“Jim’s Shoe Repair, East Fifty-ninth, between Park and Lex.”

“Thank you so much, Stone.”

“They’ll be here at nine sharp on Monday morning,” Stone said. “I suggest you come here at eight for breakfast, so we can have a little time to talk.”

“I’ll be there at eight sharp,” Pablo said.

“Good day, then.” Stone hung up. This was going to be either fun or absolute hell, depending on how Lance conducted himself, and Stone knew he could do little about that.

THIRTY-TWO

Stone was nearly done for the day when Joan buzzed once again. “Stephanie Gunn Fisher for you on line one.”

Stone thought that sounded like the name of a substantial heiress and socially prominent woman, which, of course, she was.

He pressed the button. “Good afternoon, Stephanie.”

“Hello, Stone,” she said cheerfully. “How are you?”

“I’m very well indeed, and I hope you and Herbie are, as well.”

“We’re very well, too.”

Stone hoped that, since the health of everyone involved had been established, she would get on with it. She did.

“Herbie has told me of your interest in investing with the Gunn company, and I’m happy to tell you that I’ve discussed it with Jack, and he has agreed to accept you as one of his investors.”

Stone thought as fast as he could. “That’s certainly good news, Stephanie, but since speaking with Herbie about the investment, there have been some changes in my financial setup, so I won’t be able to avail myself of that opportunity at the present moment.”

There was a long silence. “Something I can help with, Stone? A loan or a line of credit, perhaps?”

“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Stone said. “I just have a few things to sort out before I can make the commitment.”

“I see,” she said, and there was a cool edge to her voice.

“I’m very grateful for your speaking to Jack about me, and I will certainly understand if he wants to change his mind, but I just can’t do it right now.”

“Would you care to mention a time when we should talk again?”

“I’ll be in touch as soon as things have calmed down a bit.”

“Tell me, Stone, are you in any way connected to the security firm Strategic Services?”

“Yes, I’m their outside counsel and a member of their board.”

“Are you aware that they have submitted a request to withdraw their investment from our company?”

“They consult with me mostly on legal matters, not financial ones, and since I’ve only recently been appointed, I haven’t attended a board meeting yet.”

“I see. I hope the recent flare-up of publicity hasn’t played a part in their decision, because everything at Gunn Investments is in apple-pie order.”

“I’m glad to hear that, and I’ll be happy to convey your assurances to the CEO when next I see him.”

“Thank you, Stone, and I wish you a pleasant week.” Stephanie hung up.

Stone sighed, relieved that he had avoided telling an outright lie to get through that conversation.