Page 147 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“Very odd.”

“You two sound pretty proud of yourselves,” Stone said.

Viv grinned. “We do, don’t we?”

“Yes, we do,” Monica agreed.

“Are you done patting yourselves on the back?”

Monica shrugged. “For now, I guess.”

“Then, Viv, I think you should extend the extra security to cover Billy’s house.”

“I’ll do that. Maybe I should also have some of my people dressed as partygoers on Saturday night as well.”

“That’s a great idea.”

Stone’s phone rang. On the screen was the name Simon Duchamp.

“Everyone stay quiet,” Stone said, then answered. “Hello?”

“Stone, it’s Simon. I apologize for calling so late, but do you have a moment? If this is a bad time…”

“Not at all. What can I do for you?”

“I have excellent news. The owner has agreed to sell you all three.”

Stone exchanged a glance with Monica. “Thatisexcellent news. What is he asking?”

“Given your relationship to the artist, he is willing to part with them for eight hundred thousand apiece, which I’m sure you realize is less than he would get if he let them go to auction.”

“That’s quite generous. Can you tell me which ones they are now?”

“I can.Twilight on the Water,Morning on the Avenue, andSummer at Sheep Meadow.”

Stone shared a look with Monica.

“There are a few conditions, however,” Simon said.

“I’m listening.”

“In addition to the prohibition on publicity we already discussed, he would like the sale completed by midnight Saturday.”

“Saturday’s a bit tough for me. I’ll be in a board meeting most of the day and then at an event that evening.”

“I’m sorry, Stone, but I’ve been told the deadline is non-negotiable.”

“What about tomorrow?”

Simon was silent for a few seconds. “I’m afraid that won’t work, either. The paintings won’t be here until Saturday morning.”

“Let me see if I can make some time in my schedule. Give me a few minutes, and I’ll get back to you.”

“I’ll await your call.”

As soon as Stone hung up, Monica said, “Someone’s anxious.”

“But not anxious enough to part with the paintings before Petry’s had the fakes for a day.”

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