Page 131 of Stuart Woods' Golden Hour

Barnett laughed. “Hardly. It was through guns.”

“I’m sorry?”

“I started as a part-time gunsmith, refurbishing prop weapons.”

“I see. You have a lot of experience in this area?”

“Enough to know which end to avoid.” Barnett waved to someone on the other side of the dance area. “Felix, it’s been a pleasure meeting you. I hope we can talk again soon.”

“I’m sure we will.”

As he watched Barnett head into the crowd, Dieter joined him.

“Well?” Dieter asked.

“He didn’t come out and say it, but he’s Fay all right. I’m sure ofit.”

48

“The van’s here for anyof you ready to head back,” Lizzie said.

It was midnight, and the party had finally begun winding down.

Tessa raised a hand. “Count me in.”

“Me, too,” Hattie said. “I’ve had about as much excitement as I can handle.”

“I guess that means I’m going back, too,” Peter said.

“And me,” Ben said.

“Please tell me we don’t have to be up at the crack of dawn tomorrow.” Adriene said. Even though she still glowed from the evening, she looked ready for sleep.

“Nothing scheduled until the afternoon,” Lizzie said.

“Oh, thank God.”

“The sooner my head is on the pillow, the happier I’ll be,” Stacy said.

“Billy?” Lizzie asked.

“You all go ahead,” Billy said. “I promised Constance I’d say goodbye before I left.”

“I could send the van back for you.”

Before Billy could respond, Stone said, “Ms. Dane and I are staying for a bit longer, too. Billy, you’re welcome to grab a cab with us.”

“Perfect,” Billy said. “I’ll do that.”

As soon as Lizzie led the others away, Billy said, “Where’s Braun?”

“Last I saw, he was leaving with his lady friend,” Vesna said.

“Is your ex with them?”

Her expression soured. “Can we just call him Dieter?”

“Whatever makes you more comfortable. The question remains the same, however.”

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