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Chapters (63)
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  2. Books by Stuart Woods
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  63. AUTHOR’S NOTE

“Arthur, I have some difficult news.”

“Is she dead?” He was alarmed.

“No, I have no reason to think that. We believe she’s been kidnapped in Paris.”

“By whom, and what was she doing in Paris? We thought she was in Rome.”

“She was, but I found it necessary to leave Rome, and I thought she should come with me. I’m back in Rome, but I thought it safer for her to remain at my house in Paris.”

“Safer from whom?”

“Marcel duBois and I are building a new Arrington Hotel in Rome, and the local Mafia have made attempts to extort us to pave the way. We’ve resisted and have earned the enmity of the Italian Mafia chief, a man named Leo Casselli.”

“I remember that name. Didn’t he used to be in New York?”

“He had to leave the country, and he returned here.”

“But why would he want to kidnap Hedy?”

“In order to put pressure on me to accede to his demands.”

“This is all very confusing, Stone.”

“Arthur, I want you to know that the relevant law enforcement agencies in both countries are working hard on this, and so is the United States government. They are pulling out all stops to recover Hedy and will continue to do so. I’m monitoring the situation on a minute-by-minute basis from Rome. If they demand a ransom, I will pay it.”

“Stone, I know you well enough to know that you would not have deliberately placed Hedy in harm’s way, and her mother and I, once I have explained things to her, will trust your judgment as to how to handle it. I would appreciate being kept informed, of course, but if you have to make any quick decisions, to help Hedy, please do so, and be assured of our support.”

“That’s very good of you, Arthur, and I’ll do everything I can to help her and return her to her mother and you safely. In the meantime, I’ll call you at least daily.”

The two men said goodbye and hung up.

“How did he take it?” Dino asked.

“Better than I could have expected,” Stone replied. “Arthur is not an excitable man. He remained cool. Who knows, that could change if things get worse. At any rate, I’m glad I’m dealing with Arthur and not her mother. I’m not sure I could handle that.”

“Listen, pal,” Dino said, “you’re doing as much as anybody could in the circumstances.”

“It reassures me to know you think so, Dino.”

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