“I thought your client was unavailable,” Finger said.
“He’s just become available,” Stone replied. “Didn’t your client tell you that Herbie made good his escape from the attic where Carmine had him imprisoned and beaten?”
“Of course he didn’t tell me any such thing.”
“All right, three o’clock at your office. Tell Sam I’ll pick up the accounting while I’m there.”
“I’m under strict instructions from my attorney not to discuss that with you.”
“Just give him the message.” Stone hung up and pointed at Herbie. “Does he have any clothes at all?” he asked Joan.
“Helene should have them washed and ironed by now.”
“Herbie, get dressed; we have a three-o’clock appointment.”
Herbie looked at the clock on Stone’s desk. “Can I watch the soaps until then?”
“Please, but do it in the kitchen. And give Helene that nightshirt and tell her to disinfect it.”
“Sure, Stone,” Herbie said happily, as he padded off to the kitchen.
“Is he driving Helene crazy?” Stone asked Joan.
“No, she thinks he’s sweet, too.”
“You’re both crazy or hormonal or something.”
“Careful, you’re treading a thin line, on one side of which is the kind of sexism that could result in a lawsuit.” She went back to her office.
Stone’s phone rang, and Dino’s cell number came up on the caller ID screen. Stone answered. “Morning, Dino.”
“Good morning. What was that thing the other night about bad cops?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Two bozos with badges were tailing Celia until I rousted them. I didn’t get any names or badge numbers.”
“Next time I.D. them, and I’ll put the fear of God into them.”
“Thanks, I’ll remember that.”
“So, is Celia safe from her ex-boyfriend?”
“For the moment. I stashed her in the Connecticut house.”
“That should do it. Those downtown artsy-fartsy types can’t breathe in Connecticut; the air isn’t dirty enough.”
“I hope you’re right; I don’t want to have to move her to Maine.”
“Dinner tonight?”
“See you then.” Stone hung up and began making a list of questions for Carmine Dattila.
28
Stone and Herbie got off the elevator at Bernie Finger’s office. Herbie elbowed him.
“Stop that,” Stone said.
“Look over there,” Herbie said, nodding.