“Some years ago, she took the police exam, was accepted, and graduated from the academy. She served as a street cop for several years before she was promoted to detective. That’s how it’s done.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“I haven’t formed the habit of lying to you or anybody else,” Stone said, “and if you repeat any of this to anyone, you will put Mitzi’s life in danger, and that is no exaggeration.”
Carrie stood there smoldering, avoiding Stone’s gaze.
“Do you understand me?” Stone demanded.
She wheeled on him. “Yes!” she said. “And now, if you don’t mind, I’ll be going.” She turned and yelled across the room, “Paco!!!”
The willowy young man came trotting across the space.
“We’re leaving,” she said to him.
“But we just got here,” Paco protested.
“I don’t care. We’re going.”
“Well, I’m not,” he replied. “There’s somebody I want to meet.” He gazed across the room at another young man.
Stone guided Carrie toward the elevator. “Downstairs there’s a black Bentley Arnage, driven by a very large man. Tell him I said to take you wherever you want to go and he’s to be back here in no more than an hour.”
“I’ll make my own arrangements,” she said, then marched into the elevator.
Stone rejoined the others. “I’m sorry about that,” he said. “A misunderstanding.”
“Not to worry,” Mitzi said.
“Do you have a cell number for Tom?”
She pressed a speed-dial number and handed Stone the phone.
“It’s Tom,” he said.
Stone stepped away. “Tom, it’s Stone. There’s a beautiful blonde named Carrie on her way down. Put her in the car, take her somewhere else, then come back as soon as you can. Don’t be more than an hour.”
“I’ll call you when I’m back,” Tom said. “Here she comes now.” He hung up.
Stone handed Mitzi her phone. “That’s taken care of.” At least for the moment, he thought.
“Oh, good,” Mitzi said. “Derek was just telling me about how he does his work. It’s fascinating.”
“I’ll bet,” Stone said, trying to keep the irony out of his voice.
AN HOUR LATER, Mitzi answered her phone. She listened, then hung up. “My driver is back,” she said.
“The party seems to be winding down,” Sharpe said. “Why don’t we get some dinner?”
“I’d love to,” Mitzi said brightly.
“Sure, why not?” Stone said. He noted that Hildy didn’t seem to have any objections.
They rode down in the elevator with the last of the celebrants, and Tom was waiting out front with the Bentley.
“We’ll take my car,” Mitzi said.
“I’ll take the front seat,” Stone said, and got in while Tom held the door for the others.