Page 12 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“I said I pity you.”

“I should have taken care of you years ago,” Petry snarled, then drew his arm back like he was going to throw a punch.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Fred said. He had moved up beside them and pulled back the flap of his jacket far enough for Petry to see Fred’s other hand resting on the butt of his holstered gun.

Face reddening, Petry took half a step back but still looked ready to fight. “Stay out of this, if you know what’s good for you.”

To Stone, Fred said, “Just say the word, and I’ll take care of the problem.”

“Thank you, Fred. Mr. Petry, I think it’s time for you to go.”

Petry’s gaze switched back and forth between Stone and Fred until it finally settled on Stone. “I have a message for your client.”

“Any messages about your case should go through your—”

“Tell that little twerp he willneversee a dime from me. The only people who will pay for that sham of a trial will be you, Barrington. You owe me, for this time and last!”

“And that sounds like a threat.”

“Not a threat. A fact.”

“Fred, you heard that, right?”

“I did, sir.”

“Good. You’ll be the first witness called at Mr. Petry’s criminal trial.”

“You son of a bitch!”

Petry cocked his arm back, but before he could swing, Fred grabbed Petry’s arm and twisted it behind the man’s back.

Petry yelped in pain. “Let go of me!”

Another twist of the arm forced Petry to his knees.

Stone looked down at the man. “If you had left when I told you to, or better yet, if you had been smart enough not to show up here in the first place, you wouldn’t be in this position. I’m going to give you a pass this time, but if you ever do something likethis again to me, to my client, or to anyone associated with Woodman & Weld, I will have you arrested and do everything in my power to make sure you are convicted and receive a maximum sentence. Have I made myself clear?”

Petry glared at Stone but said nothing.

“I’ll take that for a yes. Fred, you can release him, but if he tries anything, feel free to shoot.”

“Gladly, sir.”

Fred released Petry’s arm and took a step back.

Petry staggered to his feet and massaged his biceps. “This isn’t over,” he hissed and then stormed away.

Stone and Fred watched him until he disappeared around the corner.

“He seems like a nice fellow,” Fred said.

“A real peach.”

Chapter 4

Petry stewed in the back seat of his Mercedes as he was driven to his apartment.

How dare Barrington humiliate him like that and make Petry lose his cool. And that Fred guy? He was lucky Petry had been focused on his boss. No way the tiny man would have gotten the drop on him otherwise.

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