Chapter 54

Tuesday morning, Stone opened the door to his house at the Arrington and said, "This way, gentlemen."

Three Arrington bellhops entered, carrying paintings wrapped for transport. Stone led them into the living room and had them place the packages against a wall, side by side. He then thanked them, gave each a tip, and sent them on their way.

He opened each package and checked the contents. After the events of Saturday night, his mother's work had been taken by the LAPD as evidence. Due to their value, it had been decided that each could be returned to its owner. Who, in all cases, was now Stone.

He had purchased one from the estate of the man who had died in Marin County and the other from the previous owner near San Diego. The third was the gift from Teddy.

Upon seeing that each was undamaged, he went out back, where Monica, Dino, and Viv were sitting by the pool, enjoying mimosas.

"Any problems?" Monica asked.

"Not a one."

He sat on his lounge chair.

"While you were out, I had a call from my counterpart in the LAPD," Dino said. "We are officially free to travel at will."

They'd spent much of the last two days being interviewed by detectives working on the cases against Petry, Simon, Sticks, and Benji. Benji had been captured by Strategic Services personnel before he could escape Billy's property, and Sticks had been maced by one of Billy's neighbors while trying to steal the man's car, then subsequently turned over to the police. Rudy was also in custody, though word was he was being very cooperative.

"I'll call Faith and we can leave this afternoon," Stone said.

"Are you that anxious to get home?" Monica asked.

"Aren't you?"

"Good point."

Monica had several job interviews awaiting her return, including one for Dalton's former job at Vitale Insurance, and another for a similar position at Steele Insurance.

"What time should we be ready?" Viv asked.

"Noon should be fine," Stone said.

Viv stood. "Come on, Dino."

"Where to?"

"Our room."

He checked his watch. "We still have plenty of time to pack."

She raised an eyebrow. "Exactly."

"Oh." He jumped up. "Lead on, my dear."

As they walked off, Stone and Monica shared a look.

"I like your friends," Monica said. "They have excellent ideas."

"They do indeed."

"Shall we?"

"We shall."

They headed into the house.