“There aren’t too many people that tall. He should stand out in a crowd.”

“How big a crowd are we expecting?”

“About two hundred,” Callie said.

“There’ll be a tight guest list?”

“Pretty tight. If a guest wants to bring someone along, we’re not going to make a big thing of it.”

“And how many of these guests are likely to be armed?”

“Just the one,” Stone said drily.

Dino came out of his cabin, and Stone introduced him to Collender.

“Nice to meet a fellow officer,” Collender said. “I used to be the sheriff of Palm Beach County.”

“Mmmm,” Dino said. “Don’t let me interrupt, just keep going.”

“So,” Collender said, “how many people do you want here?”

“Twenty-four ought to do it,” Stone said.

“All armed?”

“Yes. Can you manage that?”

“Yeah, I can manage it. How do you want me to manage this Manning character, if we spot him?”

“Isolate him as quickly as possible, pat him down, check whatever name he gives you against the guest list and do it all very, very politely and apologetically. There are going to be some important people here, and we don’t want to annoy them any more than absolutely necessary.”

“Believe me,” Collender said, “we’re used to dealing with the rich and powerful in this town. We know how it’s done.”

“Good.”

“How do you want my people dressed?”

“Black tie. I don’t want them immediately identifiable as security. Do you have any women?”

“I’ve got four, all ex-officers and good.”

“Put them with men. Couples are less noticeable than single men.”

“Got it,” Collender said, taking notes. “If Manning starts shooting, what do you want done?”

Stone and Dino exchanged a glance. “Stop him in the most expedient way possible.”

Collender nodded sagely. “I get you.”

“I hope so,” Stone said. “I don’t want Manning to be able to hurt anybody. I think you can imagine how big a mess that would be.”

“Oh, yeah, I read you completely. Are we going to have any cops here?”

“I’m talking to Chief Griggs in a few minutes about that. I’ll let you know.”

Collender stood up. “Anything else?”

Stone shook his head.

“I’ll be going, then.” He gave Stone his card. “Call me if you think of anything else; there’s office, home and cell phone on the card.”

“Thanks, and it was good to meet you,” Stone said.

Callie escorted Collender off the yacht.

“You think this guy knows what he’s doing?” Dino asked.

“I hope to God he does. Callie says he’s the best around here.”

“Twenty-four guys with guns at a party? Let’s hope they don’t shoot each other.”

“Let’s hope,” Stone said.