Page 163 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“I’m fine with that.”

The information Monica had wrung from Rudy on the forgeries he’d created for many more customers beyond just Simon was going to rock the art world.

Stone glanced at his watch. “Look at the time. I think we have a party to attend.”

“Will there be more prizes?” Monica teased.

“Now who’s trying to jinx us?”

Chapter 50

Billy Barnett smiled warmly as the first of his guests arrived. “Charlie! So glad you could make it. And, Janice, nice to see you again.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Charlie said. He’d been a film producer for more than forty years, and his wife, Janice, was an award-winning production designer.

Behind them came a group of veteran actors, each of whom Billy greeted by name. It wasn’t long before the trickle of guests became a steady stream.

As Billy was saying hello to Logan Chase, an actor in Peter’s last film, one of the agents from Strategic Services signaled that he wanted a word.

“Grab yourself a drink,” Billy told Logan. “I’ll catch up to you later.”

Billy made his way over to the agent.

“Our two friends are on the east slope and watching the party through binoculars.”

“No sign of anyone else?”

“Not yet.”

“Thank you.” Billy returned his attention to a group of new arrivals. “Gretchen, you look stunning as always.”

—

At the same time guests started arriving at Billy’s party, Petry and Nico were finishing up dinner at Crustacean in Beverly Hills.

Petry dabbed his mouth with his napkin. “Call him.”

Nico punched Sticks’s number.

“Yeah?” Sticks answered.

“Mr. Petry would like to know if everything is ready.”

“All set.”

“And Barrington?”

“Not here yet.”

“All right. As soon as you see him, let us know.”

Nico hung up and relayed the information to his boss.

“I suppose we have time for dessert then,” Petry said and signaled the waiter.

—

Stone, Monica, and Dino swung by the Arrington to change and pick up Viv. By the time they arrived at Billy’s, it was nearly nine.

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