“I shouldn’t think so,” Stone replied. “It’s usually enough if they can’t get into the club. I don’t think anybody who was blackballed has ever lasted more than a season.”

“Well,” Lance said, “they’ve already been kicked out of the club. That’s a start.”

“It didn’t stop them from buying a house,” Stone pointed out, “but it will certainly curtail their social lives. It’s not as though there’s a lot to do here, except for sailing, golf, and tennis.”

“And what we’re doing,” Primmy said to Stone, nudging him.

“Well, there is that, isn’t there?” Viv said, smirking.

A tiny, repetitive beep started.

“What’s that sound?” Dino asked.

“It’s from the security system,” Stone said.

“What does it mean?”

“It’s telling us that there’s somebody on the property on foot.” He rose. “Dino, shall we take a short stroll?”

“Why not?” Dino got up.

“Need help?” Henry Lee asked.

“Not unless you hear gunfire,” Stone said. “We’ll be right back.”

21

Stone retrieved a couple of small flashlights from a drawer and tossed one to Dino. “Don’t use that, unless you absolutely have to. It will just make you a target.”

“Gotcha,” Dino replied.

Stone switched off the back porch light. The two of them checked their weapons, then stepped outside. Stone held out a hand. “Listen. Hear anything?”

They both listened. Branches were snapping and leaves rustling. Someone was not bothering to move quietly.

“Let’s go,” Dino said. “Follow the noises.”

They set off toward the sounds, away from the yacht club. The forest had been cleared of undergrowth here, and they could move quickly.

“If I hear weapons being cocked, I’m going to start shooting,” Dino said.

The noises stopped, and Dino held up a hand. There was a new sound. Someone panting. “I guess they were running,” he whispered.

“No lights yet,” Stone whispered back. “I want to be able to see something before we pour more light on it.”

“Okay. After you.”

Stone crept forward. The brush was thickening. They must be on the property next door, he thought. “Stop,” he whispered. He could hear the panting again, but he could see nothing. “The hell with it. Let’s use the lights.”

“You, first,” Dino said.

“Thanks so much.” Stone flicked on his light. Dino followed quickly. Something moved up ahead. “They’re in black clothing,” Stone said.

“Their weapons must be black, too,” Dino replied. “Sweep right, slowly.”

They panned their lights to their right. Nothing. “Back left,” Stone said. They reached their first aiming point, then continued left.

“Oh, shit,” Dino said. “Run for it!” He dashed past Stone toward the house, nearly knocking him down. “Cover me!”

Stone ran after him. “Yeah, sure.”