Page 8 of Stuart Woods' Golden Hour

“They could do it as a fundraiser,” Tessa said.

“Ilovethat idea.”

“Okay, okay,” Ben said. “I’ll do the meeting.”

“Thank you, ladies,” Billy said. “Your help is much appreciated.”

“Here we are,” the usher said.

The first four seats were empty. Standing up, from where he’d been sitting in the fifth, was Stone Barrington.

“Stone,” Billy said. “I didn’t realize you’d be here.”

Stone stepped out and hugged his daughter-in-law, then Tessa, before shaking Ben’s and Billy’s hands.

“Came into town at the last minute,” he said. “Peter’s assistant arranged for me to use his spot.”

“I’m so glad you could join us,” Hattie said.

“As am I.”

“We should probably sit,” Ben said, noticing another group being led down the aisle.

Billy went in first so that Stone would be next to Hattie.

“How was the latest screening ofStorm’s Eye?” Stone asked Billy once everyone was settled.

“I told Peter this already, but I think it’s my favorite of his yet.”

“And yet he’s still working on it.”

“Your son, the perfectionist.”

Stone chuckled.

It wasn’t long before the rest of the guests entered and took their seats.

The movie was two hoursof sweat and explosions and death-defying stunt work. In other words, a typical Tom Norman film.

After it was over and Billy and Stone were rising from their chairs to leave, Stone said, “Are you free after this?”

“I need to drive your daughter-in-law home, but after that I will be.”

“Join me at the Arrington for a drink?”

“I can do that.”

“In the interest of full disclosure, someone else will be joining us, too.”

“Who?”

“Lance.”

“As in Cabot?”

“The very same. He would like to talk to you about something.”

“And that would be what?”

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