Page 132 of Near Miss

“Cabrera Cosmetics. Have you heard of them?”

“No, but that’s not my area of expertise.”

“They had a million and a half in legal fees last year, and their business has grown twenty percent in the last six months, so that amount will go up.”

“What you’re saying is that you’re making it rain again.”

“I guess I am.”

Stone laughed. “Tell Herb, but I want to be there when you do to see his reaction.”

“Why? Won’t he be happy?”

“That will be one of his emotions.”

“Is Billy not joining us?” Dino asked. “Or did he leave town already?”

“He’s still in the city,” Stone said, “but exactly where and as who, I don’t know.”

Dino held up a hand. “That’s probably more than I need to know already. Forget I asked.”

Viv walked in. “Forget you asked what?”

“I don’t know,” Dino said. “I’ve already forgotten.”

“Which reminds me,” Stone said, “thanks again for your assistance this afternoon.”

“What assistance?” Dino said, innocently. “On a completely unrelated note, I thought you’d like to know there will be a substantial yet discreet police presence at the bar association dinner on Friday night. Coincidentally, this includes the route from your house to the hotel.”

“How fortuitous,” Stone said.

“And you’ll have Strategic Services escort vehicles from here, and a team of bodyguards at the site,” Viv said.

“Maybe with all that,” Carly said, “the Sarge won’t even try anything.”

“I wouldn’t count on it,” Viv said. “I’ve become a Sarge expert over the last few days, and from what I’ve learned, he doesn’t like to pass up an opportunity.”

Dino stood. “Anyone else need another drink?”

Stone downed what was left in his glass and held it out. “I do.”

Chapter 64

Can I help you?”

The new arrival stepped inside the dingy office, located in a distribution center that looked as if it had been mothballed years ago. He approached the beat-up metal desk the guy who’d spoken sat behind. “I’m looking for someone called the Corporal.”

“Is that right? Who are you?”

“Why? Are you the Corporal?”

“If you don’t want to answer my question, you can just turn around and leave.”

“Hey, no need to get that way. I was just asking, that’s all. My friends call me Dial.”

“Who said we were friends?”

“Fine,” Dial said. “On my birth certificate, it says Henry Sommers. Is that better?”

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