Page 64 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

She gave him a thumbs-up and joined the line heading out the door.

“Billy, Peter and I are going to grab lunch,” Ben said. “You want to join us?”

Billy checked his watch. “No time. I need to be at my house by two.”

“That’s right,” Peter said. “Today’s the day.”

“It is, indeed.”

“The day for what?” Ben asked.

“The surprise for my dad,” Peter said.

“Oh, right. Hey, Billy, are we going to get a sneak peek?”

“Don’t even bother asking,” Peter said. “I’ve already tried. Billy says no one sees it until Dad does.”

“One hundred percent correct,” Billy said.

“You’re no fun,” Ben said.

“I’m a producer. I’m not supposed to be fun.” Billy pulled thestrap of his leather briefcase over his shoulder. “Now, if you gentlemen are done wasting my time, I’ll be off.”

—

Benji grabbed his phone the moment it started to vibrate. “Yeah?”

“Just turned into the canyon.” Devin’s voice was almost lost in the growl of the motorcycle he was riding.

“You sure they haven’t seen you?”

“They have no clue I’m here.”

“Keep it that way. ETA?”

“Fifteen minutes, give or take.”

“Let me know when you’re about to turn onto Mulholland Drive.” Reaching Mulholland would put Devin less than ten minutes out.

Benji reached over and gave Sticks a shake.

The wiry man groaned and yawned, slowly parting his eyelids. “Is it time?”

“They’re on their way up. Get into position.”

Sticks stretched like he had all the time in the world.

“Now, if you don’t mind,” Benji said.

“All right, all right. I’m going. Chill out.”

“And put your earpiece in.”

Sticks grumbled and shoved his Bluetooth earpiece in place as he climbed out of the car.

The Ford Taurus they’d stolen had been dressed up to look like a security company patrol car. There were at least a dozen such companies serving the homes in the Hollywood Hills, so even though the logo on the vehicle’s door was for a company that didn’t exist, no one would question their validity. Tocomplete the look, Benji and Sticks wore matching security guard uniforms.

The road they were on had been chosen because it was on their target’s route, was little used, and had a convenient bend twenty yards from the closest intersection, that took vehicles into a blind spot perfect for Benji and his crew’s needs.

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