Page 101 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“I try my best.”

To Monica, Dino said, “It’s not my nature to poke my nose in something without being invited—”

“Since when?” Stone and Viv said in unison.

Ignoring them, Dino continued where he left off. “But remember, Stoneisa lawyer, which makes him a professional liar.”

“Don’t listen to him,” Stone said. “He’s law enforcement and making lawyers out as less than truthful is a stereotype his ilk likes to perpetuate.”

“Says the former police detective, who I recall on several occasions saying something similar.”

“The key word there isformer.”

“Careful, Monica,” Viv said. “If you wind them up too much, they’ll be like this all day.”

Breakfast soon arrived. Monica checked her phone several more times as she ate, but still no word from Tristan. By the time she and Stone finished their meals, it was twenty to eleven.

“Someone has to be at the gallery by now, don’t you think?” she said.

“Seems reasonable,” Stone said.

She made the call.

After two rings, a female voice answered, “Duchamp Gallery, Los Angeles. How may I help you?”

“I’m looking for Tristan Williams.”

For a moment, Monica thought they’d been disconnected, then the woman said, “I’m sorry. Tristan Williams doesn’t work here any longer.”

“I saw him there yesterday. He didn’t mention anything about leaving.”

“Perhaps I could assist you?”

“Did he get a new job or give any reason why he left?”

“I don’t know any more details than what I’ve already told you, and even if I did, I wouldn’t give them out to someone over the phone.”

“If I came down there, would you be able to—”

“Ma’am, as I’m sure you’re aware, all employment information is a matter of personal privacy. Is there something else I can help you with?”

“No. Thank you for your time.”

“Have a good day,” the woman said and hung up.

Monica stared at her phone, brow furrowed.

“I take it from what you were saying that Tristan is no longer an employee of the gallery?” Stone said.

“That’s what she said,” Monica said.

“Do you know if he quit or was fired?” Viv asked.

“She didn’t give a reason,” Monica said. “But last night, when I asked how long he’d worked there, he didn’t act like he’d lost his job.”

“What about the man who chased him last night?” Stone said. “Maybe he caught Tristan and did a number on him.”

“Do you think so?” Monica asked, concerned.

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