“If I knew how to have him killed, I’d do it,” Gala said.

“No, no, no, murder isn’t the answer. I know someone who would do it, if I asked him, but I’m not going to.”

“He deserves to die.”

“Maybe he does, but I’m not going to make that decision. Quite apart from the moral considerations, which are daunting, murder is a very messy business, and there are too many ways to get caught. I know that all too well from my days as a homicide detective.”

“Are there any circumstances under which you would kill him?”

Stone shrugged. “Self-defense. Tell me, when you were divorced, did you have the locks here changed?”

“Every one of them,” she replied. “Were you thinking of luring him into the house?”

“No, that would make it murder.”

“Tell you what, you lure him into the house, and I’ll kill him.”

Stone laughed. “Do you want to spend the rest of your life in the New Mexico State Prison?”

“Of course not.”

“There’s an old saying among criminals—‘If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.’ That’s jailhouse wisdom.”

She fixed them another drink, then started dinner. “I’m just going to make some pasta,” she said.

“I’ll be pitifully grateful for anything,” he said.

Stone’s cell phone rang. “Hello?”

“Hi, it’s Billy Barnett.”

“Hi, Billy.”

“Did you leave L.A.?”

“Yes, we’re in Santa Fe, at Gala’s house.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Why, do you miss us already?”

“I had a look around Tirov’s house last night, and he wasn’t there. I made some calls and found out that he’s at a place called Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch, making a Western.”

“Yes, he told Gala that he was going on location.”

“Do you know where the Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch is?”

“No idea.”

“It’s just outside Santa Fe. Gala’s place is in Tesuque, right?”

“Right.”

“Then you’re about ten, fifteen miles from Bonanza Creek.”

“Oh, shit.”

“My sentiments exactly,” Billy said. “I think it would be a good idea if you invited me out there?”

“Consider yourself invited.”

“I’ll borrow the Mustang from Peter and come tomorrow morning.”

“We have plenty of room for you. Bring your wife, if you like.”

“Thanks, but not when I’m working. Where do you park?”

“Landmark Aviation. What time shall I pick you up?”

“I’ll arrange my own transport, thanks.”

Stone gave him directions to the house.

“It may be late in the day before I’m there.”

“All right, see you then.” He hung up.

“Who was that?” she asked.

“Billy Barnett. We’re going to have a houseguest from tomorrow night.”

“For how long?”

“I don’t know.”

“Does this have something to do with Boris?”