“I was. Joined right after law school and stayed until they used a gunshot wound to the knee as an excuse to retire me. Dino stayed on and did well. A friend suggested I cram for the bar exam and join his firm, Woodman & Weld, and the rest, as they say, is history.”

“Who are your biggest clients there?”

“Strategic Services, the Steele Insurance group, and the Arrington Hotels Group, on the boards of which I sit. And you.”

“I’m your fourth biggest client?”

“You’re my biggest client—personal not business.”

“I’m glad to hear it, Stone.”

“So am I. Thank you for calling me. I’ll have to send Dicky Chalmers a case of very good wine.”

“I’ll find him something, too, when I do more shopping.”

They reached the restaurant and were greeted by the owner, Ken Aretsky, and introductions were made.

“Take good care of Laurence,” Stone said, sotto voce, as he passed. “He’ll be a good customer.”

“Certainly,” Ken said.

Dino and Viv were already seated at the table, and Stone introduced everybody. They ordered drinks, which arrived swiftly.

“Laurence,” Stone said, “I have a confession to make.”

“Oh?”

“I’ve broken my promise to guard your anonymity. I’ve told Dino and Viv all about what’s happened, because they can be of future help to you. At some point you may need the help of Strategic Services, and that’s Viv, and Dino is just somebody who’s good to know.”

“I’m fine with that,” Laurence said. “You are forgiven.” He made the sign of the cross, and everybody laughed.

They looked at menus and ended up ordering a platter of beef chateaubriand for the table. Ken brought complimentary canapés.

“I hear you’ve bought an apartment, Laurence,” Viv said.

“That’s correct. Moving in tomorrow. Thank you, Stone, for the shelter, but you won’t have to put up with me any longer.”

“You’re always welcome, Laurence.”

“Did you bring any furnishings with you?” Viv asked.

“One small bag of clothes, which I introduced to a dumpster this afternoon. I’m starting from scratch, at least in New York.”

“Have you had any problems with being recognized and hounded?” Dino asked.

“Only in West Palm Beach at the lottery office, and then my first New York cabdriver caught me in his mirror. Stone suggested a shave and a haircut, and no one has made me since.”

“A clean shave is a good disguise these days,” Dino said. “I understand you’ve spent most of your life in England and that you’re a master at Eton.”

“An assistant master, though I have hope of a promotion. I’m on a leave of absence right now, but I’m going to have to give a lot of thought to whether I’ll stay there after what’s happened.”

“Do you still have a home there?”