“From tapes of the cameras in Laurence Hayward’s apartment. Trust me, it’s the same guy.”

43

STONE SLID OUT OF BED, trying not to wake Hev. They had been at it until the wee hours, and he was still tired, not to mention sore.

He got into the shower and dumped some shampoo on his head, which got into his eyes, momentarily blinding him. Then a body rubbed against him. “Now who could that be?”

“How soon you forget,” Hev said, taking him in her hand.

“I’m a little sore down there,” he said.

“Awww. And I was so looking forward.”

“It will soon be restored to health, if we give it a little rest.”

She stepped out of the shower and appropriated his towel. He followed her, wet, and found another bath sheet in his linen cupboard. By the time he got back to the bedroom she was dressed in her Strategic Services jumpsuit.

“Having been rebuffed, I’m off to work,” she said.

“That wasn’t a rebuff, just a momentary retreat.”

“I’ll forgive you this time.”

“Oh, thank you. I feel so much better now.”

His bedside phone rang, and he picked it up. “Yes?”

“A package was hand-delivered from Strategic Services,” Joan said.

“I’ll be down shortly.” He hung up. “Hev, there’s a package from your office.”

“That will be your new door locks,” she said.

“Do me a favor, go out the front door, then ring my office bell from the outside.”

“We’re deceiving Joan, are we?”

“We hope to, but I won’t count on it. Look surprised about the package.”

“I’ll try.” She kissed him and left.

Stone sat down on the bed and called Laurence Hayward.

“Good morning, Stone, how are you?”

“Very well, thank you, and welcome back.”

“Thank you.”

“Laurence, it seems we have a mutual problem.”

“And what is that?”

“Do you know a man named Marvin Jones?”

“Well, we haven’t been properly introduced, but I have security footage of him in my apartment.”

“Funny, so do I. In my house.”

“Dino told me his name.”

“Same here.”

“I don’t get it,” Laurence said, “what’s the connection between you, me, and Mr. Jones?”

“I don’t get it either. I’m baffled.”

“A very good word for my condition.”

“Run your tapes for the time you were gone, and see if he pops up.”

“I certainly will, and right away.”

They hung up, and Stone got dressed. As he was about to go downstairs, Laurence called back.

“I’ve viewed my tapes, and Mr. Jones does not make an appearance.”

“I’m still baffled,” Stone said.

“So am I. Will you call Dino, or shall I?”