expensive to bear that,” Ken said. “Though it might be entertaining to watch.”
“It might not be so entertaining,” Dino said. “You saw the size of the guy.”
“Tell me, Stone,” Ken said, “what’s the secret to handling a guy that big?”
“You have to throw the first punch,” Stone said. “And aim low.”
“And it had better count,” Dino added. “You don’t want him getting on his feet again.”
“I think if I were you,” Ken said, “I’d carry a blackjack.”
“Good idea,” Stone said. “I’ve got one somewhere. I’ll dig it out.”
“Do cops still carry blackjacks?” Ken asked Dino.
“It’s optional. It’s against policy to hit somebody in the head or the spine with it, except in aggravated circumstances or to save a life.”
“How about a nightstick?”
“Uniformed cops still carry them. They can be very useful. You hold a guy by the wrist and stick it in his armpit, he’ll come along, and on tiptoe, too. Or you can strike the common peroneal nerve, just above the inside of the knee, and he’ll temporarily lose control of the leg.”
“I did that with a softball bat recently,” Stone said. “Worked like a charm. I cherish the memory.”
Ken waved over a waiter. “Bring these gentlemen red meat on the house,” he said.
17
Stone arrived at Ann Keaton’s apartment building on Park Avenue with Fred Flicker at the wheel, having persuaded Fred not to wear a chauffeur’s cap.
The doorman took his name, then buzzed Ann. Shortly, she was installed in the rear seat of the Bentley.
“Where is our dinner party?” she asked.
“A few blocks from your building—many more from my house. I like your grandmother’s jewelry, both the diamond necklace and the matching bracelet.”
“Thank you. The old girl had excellent taste, and she lived in a time when the family was truly rich, instead of just comfortable. Tell me,” she said, “you mentioned that you and Dino Bacchetti had been partners. Were you once a policeman?”
“For the first fourteen years of my statutory adulthood, I was. Dino and I met as young detectives, when we were made partners. It was a good relationship, and we have remained close friends since that time. Dino stuck it out and is now chief of detectives.”
“Why did you leave the department?”
“A knee injury was given as the reason for retiring me, but popular demand among my superiors had much to do with it.”
“How so?”
“I had a tendency to buck the system and to hold opinions about cases that were not shared by my lieutenant or captain. I did that once too often.”
“Then you went to law school?”
“No, I had finished law school before joining the force but had not taken the bar exam. Bill Eggers, whom you know, I believe, suggested that I cram for the exam and, when I had passed it, join Woodman & Weld—specifically to handle cases that the firm would rather not be seen to be handling.”
“Sounds interesting. What sort of cases?”
“Oh, client’s wife gets a DUI after an accident, client’s son is accused of date rape. Like that. Things that a police background might be helpful in dealing with.”
“You were a fixer.”
“That term is inappropriate—I did not ‘fix’ cases, I resolved them. This is the second time you have cross-examined me—it will be my turn soon.”
The car glided to a halt in front of their hosts’ apartment building on Fifth Avenue, and after a short examination by a receptionist, stopping just short of being frisked, they were elevated to the top floor of the building.
“My building only has a doorman,” Ann said. “Your friends’ building has a receptionist.”
“And one with a bulge under his left arm,” Stone said.
“Do you think we’re in danger here?”
“I very much doubt it. The ‘receptionist’ is supposed to see to that, I believe.”
The elevator door opened directly into a large foyer, and after being checked off a list by a butler, they moved through double doors into a very large living room, one that contained a couple of dozen other guests without seeming crowded. A pianist was playing Rodgers & Hart. Their hosts separated themselves from a knot of others and greeted Stone and Ann, while Stone made the introductions.
“You’ll be happy to know,” Hillary said, “that we both signed our wills today.”
“I’m relieved to hear it,” Stone said. “Now nothing can possibly happen to you.”
Jack laughed heartily. “I hope you’re right.” He beckoned a waiter and left them in his hands while he turned to other guests.
Stone ordered and asked the waiter to bring their drinks to the terrace. He guided Ann