“Thank you so much. Now shall we adjourn to the Hassler for some lunch?”

The group returned to the hotel, where a convivial luncheon ran on until mid-afternoon.

As the party broke up, Stone pulled Marcel aside. “You mentioned that the previous group had ‘difficulties.’ What were they?”

“Financial, mostly,” Marcel said, avoiding Stone’s eye.

“And what are you not telling me?”

“I can tell you that those difficulties have been resolved as a result of our purchase. Now all that remains is for each of us to deposit a very large sum of cash in the Arrington account, and we’re off.” He handed Stone a letter that was a formal request for Stone’s investment.

Stone looked at his watch. “It’s early in New York. Is today soon enough?”

Marcel squeezed his arm. “I knew I could rely on your support, my good friend.”

—

Stone returned to his suite, faxed the letter to Joan with an approval to transfer the money, then found Hedy camped on the living room sofa, drinking coffee. “I’m glad to see you awake,” he said, joining her and pouring himself some coffee.

“Awake is too strong a word, but the coffee is helping,” she replied. “How did your board meeting go?”

“Swimmingly. We approved the purchase of a property quite near here for the construction of a new Arrington.”

“I’ve visited the Arrington in L.A., but not the one in Paris. Will the new Rome Arrington meet their standards?”

“We have a Frenchman in charge who has impeccable taste and unlimited resources. He will devote himself to that task, and all I will have to do is enjoy it when it’s done.” He looked at his watch. “Can you be ready for dinner at seven-thirty?”

“Probably. Will an LBD do?”

“A Little Black Dress will be fine.”

—

She reappeared in the living room wearing a quite spectacular LBD and very beautiful jewelry. He escorted her down the hall to the restaurant, which was on the same floor. Shortly they were seated at a table with a view, in the distance, of St. Peter’s Basilica. A moon hung over the city, and the drinks were good. They had just finished their first course when Hedy pointed past him. “What’s that?” she asked.

He turned and followed her finger. Just past the church a bright light was burning. “Something appears to be on fire,” Stone said.

5

After an excellent dinner, Stone signed the bill and stood up. “Do you mind if we take a short walk?” he asked Hedy.

“Not at all.”

They took the elevator downstairs and walked past the church, where they found the smoking ruin of the half-built hotel that Stone, with Marcel, had just bought. A single fire truck was spraying water on the smoking ruin, and Marcel was standing alone, disconsolately watching.

Stone approached and introduced Marcel and Hedy. “What happened?” he asked.

“It burned down.”

“Do we know why?”