Page 146 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“Eh, boss,” Nico said. “We should probably keep tomorrow night open in case there’s any issues with setting up for…”

Petry looked annoyed but said, “Right.”

“I’m free Saturday night,” Monica said. “How about you, Viv?”

“Free as a bird.” She waggled her empty ring finger again.

Petry grimaced. “Can’t Saturday. I’m attending an event.”

“That sounds interesting. What kind of event?” Monica asked.

“A Hollywood party in the hills.”

“I’ve always wanted to go to a Hollywood party.”

“I’d love to take you, sweetheart, but I’m going to be there more as an observer than a participant. If you’re free Sunday, I can promise you a night you’ll never forget.”

“How can a girl say no to that?” Monica gave him a fake number.

Chapter 43

As soon as Stone, Dino, Monica, and Viv were all back in the Cayenne and headed to the Arrington, Dino asked, “So?”

Monica smirked. “If Viv ever gets tired of you, she’s not going to have a problem finding a replacement.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“Don’t worry, honey,” Viv said. “I’ll give you plenty of warning before that happens.”

“That’s supposed to make me feel better?”

“The fragile male ego,” Viv said to Monica. “Nothing to be done about it.”

“If it’s not too much trouble,” Stone said, “I’d like to know if you learned anything from Petry.”

Monica huffed. “I’m a trained investigator and Viv is COO of a global security organization. What do you think?”

“Do you mind sharing what you learned with the class?”

“Let’s see. Where should we start?”

“How about with how full of himself he is?” Viv said.

“Already well aware of that,” Stone said.

“Maybe we should start with how he’s planning on attending a party Saturday night?” Monica said.

“AHollywoodparty, I believe he called it,” Viv added.

“He did. Which just happens to be the same night as Billy’s party.”

“Quite a coincidence.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Monica tapped her cheek in thought. “There was something else Petry said. What was it?”

“That he’s going more as an observer than a participant.”

“That was it. That seems odd.”

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