Page 105 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“That sounds exactly like what I need.”

“If you want,” Stone said, “I can call it in now and they’ll be there when you arrive.”

“Perhaps you’re not as exasperating as I thought.”

Chapter 32

Stone dropped off Monica at the Arrington, then he, Dino, and Viv continued to Strategic Services’ L.A. offices.

The company’s West Coast presence had expanded considerably over the last few years. To accommodate this, they had moved into a new, larger location. This was the first time Stone was visiting it.

While not as grand as Strategic Services’ main headquarters in New York, the new three-story facility in Koreatown did take up an entire block.

Mike met them in the lobby. After shaking Stone’s and Dino’s hands, he raised an eyebrow and scowled at Viv. “If I’m not mistaken, you’re supposed to be taking a few days off.”

“I am.”

“Your presence says otherwise.”

“Pretend like you don’t see me.”

“A day off means not coming in.”

“When has that ever stopped me?” She grinned, then slipped an arm into Dino’s and led him to the stairs.

Mike shook his head. “I’d ban her from all our facilities when she’s off, but I doubt that would work.”

“What do you do onyourdays off?” Stone asked.

“Days off? What’s that?”

They went to a conference room on the third floor that had windows overlooking the rear third of the building, the space open from the ground to the ceiling.

“Our training area,” Mike explained.

There were ropes attached to the rafters for climbing, exercise equipment, and a basketball court.

“First floor has locker rooms and showers. It’s also where our equipment and firearm storage are located. We’ve taken a page out of your playbook and have a shooting range in the basement.”

“More than one lane, though, I’m guessing.”

“Twelve.”

“Impressive.”

“I’m very happy with how this place has turned out.”

The conference room door opened again, and Herb walked in followed by Eliza Dinh, Cory Aldridge, and Ellen Herlin, the experts who had helped him with the Santa Fe assessment.

Greetings were exchanged and then they sat.

“I take it you’ve made a determination on the site,” Stone said.

“There are a few small issues that still need to be answered, but otherwise, we’ve compiled what I believe to be a comprehensive assessment.”

“How about we start with your determination?” Stone said. “We can go over the details after.”

“You’re taking all the fun out of it. But okay. My recommendation is to authorize me to finalize the deal immediately, then sign it as soon as it’s ready.”

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