“Not alone,” Dino said. “Call for backup, but only plainclothes, no fuss. Take him when he leaves the dining room and get him into a car fast. And be careful, he’s probably packing.”

He hung up and rejoined his group, passing Stone on the way. “Maybe you’re not crazy,” he said.

“Huh?” But Dino was quickly in conversation with a couple.

“Did Dino say you’re not crazy?” Hank asked.

“That’s what passes for a compliment from Dino.”

Henry Hasker called for silence, welcomed the crowd, and introduced Dino. Dino gave them ten minutes on the NYPD and how well-protected they were in his city. Mike Freeman had arrived, so Dino also told them how important private security was and how he looked upon them as an extension of his department.

After Dino finished, people started to leave, as if on command, and shortly, dinner was announced.

The suite contained a handsome dining room and a beautifully set table.

Dino stepped aside and called his detective. “What’s happening?”

“Backup is here—we’re waiting for Ryan to finish his dinner, so we can make the bust.”

“Keep it as quiet as you can,” Dino said.

Stone approached. “What’s going on?”

“Are you carrying?”

“Not tonight.”

“Then take a tip and stay as far as you can from me.” Dino went and took his place at the table without another word.

Chapter 58

Stone sat between Viv and Hank. Viv leaned over and said, “The next time Dino describes a woman as a camel, I’ll know what he means.”

Stone laughed. He turned to Hank. “We were talking about you—don’t worry, it was nice.”

“Are you married?” Hank asked.

“Widowed. What about you?”

“Divorced. I’m sorry for your loss. Was your wife ill for long?”

“She died from a gunshot wound—a repelled suitor.”

“Any children?”

“A grown son, but he was raised mostly by his mother and stepfather. We didn’t become close until after the gentleman’s death and my reacquaintance with his mother.”

“Sounds complicated.”

“It is. I’ll explain it to you when we have more time.”

“What does your son do?”

“He’s a film director and producer.”

“Not Peter Barrington.”

“Yes.”

“I’ve seen a couple of his films. He’s very talented.”

“He and Dino’s son, Ben, are partners in a production company based at Centurion Studios, in L.A.”

“I’d like to meet him sometime. I’m interested in film—or rather, film people—as an investment opportunity.”

“Then Peter would be a waste of your time. His stepfather was the actor Vance Calder, and as a result, Peter has a large inheritance and is a major stockholder in Centurion. He’s probably a freer agent than anybody in Hollywood.”

“Then perhaps I should meet him as a prospective investment client.”