Page 66 of Near Miss

“I have nothing to hide from Carly,” Stone said quickly.

“Looks like I’m here for the duration,” Carly said, handing Stone her glass.

Stone poured her a hefty drink and handed her back the glass.

“Shall I close my eyes?” Carly asked, innocently.

“No,” Stone said firmly.

Tiffany appeared to be ready to spring at him.

“Do tell me how you and Stone happened to meet,” Carly said.

“It was some years ago,” Tiffany replied through clenched teeth. “We were on opposite sides of the bed, in those days.”

“And still are,” Stone said.

“This is so much fun,” Carly said, laughing.

“I’m prepared to make it less fun, if you don’t leave,” Tiffany said to her.

“Please, Tiffany,” Stone interjected. “Carly is both my business associate and my guest.”

Carly smiled. “While you are simply Stone’s opponent in a case,” she said. “Tell me, how long has it been since you and Stone have, ah, shared each other’s company?”

“Too long,” Tiffany replied.

“Not long enough,” Stone said simultaneously.

Tiffany glared at Stone. “Well, perhaps I should leave and allow you and this, ah, girl, to get on with it.”

“Thank you so much,” Carly said.

Stone pressed a button and, momentarily, Fred appeared at the study door. “Fred,” Stone said, “would you kindly show Ms. Baldwin out?”

“I’ll see you tomorrow evening, then?” Tiffany said, smoothing her skirt.

“No,” Stone said. “Tom is returning to Washington tomorrow morning, so our business is concluded.”

“Surely, there are things we haven’t covered,” Tiffany said.

“No, we are all done,” Stone said. “Good night, Tiffany.”

“Yes, Tiffany,” Carly said. “Good night.” She waited until she heard the outside door close before she spoke again. “Oh, good. I was afraid I’d have to help you fight her off, Stone.”

“Your fears were well-founded.”

“An old flame? Or perhaps, torch?”

“And one difficult to stanch,” Stone replied. “I made the error once of giving her a key to the house. I had to have the locks changed.”

“Well, that was a mistake.”

“You have no idea.”

“Then I bid you good night,” Carly said, rising. “Call me, if you need reinforcements.” She got up and left.

Chapter 34

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