“Sounds like we’ve got the guy just about boxed,” Stone said.
“We’re getting there.”
“Talk to you later.” Stone hung up and attacked the last two words on the crossword. They took another half hour.
9
STONE AND DINO HAD BEEN at Elaine’s just long enough to order a drink, when Carrie came rushing in, flushed and excited. Stone signaled for a drink for her. “You look happy,” he said.
“I feel happy,” she said. “I’ve got two very good solos in the show and one absolute, solid-gold showstopper.”
“I look forward to hearing them,” Stone said.
“Not until opening night; I want you to get the full effect.”
“I’m already getting the full effect,” he replied. Their drinks arrived, and they clinked glasses.
Dino spoke up. “It’s nice to see you both so happy.”
“If you’d had my day,” Carrie said, “you’d be happy, too.”
“I am happy,” Dino said. “Can’t you tell?”
“He always looks dour,” Stone said. “You could know him for years before seeing him smile.”
“Do you have a wife, Dino?” Carrie asked.
“Had. Don’t want another.”
“A girl?”
“Until recently.”
“What happened?”
“I got tired of obeying. Stone and I spent a little time in Key West, and I discovered I didn’t miss her.”
“He smiled more then,” Stone said.
“If I goose him, will he smile?” Carrie asked.
“If you goose me in the right place,” Dino said.
Carrie laughed, a healthy, unrestrained sound. Dino smiled a little.
“There, I knew I could do it,” she said.
“So, do you know your script and score?” Stone asked.
“I will by Monday morning,” she said.
“How’d it go with Bob and the Leahys?”
“Bob showed me how to work the security system, then left with Max’s box to take it to FedEx. The Leahys are sweet and made me feel very safe. They dropped me off here, and I’ve dismissed them until Monday morning.”
“I think we’ve got Max pretty boxed in now,” Stone said, “so you shouldn’t have to worry. I wouldn’t go back to Atlanta any time soon, though, or if you do, don’t tell anybody who might tell him.”
“How long will we have to deal with this?” she asked.