income taxes. In Florida you’ll pay a small intangibles tax on your investment holdings—stocks and bonds.”

“That would be acceptable,” Pablo said.

“What address have you filed your tax returns from?”

“My Marbella address.”

“Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“Can you recommend a trustworthy private detective?”

“I can, but I need to know what you have in mind. I don’t want to screw up our deal with these people, either before or after our meeting with them. You’re going to have to promise to be a law-abiding citizen.”

“Then let’s wait until we meet to discuss that.”

“Certainly.”

“Do you need any other local referrals?”

“A good shoe repair shop,” Pablo said.

“Jim’s Shoe Repair, East Fifty-ninth, between Park and Lex.”

“Thank you

so much, Stone.”

“They’ll be here at nine sharp on Monday morning,” Stone said. “I suggest you come here at eight for breakfast, so we can have a little time to talk.”

“I’ll be there at eight sharp,” Pablo said.

“Good day, then.” Stone hung up. This was going to be either fun or absolute hell, depending on how Lance conducted himself, and Stone knew he could do little about that.

THIRTY-TWO

Stone was nearly done for the day when Joan buzzed once again. “Stephanie Gunn Fisher for you on line one.”

Stone thought that sounded like the name of a substantial heiress and socially prominent woman, which, of course, she was.

He pressed the button. “Good afternoon, Stephanie.”

“Hello, Stone,” she said cheerfully. “How are you?”