“I suppose Americans—and Russians—might be less aware of her identity than Englishmen.”

“Perhaps so.”

“I take it you wish to have your property protected by the Hampshire police?”

“I am reluctant to make such a request, but I would be grateful for your advice on how to proceed.”

“I should think that a uniformed officer at your gate and another on your dock for a few days might achieve the desired result,” Holmes said.

“That would be extremely generous of you.”

“I’ll see to it upon my return to my office.”

“I wonder if there is a suitable police charity to which I might contribute by way of thanks?”

“There is.” Holmes told him its name, and Stone instructed Geoffrey to ask the estate manager, Major Bugg, to produce a check, which Holmes found to be very generous. He was also able to persuade the policeman to depart with a bottle of the Oloroso.

On his way out, the chief inspector was also glad to reacquaint himself with the commissioner of New York City Police, whom he had met on an earlier visit to Windward Hall.

As he departed, Stone felt glad that Holmes now rated his own car and driver, since he would have not wished the gentleman to attempt the roads with so much Oloroso on board.

“How much did the man have to drink?” Dino asked as the car drove away.

“About half a bottle of very potent sherry,” Stone replied.

“Any luck with police help?”

“A uniformed officer at the gate and another at the dock.”

“I would call that sherry well spent,” Dino said.

“I would call it expensive police protection,” Stone replied, “given the rarity of the Oloroso.”

“How rare was it?”

“Probably obtainable only at auction, after spirited bidding.”

“You may have a point,” Dino agreed.

“Would you like to try a glass?”

“I would.”

“Come with me,” Stone said, and they repaired to the library to conduct a tasting.

20

Before departing for Rome, Stone called the cell number of the CIA station chief in Rome.

“How are you, Jim?”

“As well as can be expected, Stone. Are you coming to Rome for the opening of the Arrington?”

“I am, and I hope you got your invitation.”

“I did, and my wife is going nuts. We’ll be there. Tell me, would you like some hangar space in our facility at Ciampino?”

Ciampino was Rome’s principal general aviation airport.

“Thank you, yes.”

“When do you expect to arrive there?”

“Between four and five this afternoon.”

“A line cart will be waiting to escort you to our hangar there. Are you being met by a car and driver?”

“I expect Marcel to provide that transportation.”

“I will leave word at the gate, and the vehicle will be escorted into the hangar. Please wait for your airplane to be towed inside before deplaning—it’s more secure that way. I assume your tail number is unchanged?”

“That is correct.”