Two hours later the sheriff and his people had completed their work, and Arrington’s body was being wheeled to the ambulance.

“I’ve sent people to find Dr. Rutledge,” the sheriff said to Stone, “but so far, they haven’t been able to locate him. He’s not at home, and his car isn’t there, either. You were right, he drives a Ford station wagon. Is that what you saw driving away?”

“It could have been a Ford,” Stone said. “I couldn’t swear to it.”

“Mr. Barrington, I haven’t asked you this yet, but I need to now. How was your relationship with your wife?”

“We were newlyweds,” Stone said, “married on Christmas Day. We hadn’t even had an argument.”

“I understand. I’m aware that your wife was a wealthy woman. Can you tell me about her will?”

“I haven’t read it,” Stone said, “but Mr. Eggers over there wrote it, and he has my permission to tell you whatever you want to know.” He beckoned to Eggers and asked him to speak to the sheriff. Fifteen minutes later the house was empty of law enforcement, and two maids were cleaning the hall floor where Arrington had fallen.

Somes came into the study, where everyone had gathered. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “we’ve prepared soup and sandwiches for everyone, and the table is set in the kitchen.”

Stone saw the others to the table, then, unable to eat anything, went upstairs. He lay on the bed for an hour, trying to empty his mind of everything, which turned out to be impossible. Finally, he took a deep breath, got up, and went downstairs.

Everyone had gathered, and Arrington’s pilots had come to drive them to the airport.

“I’m staying,” Dino said. “I’ll deal with the local law for you.”

His son came over. “I’d like to stay, too, Dad.”

“Ben, I think it’s best if you get back to school,” Dino said. “If there’s a service later, you can come back for that.”

“Thanks, Dino,” Stone said.

When he saw his guests out, Kelli Keane was still on the porch, shivering. “My car is in a ditch,” she said.

“We saw it on the way in,” one of the pilots said. “We’ll get it out for you.”

Everyone made their good-byes and got into the van. They had just driven away when another car pulled up to the house, and a priest got out and introduced himself.

“I’m Dr. Alfred Means,” he said, offering Stone his hand.

Stone took him into the house, allowed him to offer a prayer, then they made tentative arrangements for Arrington’s burial in the family plot, after the release of her body by the medical examiner.

The priest gave Stone the name of the local funeral parlor.

“I’ll deal with them,” Dino said.

“Thank you, Dino,” Stone replied. “Peter and I are grateful to you.”