“He’s right, Willa,” Dino said. “Listen, I like nailing murderers, but believe me, Herbie is not a murderer.”

“Look, Willa,” Stone said, “if you want to charge Herbie, you go right ahead, but believe me, that decision would turn out to be a major embarrassment for your office, and I know you wouldn’t want that.”

“I might enjoy the trial,” she said.

“So would I,” Stone replied, “because I would be very well paid, and I would win. I don’t think you would find a lot of pleasure in that.”

“You let Mr. Fisher know that my office is keeping an eye on him, and that if he makes a wrong move I will fall on him from a great height.”

“Lieutenant Bacchetti,” Stone said, “will you please note the prejudice toward my client in the deputy district attorney’s words, as well as the threat.”

Dino took his notebook from his pocket and scribbled something in it. “Duly noted,” he said.

“Willa,” Doris said, speaking for the first time, “you’re outnumbered; give up.”

Willa raised her hands. “Okay, okay. However, I am still considering a charge against Mr. Barrington himself.”

“Oh?” Stone asked, laughing. “And what would the charge be?”

“Defacing city property,” Willa said, “to wit, our conference table.”

Stone frowned. “Uh-oh,” he said.

“What?” Doris asked. “Tell me.”

“It was at an office Christmas party a while back,” Willa said. “Or so the story goes. It seems that Mr. Barrington and a highly thought of prosecutor were interrupted by other parties while locked in what might politely be described as sexual congress, on our office’s conference table. I’m told the image of the prosecutor’s bare ass remained imprinted on the table amid a circle of lighted candles, until the cleaners returned after the holiday.”

Doris turned toward Stone. “Well, Mr. Barrington?”

“On advice of counsel,” Stone said, “I must respectfully decline to answer, based on my rights under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.”

Everybody laughed.

“So it’s true!” Willa said.

“You may not infer guilt from my refusal to answer,” Stone said.

More laughter. Diners nearby were beginning to take note.

“I can see that I’m going to have to get the details from the prosecutor herself,” Willa said.

“I wouldn’t advise that,” Stone said, “as she is well known for her right cross, and if that isn’t enough, she has four large Irish brothers who are police officers and who take offense at the slightest untoward reference to their sibling.”

Willa threw up her hands. “I give up. The threat of violence will prevent me from ever learning what really happened.”

“It appears you already know,” Dino said.

“Thanks so much, Dino,” Stone said. “Remind me never to call you as a character witness.”

Stone and Willa parted company with Dino and Doris outside the restaurant.

“May I take you home?” Stone asked.