Page 57 of Swimming to Catalina (Stone Barrington 4)
Grant ordered for both of them, and soon Stone was enjoying a selection of pâtés and a moussaka, along with a Cypriot wine.
“Feeling better?” Grant asked.
“Yeah, I am; I guess I was a little depressed.”
“Not without cause. You’ve got a real mystery on your hands.”
Stone looked around; the restaurant was only half full and was very quiet. “You mind if I make a phone call?” He produced his pocket phone.”
“Go ahead.”
“Calder called me in New York; he thinks I’m back there.” He dialed the number in Bel-Air.
“Good evening, Mr. Calder’s residence.” It was the Filipino butler.
“Good evening, this is Stone Barrington; I’m returning Mr. Calder’s call.”
“Oh, yes, Mr. Barrington; please hold.”
“Stone?”
“Hello, Vance.”
“Did you have a good flight home?”
“Yes, thanks.”
“I understand you stayed over for a couple of days.”
“Betty is very attractive.”
“Of course she is; I don’t blame you a bit.”
“Is Arrington back home yet?”
“Not yet; she’s still out in the Valley, but everything is all right.”
“Vance, are you absolutely certain about that? I have to tell you that my impression when I was out there is that things are not entirely all right.”
“Well, I can see how you might have gotten that impression, but I assure you, they are.”
“How’s shooting going on your film?”
“We wrapped today,” Calder said, “and I think we’ve got a winner. Certainly your work helped.”
“Thank you. Well, please give Arrington my best when she’s home. Ask her to give me a call when she has a moment.”
“Of course, yes. Goodbye, Stone.”
Stone closed the phone. “It’s all very weird,” he said to Grant.
“How is it weird?”
“Vance’s wife has disappeared; I don’t think he has any idea where she is, but he pretends she’s staying with a friend in the Valley, and that he’s talking to her.”
“Why is that weird? Sounds reasonable to me.”
“She was seen in Marina Del Rey this afternoon, so I know she’s not out in the Valley.”
