Page 114 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

Petry sneered. “So, we have a deal?”

“You haven’t told me what you want yet. I might not know anyone who can help you.”

“The worst possible outcome would be you don’t make any money.” Petry held out his hand.

Sticks took it and said, “Deal. So, what’s the job?”

As Petry explained what he wanted done with the paintings, Sticks couldn’t keep a grin from spreading across his face. He didn’t give a crap about art. But destruction, that was something to get excited about.

When Petry finished, Sticks said, “Shit, man, that’s diabolical. Make sure Simon doesn’t find out. I accidentally brushed a finger against one of his precious paintings once, and he freaked. Said I was getting oils all over it. If he knew what you’re going to do, he wouldn’t give them to you.”

“He’s not going to find out from me. But even if he knew, what’s he going to do?”

“I take it you haven’t met Phillip yet.”

“Who’s Phillip?”

“His muscle. Big as a tank and smart. I avoid him whenever possible.”

“Nico?”

“I’ll look into it,” Nico said.

Petry smiled and returned his attention to Sticks. “Back to getting someone to help me. Does anyone come to mind?”

“Oh, yeah. I know the perfect person.”

“See, I knew I could count on you.”

“I’ll need to know how much you’ll pay him.”

“What do you think is fair?”

Sticks pretended to consider the question. “He’d probably do it for twenty-five K.”

Petry thought for a moment, then nodded. “Done. How do I contact him?”

“You already have.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re looking at the perfect guy right here.”

Chapter 34

Thanks to a call from Dino to his LAPD counterpart, an officer was waiting for Stone and him as they walked into the department’s Pacific Division Station, and they were immediately escorted to the lead detective’s office. A placard on his desk identified him as Kelvin Eldridge.

“Which of you is Bacchetti?” the detective asked.

“He’s Commissioner Bacchetti,” Stone said.

Eldridge didn’t look particularly pleased to be reminded of Dino’s rank. “I don’t want there to be any misunderstandings. I couldn’t give a rat’s ass if you’re friends with the chief or the damn president, for that matter. We do things by the book here. So, who you know isn’t going to get you any special treatment.”

“We aren’t asking for special treatment,” Stone said.

The detective looked at him over the top of his glasses. “And you are?”

“Stone Barrington.”

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