Stone had a thought. “Excuse me,” he said, “I have to call Pat Frank in New York.” He moved the pillows around and sat up in bed.

“Who’s he?”

“It’s a she. She runs an aircraft management business, and I’m her client.” He dialed the number.

“Pat Frank.”

“Hi, it’s Stone.”

“You okay?”

“Yes, but I had to make an unexpected trip to Rome a couple of days ago, and I’d like you to find a ferry pilot and move my airplane over here. Is there a convenient general aviation airport here?”

“Yes, there’s Ciampino, southeast of the city, just outside Rome’s autostrada beltway. How long do you need hangar space?”

“I’m not sure: a week or ten days, maybe.”

“I have a pilot in mind: I’ll give him a call, then check on hangar space and get back to you.”

“Okay. Use the cell number. And don’t use my name on any of the paperwork.” He hung up.

“You really do have an airplane?” Hedy asked. “I thought you were kidding.”

“I really do, and I fly it myself.”

“I feel like a drink,” she said, getting up. “Can I get you one?”

“Sure.”

She came back shortly with two glasses, then Stone’s phone rang.

“Hello?”

“It’s Pat. I’ve got you a pilot, and he can leave early tomorrow morning. From Teterboro, right?”

“Right.”

“I’ll flight-plan him to the Azores, he’ll overnight there, then on to Lisbon and Rome. The airplane will be there the day after tomorrow, and the name for the hangar reservation is under Pat Frank, Inc. The FBO is Sky Services.” She gave him the address, phone number, and a contact name. “When you’re ready to fly out, call me and I’ll take care of the flight planning and a hotel in the Azores.”

“Good. Have the pilot check the fluids and top off the tanks as soon as he arrives in Rome, and you can send Joan a bill for his services, expenses, and the fuel.”

“Will do. Have a good time in Rome.”

“I’ll do my best.” He hung up and took a sip of his drink. “There, now we’ll have a quick way out of town, if we need it.”

She laughed. “I don’t think I’ve ever needed a quick way out of town before.”

“That’s what happens when you hang out with disreputable characters.”

“Or just someone who leads an interesting life.”

“I warn you, sometimes it gets a little too interesting.”

“I’m on board. Shall we order in some dinner?”

“You call room service.”

“What would you like?”

“Surprise me. I feel like a shower.” He knocked off the remainder of his drink, stripped off his clothes, and stood under a stream of hot water for ten minutes.

—

Room service arrived, and Stone approved of Hedy’s choices. They were on coffee when Stone’s phone rang.