“Is the divorce amicable?”
“Not by any stretch of the imagination. He’s very angry.”
“Are there children?”
“Only a cat, and she is a premarital asset, so I expect to retain custody.”
“It sounds as though you have the settlement all worked out.”
“Oh, no. We may end up in court, though I’m trying to avoid that.”
“Don’t try too hard to avoid it; you’ll damage your negotiating position. You must appear willing to sue, if necessary.”
“That’s good advice. Do you always give good advice?”
“As I was telling a friend the other day, yes. If I don’t know what I’m talking about, I try and shut up.”
“That’s more than I can say for most people.”
Stone looked up and saw Barton Cabot and Carla approaching. “My word,” he said.
“What?” Tatiana asked.
Stone got to his feet. “I’ll explain later.” He shook Barton’s hand and was allowed to peck Carla on the cheek. “May I introduce Tatiana Orlovsky?” he said. “Tatiana, this is Barton Cabot and Carla. Just Carla, before you ask.”
Tatiana shook their hands.
“I must say,” Stone said, “I’m even more surprised to find you two here than I am to find me here.”
“An invitation was delivered this morning,” Barton said, “as we were leaving the house.”
“I took it as a sort of peace offering,” Carla said, “since both our names were on the envelope.”
“We spent most of the day in Bristol, photographing Mildred Strong’s house and all her pieces,” Barton said. “Carla turns out to be an excellent photographer.”
“Did you remember to inquire about her acquaintance with our friend, Crow?”
“I did. She admitted to selling him something, but she wouldn’t say what. Not something on our list, though.”
“Did you ask how they met?”
“Through a friend, she said, but when I asked who, she changed the subject.”
“I hope you were able to warn her about Crow.”
“I tried. I hope it registered.”
“So do I. Tatiana, forgive us for discussing business. We’ll stop now.”
“You are kind. I think I’ll seek out the powder room.”
“May I join you?” Carla asked.
“Of course.” The ladies left them.
Stone turned to Barton. “How did Mr. Deal react at seeing you together?”
“Graciously,” Barton replied. “Having invited us, how else could he behave?”