“I can’t wait to see your new boat.”

“I’ll ring you as soon as I get my hands on it.”

“Goodbye then, and congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“And au revoir.”

“Indeed.” He hung up, called the tailor to make an appointment.

“You’re at Windward Hall, on the Beaulieu, is that right, Mr. Barrington?”

“That’s correct.”

“I have another call to make near you today. I could visit you at, say, four?”

“Perfect.”

“And may I ask, sir, what size hat do you wear?”

“Seven and a half.”

“I’ll bring a couple.”

“Good. See you then.” He hung up.

He had been working for an hour when a call came in on his cell phone. “Hello?”

“Stone, it’s Phil Bennett, at Hinckley.” Bennett was the sales director.

“How are you, Phil?”

“Very well, thanks. I have good news. Your boat arrived at Southampton the day before yesterday and cleared customs yesterday. Our team is working on unpacking and cleaning it now, and they tell me they can deliver her to your dock tomorrow around noon.”

“Excellent news!”

“Their names are Chris and Dustin. I’ll give you their cell numbers.”

Stone wrote them down.

“They’ve arranged lodging at an inn near your house, so your training can begin tomorrow, if that’s all right.”

Three days of training were included in the price. “It could not be more perfect.”

“Is your dock well marked?”

“There’s a sign saying ‘Windward Hall.’”

“They’ll call when they’re a few minutes out.”

“I’ll look forward to seeing them.” He hung up and Geoffrey reappeared.

“Ms. Wilde has rung from London. She’ll be on the five-ten from Waterloo Station. Shall I meet her, sir?”

“No, just bring the Porsche around, and I’ll meet her myself.”

“You know the route to the station, sir?”

“I do.”

Geoffrey handed him the keys to the Porsche. “The car is already out front, sir. I’d allow twenty minutes to drive to the station.”

“That’s good. I’m expecting a tailor at four o’clock. You may show him in here when he arrives.”

“Very good, sir.” And Geoffrey left him to his work.

The tailor arrived on time, and Stone selected fabric for the two suits, then tried on a hat. He had never worn a club yachting cap, and, in the mirror, he thought he looked ridiculous. Nevertheless, he bought two.

16

Stone met Gala and several shopping bags at Southampton station and drove her back to the house. “How did your day go?”

“Just fine. I enjoyed myself.”

“Did you encounter Boris at Cecconi?”

“I was sitting on the back side of the bar, and I saw him come in and take a table on the other side of the room. I got out without being seen, I think.”

“That’s a relief. What do you suppose he’s doing in London?”

“Business, I expect. He often shoots at Pinewood Studios.”