“He attacked me, and I hit him twice, gave him a bloody nose. He had no more fight left in him, so I asked the security people to allow him to clean up, then escort him from the building and not allow him to return.”

“Well, I suppose that’s better than having him arrested.”

“That was my first thought.”

“I’m glad you didn’t act on it. We’d have been all over the yellow press this morning. As it was, they didn’t get wind of what happened. Security found Tirov’s car and driver and put him in it. Presumably, he went home.”

“I should think so. He was a mess, and he wouldn’t have wanted his friends at the table to see him. I think his nose may be broken. By the way, Marcel, I’ve already barred him from our Bel-Air hotel. I’d like him barred from all our hotels, present and future.”

“Agreed. I’ll send out an e-mail to the managers.”

“Especially the one next door to me in England. It would be like him to try to check in there.”

“All right, especially that one.” He sat down at his computer and wrote the e-mail. “Uh-oh,” he said. “I got an immediate reply from the Beaulieu hotel. Tirov has a reservation for a week, checking in tonight. I’ll have them get in touch with Tirov and cancel.”

“Thank you, Marcel.”

“When are you returning to England?”

“This afternoon. I’ll release the van at the airport.”

—

Stone went back to the Arrington and found his party lounging in their suite.

“Everybody ready to go back to England?”

“We’re flying back to New York with Mike Freeman,” Dino said.

“I can be ready in an hour,” Gala said. “I’ll get started now.” Viv went with her to help.

“Sit down,” Dino said, “I have some news.”

Stone sat down. “Hit me with it.”

“You’ll recall our conversation in England about my retiring from the NYPD?”

“I recall that, and I’d be happy to have you at Windward Hall for as much of the year as you’d like.”

“Well, out of the blue, Mike Freeman approached me and suggested that I come to work for Strategic Services as a board member and consultant.”

“Now that’s interesting.”

“You’re damned right it is. The money is three times my city salary, and I’d have the freedom to spend time in England or wherever else I’d like. The only problem I can see is that when Viv gets moved up to chief operating officer, I’d be working for my wife.”

Stone laughed. “She’d probably be a pretty good boss.”

“She’d just be the boss. Would you want to work for your wife?”

“Well, I’m staying out of that conversation. It’s one that only you and Viv should be involved in. Maybe Mike could have you report only to him.”