“My problem with Parisi and Brubeck just got worse.”

“What, did you shoot one of them?”

“No, but I lost them an advertising agency.”

“How did you do that?”

“Pepe hired Kelly & Kelly, and there was a conflict, so the agency dumped Bowsprit. They seemed delighted to do it, because they hate Parisi.”

“And now he has another reason to hate you?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“And you want my advice?”

“It couldn’t hurt.”

“Lock yourself in the house and live on pizza and Chinese food until Parisi dies. On second thought, no pizza—that’s Italian, and Parisi might have a connection. We wouldn’t want you to get poisoned, would we?”

“We would not, but is that the best you can do?”

“What more can I do, until Parisi makes a move? I mean, if you declare your house a foreign embassy I could get you a security detail, but apart from that . . .”

“Thanks, that’s very helpful.”

“Listen, you’re going to hear from Parisi sooner rather than later. I mean, he could shoot you, or something, then I could arrest him.”

“Gee, Dino, you make it sound so easy.”

“You’ve still got a bulletproof vest in your wardrobe from that thing last time, haven’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Well, then, start wearing it again, and unless Parisi is a fabulous shot and puts one in your head, you’ll be fine.”

“I can’t tell you how much better I feel after I talk to you.”

“Anytime, pal.” Dino hung up.

—

The messenger arrived with the contract from the ad agency, and Stone was able to get through it before Pepe arrived for their appointment.

“This looks good,” Stone said. “They’ve already signed, and it’s contingent on your closing the deal with Marty Winkle, so if you want to sign it now, I’ll messenger it back to them.”

Pepe signed the document, and Stone gave it to Joan to return.

“One down and one to go,” Pepe said.

“How’s it going out in Queens?”

“My people have been through the books and the business with a fine-toothed comb, and they like it. Marty Winkle is as clean as a Texas armadillo’s tooth. I wish everybody I deal with was so straightforward. His attorney is drafting an agreement now, and it will include the points you raised, including a three-year indemnification against liability suits. We’re agreed on money, so we’re only a couple of days away from closing. I had no idea when I came here that I’d go home with a closed deal, and I owe that to you, Stone. I want you and Woodman & Weld to go on representing us.”

“We’d be delighted.”

Pepe took a document from his briefcase. “Here’s the representation agreement you gave me. It’s signed, and my office is sending you a retainer check.”

“Thank you, Pepe, you’re an easy man to represent.”