“I guess,” Stone said, then he turned back to Evan. “There’s more: Your grandfather likes the idea of selling the company, so he’s taking over negotiations himself. He’d like very much to hear from you. Will you call him?”

“Sure,” Evan said. “I’ve got nothing against him. Why do you think my father wants me dead?”

“You’ve seen the number on the sales contract,” Stone said. “Do you think he would kill you for your third of eight hundred million dollars?”

Evan shrugged. “I guess that’s motive enough. He’d kill my grandfather for that, too.”

“But then why would he bother to put him in a nursing home? Also, if you’re right about his poisoning your Uncle Harry, then he might hesitate to kill your grandfather, too.”

“Too many deaths by poisoning in one family, huh?”

“Yes, but if he had somebody put a bullet in you in Key West, he’s going to be far removed from the crime scene, isn’t he? You’d just be another rich boy who mingled with the wrong people, nothing to do with him.”

“I guess that would work for him,” Evan said.

“Tell me something: Do you think it’s possible your father had something to do with the killing of your friend Charley Boggs? Could a hit man have gotten the two of you mixed up?”

“I doubt that,” Evan said. “Charley had a beard, remember?”

“Maybe you’ve been in Key West for too long,” Stone said. “Maybe you’d be more comfortable in a different state.”

“Maybe,” Evan said. “How about it, babe?” he said to Gigi. “You ready to move on?”

“I like it here,” Gigi replied.

“As a matter of fact, so do I,” Evan said. “I guess I’ll take my chances.”

“Well, Evan,” Stone said, “you’re the only guy I know who, upon being told there was a contract out on him, would just sit tight and wait for a hit man to show up.”

“Stone, you had a pretty hard time finding me, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Well, why do you think some stupid ex-con would have an easier time of it?”

“If he’s as stupid as you think, then he might not find you. Or he might get lucky. Or if he’s a real pro, he might find you faster than I did and you won’t see him coming.”

“Gigi will,” Evan said, smiling at her.

“I hope you’re right,” Stone said. “You’ve got your grandfather’s phone number?”

“I don’t expect it’s changed.”

“Then I’ll be saying goodbye, Evan; my work here is done.” Stone stood up.

“I guess it is, at that,” Evan said, offering him a hand. “Please don’t worry about me.”