Page 132 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“But Petry’s anger doesn’t stem solely from losing the suit. Our paths have crossed before.”

“What happened then?”

“He lost his business and was a hair’s breadth away from federal prison time.”

“Because of you?”

“Because of me.”

“So he’s twice burned.”

“I’m sure he sees it that way.”

“Then you think he hired Simon to steal your mother’s paintings to…what? Keep you from obtaining them yourself?”

“I’m sure that’s part of it. But something tells me that wouldn’t be enough for him.”

“Then what?”

“I’m not sure, but whatever it is, it can’t be good.”

“You don’t think he’d harm them, do you?”

“I feel certain he’d have no problem doing that.”

“That’s what I’m thinking, too,” Billy said.

“Because he broke the law, and you called him on it?” Monica said. “Talk about petty.”

“You haven’t known Stone long enough yet, my dear,” Dino said. “He’s a revenge magnet.”

“This has happened before?”

“Variations on a theme,” Stone said.

“The good news is that it appears your life isn’t in danger this time,” Dino said.

“Yet,” Billy said.

Monica’s eyes widened. “Someone has tried to kill you?”

Dino shook his head. “Not one person. Many.”

“How many?”

“We stopped counting a few years ago.”

“Dino, you’re scaring her,” Stone said. “It’s not as bad as he’s making it out.”

“Have you ever been shot at?” she asked.

“Well, yes.”

“More than once?”

“Also, yes.”

“How many times?”

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