“Probably this week. Stay loose, and I’ll give you as much notice as I can. You can pick up the camera stuff here, on your way.” Stone gave him a hundred-dollar bill. “Here’s cab fare.”

Teddy shook his hand at the door. “Thanks, Stone. I’ll do it right for you.”

Stone hadn’t the slightest doubt he would.

Chapter

36

Your name is Willoughby,” Eggers said. “Just check in with the concierge, and he’ll give you the key to 9-B. I gave you the key to 9-A, but be careful, there may be somebody in residence.”

“Okay,” Stone replied.

“I take it you found your man.”

“I did. He’s waiting for my call.”

“Looks like Friday night.”

Stone breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn’t wanted this to interfere with his Saturday night with Cary. “All right. When will we know for sure?”

“Maybe not until that day. You sure you have to go to the building yourself?”

“Yes. I don’t want my man seen there more than once, and, anyway, I’m in no way at risk today.”

“Okay, it’s your call.”

*  *  *

The building was a small postwar apartment building in the East Sixties that had been refurbished for its current purpose. An elderly man in a blue suit was behind the desk.

“Good afternoon,” Stone said. “My name is Willoughby; I believe I’m expected.”

The man consulted a list. “Yes, Mr. Willoughby, you’re in 9-B. You just need it for the afternoon, I believe?”

“Not even that. I just needed a place to do a little work, and they were kind enough to offer me the apartment.”

The man produced a key. “To your right as you leave the elevator. Do you have any luggage?”

“Just my briefcase,” Stone said, holding it up. “Is there anybody using the apartment next door? I may have to do some shouting on the telephone.” He smiled.

“Shout all you like,” the man said. “9-A is empty at the moment.”

Stone thanked the man and went to the elevator. When he got off, he put an ear to the door of 9-A and listened for a long moment. No sound. He let himself into 9-B and looked around. The place was handsomely, if impersonally furnished, with good upholstered pieces and one or two antiques. There were two bedrooms, a master and a smaller one, and two baths. After a quick look around, he went next door and let himself into 9-A.