AFTERWARD, AS STONE was explaining to the mayor, Tom Donnelly, and Dino what had happened, he saw Fred leave the two detectives and approach. He waved the little man over. “Mayor,” he said, “I’d like to introduce you to the gentleman who just saved your life. This is Frederick Flicker, formerly of the Royal Marines.”

The mayor pumped Fred’s hand, who looked embarrassed.

Fred shook the offered hands, then said, “I’d better get the car.” And he did.

When they were driving uptown, Stone said, “Fred, I’m glad we got you that carry license.”

“So am I, sir,” Fred replied. “I considered shooting the man but thought better of it.”

“I’m so glad you did, Fred,” Stone said.

Chapter 52

Stone waited dinner for Ann, and she managed to get home at eight o’clock, looking flustered.

“Anything bad happen?” Stone asked.

“That depends on your definition of ‘bad,’” she replied, then she threw up her hands. “Don’t ask!”

“All right, I won’t.” He led her to the study and poured her a martini. “Helene is putting the finishing touches on dinner,” he said.

“So, how was your day?”

“Well, let’s see. The police commissioner resigned from office and announced for mayor. The mayor appointed Dino to succeed as commissioner, effective immediately, and Fred tackled a gunman and saved the mayor’s life.”

“What? Tell me everything!”

Stone told her everything. He was about to pour them another drink when Fred entered the study.

“Excuse me, Mr. Barrington, dinner is served in the kitchen.”

“Fred,” Ann said, “I want to congratulate you on your bravery this afternoon. I’ve heard all about it, and that was a marvelous piece of work.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Fred said. “I saw my duty, and I done it, that’s all.”

“That’s all anyone can ask of a man,” Stone observed.

“Ah, Mr. Barrington, I’m sorry to bring this up, but I’ve been besieged by all sorts of newspaper and television people for interviews.”

“Do you want to become even more famous, Fred? If so, grant the interviews.”

“Oh, no, sir, I was trained to do my duty quietly and avoid public exposure.”

“Then ask Joan to tell them all that Mr. Flicker wishes to maintain his privacy and not grant any interviews or photos.”

“A very good plan, Mr. Barrington. I’ll tell Joan.”

Fred led them downstairs as if they didn’t know the way and seated Ann while Stone selected a bottle from the wine cooler. He decanted it and poured them each a glass.

“Oh, Greek food!” Ann enthused. “My favorite.”

“Now that Helene has heard you say that, you may never be given anything else,” Stone said.