“You like giving dinner parties, do you?”

“I do.”

“Good, since I prefer that to restaurants, though I’ve nothing against restaurants.”

“Then we’ll have to make more friends, if we’re going to give dinner parties.”

“That suits me just fine.”

“When do you think we’ll be able to go back to New York?”

“Are you in a hurry to get back?”

“I’d hate to resign over the phone.”

“I wrote the headmaster today.”

“Then I guess I can resign over the phone.”

23

STONE WAS RIDING SHOTGUN in Ed Eagle’s car, as they turned off Tano Road onto Tano Norte. They were almost to Hayward’s front gate when he saw a car parked in a road opposite with its headlights off. “Ed, can you stop for a minute?”

“Sure,” Ed replied, braking.

“Do you have a flashlight in the car?”

“Glove compartment.”

Stone found a small SureFire light there; he got out of the car and approached the parked vehicle, switching on the flashlight. The bright beam revealed a man behind the wheel, looking startled. “Good evening,” Stone said, loudly enough to be heard.

The car started and sped past him, turning toward Tano Road and disappearing in a cloud of dust. Stone went back to the Eagles’ car and got in.

“What was that about?” Ed asked, continuing toward the gate.

“I’m not sure, but my best guess is that somebody from some newspaper or magazine has sniffed out Laurence Hayward in his new home.”

“Either that, or somebody is casing it for a burglary.”

Stone laughed. “Trust a criminal attorney to think of criminal intent.”

Ed parked the car; they rang the front bell, were admitted by Laurence and Theresa, and introductions were made.

“What a beautiful place,” Gala said.

“I’m afraid we can’t take any credit for that,” Theresa replied. “Only the flowers were added by us.”

“Sharon Woods always does a beautiful job. Have you met her yet?”

“She’s dropping by tomorrow.”

They went into the living room, and a waiter took their drink orders. Laurence sat down next to Stone. “Herb Fisher called, and our closing is set for next week.”

“You certainly found a great place. How much land is there?”

“About twelve acres—enough to keep the neighbors at bay.”

Stone lowered his voice. “Someone is already paying attention to you.”

“How do you mean?”

“There was a car parked across the road from the house as we drove in, with a man behind the wheel, lights off. I approached him, and he started up and accelerated in a hurry.”

“Have they found me already?”

“Ed suspects a more criminal intent, maybe a burglary. I’d be careful while you’re here.”

“What are the gun laws like in New Mexico?”

“Lenient, I would guess. We’re in the West, after all.”

“Perhaps I’d better do some shopping.”

“Laurence, have you any experience with firearms?”

“Quite a lot with shotguns and birds.”