“It’s paid for—no mortgage payments, just property taxes. It’s all explained in the documents. Pay your bills on time and soon you’ll have a credit rating. Every grown-up needs a good one.”

Butch embraced her. “Thank you for taking such good care of me. It’s a whole new world, and all because of you.”

“Just keep making me proud. And by the way, Laurence paid off my mortgage. That’s why I can give you the place. He would be embarrassed if you thanked him, but I wanted you to know.” She was pulled away by another guest, leaving Butch alone.

Butch walked over to the fireplace and warmed his butt against the flames. He couldn’t believe how well things were going, except for one thing: Curly. He had heard Dino mention Marvin Jones, and he knew who that was. He couldn’t believe the guy had tried to burgle Stone’s house.

His thoughts were interrupted by the actress, who handed him a drink. “Single malt, wasn’t it?”

“You’re the most beautiful bartender I’ve ever seen,” he replied, sipping his drink. “Do you live in New York?”

“I live a couple of floors down in this building,” she said.

“How convenient.”

“Do you live here?”

“No, this is my sister’s place, with her boyfriend.”

“Ah, Laurence.”

“Right. I have a place a little farther uptown.”

“Who do you work for?”

“Ralph Lauren.”

“Personally?”

“The company. I’m managing a couple of departments now,” he lied, “but they tell me I’m destined for greater things.”

“I’m sure you are. When this party wraps, why don’t you stop by my place for a nightcap?”

“What a good idea.”

She squeezed his hand. “I have a few more bases to touch. I’ll see you a little later.”

Laurence came over. “Having a good time, I see.”

“The best evening of my life,” Butch said. “I want to thank you for everything you’re doing for Theresa.”

“That reminds me,” Laurence said. “I have to say a few words to the crowd, and I see that Mike is setting me up.”

There was the tinkle of a knife on crystal, and the group fell quiet.

“Good evening, all,” Mike said. “On behalf of Strategic Services, I want to welcome you to our party, held at the home of our client Laurence Hayward.”

Applause.

“I just thought I’d mention that another client of ours, who, in line with our policy of client privacy, shall remain nameless, had intruders in his home earlier this evening, and they were caught on a camera system that we installed earlier this week, thus preventing the loss of some very valuable art.”

More applause.

“And now, our cohost has a few words to say to you.” He stepped aside and brought Laurence forward.