Maddox sighed. “What’s it going to take, Stone? Give me a realistic number, and I’ll go back to my client.”

“It’s going to take a million dollars, plus a three-hundred-thousand-dollar attorney’s fee, and that’s bottom line, Frank. Don’t bother with a counteroffer; just show up in court tomorrow.”

“Hold on, Stone.” Maddox punched the HOLD button.

Stone waited. Maddox was obviously with his client.

Shortly, the lawyer came back on. “Done,” he said.

“I’ll want your check by close of business today,” Stone said. “I’m not canceling our court date until the money is in the bank.”

“I think I can arrange that,” Maddox said. “I’ll messenger it over to your office this afternoon.”

“Send it to Bill Eggers at Woodman and Weld,” Stone said. “I may be out this afternoon, and my secretary isn’t in today.”

“Fine; I’ll include the usual release.” Maddox hung up.

Stone called Woodman & Weld and asked for Bill Eggers, the managing partner.

“Bill Eggers.”

“Bill, it’s Stone.”

“Morning, Stone. You going to trial tomorrow?”

“They’ve just settled for a million, plus my fee. The check is coming to you this afternoon. Will you let the client know? I’d call her myself, but it’s a very bad day.”

“Sure, I’ll call her. I think it’s a hell of a settlement. What’s wrong?”

“Alma was attacked on the street last night, after leaving work; she died this morning.”

“Oh, Jesus, Stone, I’m so sorry. I know how close you were.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty shaken. I think I’m just going to shut down the phones and take the day.”

“You do that. You want me to find somebody to help you out with the work? I can speak to our personnel director.”

“Thanks, I’d appreciate that,” Stone said. “But don’t send anybody until tomorrow.”

“Fine. Again, I’m sorry, Stone. You take it easy.”

“Thanks, Bill.” Stone hung up. He should have been elated at the settlement and a rich fee, but he felt nothing but depression. Two women he knew, one of whom he had been very close to, had been murdered within twelve hours of each other. He switched on his answering machine and recorded a new message. “This is Stone Barrington. I won’t be taking any calls today, but if you’ll leave a message, I’ll return your call tomorrow.”

He trudged back upstairs, switched off his phone, and fell into bed, exhausted.

5