Page 99 of Near Miss

“See you then.”

Chapter 48

Stone woke at eightam, but thanks to Carly, he did not get out of bed until after ten.

“Join me for a shower?” she asked as she crossed the room.

“Why do I get the feeling there won’t be much showering?”

“I promise, every inch of you will be clean by the time we finish.”

“How can I say no?”

Forty minutes later, Stone was dressed and feeling cleaner than he could ever remember.

“Shall we see about getting something to eat?”

“Please,” Carly said. “I’m starving.”

Dino was reading theTimesin the living room when they came downstairs. He folded the paper dramatically in his lap upon seeing them.

“Viv had to stop me from sending out an APB when you didn’t come down for breakfast,” he said.

“A little out of your jurisdiction, isn’t it?” Stone said.

“You forget, I happen to know the local constabulary. One call and the island’s on lockdown.”

“Where’s Viv?” Carly asked.

“Out for a walk.”

“By herself?” Stone asked, concerned.

“She’s armed with one of your shotguns, and two of Strategic Services’ best are trailing her.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“Do you really think the Russians will try something here?” Carly asked.

“I’m hoping they don’t even know where we are,” Stone said. “But no need to tempt fate.”

“I suppose.”

“Come on. Let’s see if Mary can whip us up something to eat.”

“Don’t eat too much,” Dino called after them. “Viv wants to have lunch at the golf club and play a round.”

“You hate golfing,” Stone said.

“Not as much as I love my wife.”

They had lunch at the club at onepm.

“This is magnificent,” Carly said, after taking a bite of her stuffed pork chop.

“They have a new clubhouse chef,” Stone said.

“I’d say he’s a keeper.”

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