Page 117 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“My investigation.”

“Bingo.”

“But I’m not any closer to answers than I was a week ago.”

“In that time, two potential sources have died. Just because you didn’t get the chance to talk to them doesn’t mean you’re not on the right track.”

“I know you’re right, but it sure doesn’t feel like it. I’m not sure what to do next.”

“There is one person we know of who is still alive.”

Monica furrowed her brow. “Who?”

“The guy who chased Tristan out of the Roosevelt.”

“We don’t even know who he is, or where to find him.”

“We don’t knowyet.”

“Do you have any reason to believe Dalton and Tristan knew each other?” Dino asked.

“I wouldn’t have thought so before today, but that seems likely now.”

“Is there someone you trust at Vitale who can search Dalton’s office? He may have left a clue, perhaps in his calendar or contacts.”

“My friend Patricia. Oh, I almost forgot. She called me earlier. There was another fire at a client’s house last night. He owned one of your mother’s paintings.”

“Was it destroyed?”

“We don’t know yet, but I suspect not. The fire got out of control and has already burned several hundred acres. I’m not sure they can even get to the house yet. One thing they do know, the owner of the house died in the fire.”

She explained the circumstances.

“Was his car found nearby?” Dino asked.

“No. And I can’t imagine he would have tried to outrun the fire without shoes.”

“If this was another theft,” Stone said, “he could have been home when they broke in. They probably dropped him at a spot they thought would be far enough away from the fire.”

Dino nodded. “But then the fire didn’t behave like they assumed it would.”

“Or the fire department didn’t get to it as fast as the thieves expected.” Stone looked at Monica. “Has anyone ever looked into who called the fires in?”

“Not that I know of,” she said.

“There should be recordings of the calls. If we can compare them, I bet we’ll hear the same voice, at least a few of the times.”

“If that’s true,” Monica said, “that would be solid evidence I’ve been right all along.” Her optimism soured. “But I’m not in a position where anyone would just hand over the recordings.”

“You may not be, but I know someone who is…” Stone said, then looked at Dino.

“Are you asking me to abuse my powers?” Dino said.

“Not at all. Monica, which city is home to the largest percentage of fine art collectors insured by your company?”

“That’s easy. New York.”

Stone turned back to Dino. “It’s not abuse of power. It’s crime prevention.”

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