Unintended Consequences - By Stuart Woods

59





They all met for breakfast in Stone’s kitchen at around ten A.M. Stone was stiff and sore, and he expected that Helga was, too, though she seemed very happy.

“I’ve had news this morning,” Marcel said, “that my newly armored Maybach will be at Le Bourget to meet me this evening. That will be a comfort, as will the presence of Mike Freeman’s men.”

“I hope you won’t need them much longer,” Stone said. “Even if Majorov survived the helicopter crash, I can’t imagine that, after his experience, he would come after you or your business again.”

“I hope you are right, Stone,” Marcel replied, “but if he does, I will be ready.”

They packed their luggage into the Mercedes van for the trip to Teterboro. Stone noticed that the black alligator suitcase was missing and asked Helga about it.

“It had bullet holes,” she said, “and I thought that might attract the attention of Swedish customs. So I’m making a gift of it to you.”

“Thank you so much,” Stone said. “A little legal advice—taking cash out of the country is not illegal, but not reporting it is. When you clear emigration on your way out, ask for a form to report cash aboard. List the amount, sign it, and turn it in.”

“But they will tax me.”

“I don’t think so, but if they search your luggage, you’re covered. Also, I hear that there are so many of those forms turned in that it takes them years to record them all, if they bother.” He helped her into the van.

Marcel shook Stone’s hand, then hugged him. “I have never been entertained in such a fashion,” he said. “I will dine out on the stories for years.”

“As will I,” Stone said.

“I have sent you a small house gift to express my gratitude for your hospitality,” Marcel said. “It will be delivered later today. And I want to thank you for the experience of your American wines. They were very interesting.”

“Thank you, Marcel,” Stone said. “And I look forward to a long and happy experience with you in the hotel business.”

Marcel got into the van, Stanley closed the door, and they were off.

Stone went back into the house through the office door, and Joan was at her desk, working. “Hi, there. Everybody get off all right?”

“They did.”

“I got a call that we’ll be getting a delivery late this afternoon. Something Marcel sent.”

“Yes, he mentioned it—a house present, he said.”

“I hope it’s not another car. The garage is full.”

“I doubt it.”

“By the way, when I came into work this morning, I ran into a woman, a real estate agent, putting a ‘for sale’ sign on the little house next door, on the garage side.”

“So, we’ll be getting new neighbors, eventually.”

“She took me through the house,” Joan said, “and it’s charming. In perfect condition, ready to move into and mostly furnished. It has been very nicely turned into a duplex and three apartments, and there’s an elevator. It’s available, empty, with no lingering tenants.”

“Well, I hope it attracts nice people on the downstairs floor, since their garden is just over the wall.”

“I was thinking,” Joan said, “Helene’s lease is up in a couple of months, and she has to move, and I could use more space, myself. Why don’t you buy the house and move us into it? There’d still be room for guests—maybe Peter and Hattie?”

“They’re going to be living in L.A.,” Stone said. “But how much are the owners asking for it?”

Joan told him. “The market is still depressed after the housing crisis. I think they might take a good deal less for a quick cash sale. Also, you could break through from the garage into their basement, making more room for the cars and a bigger wine cellar and a nicer exercise room for you.”

Stone thought about that for a moment. “All right, make them an offer—negotiate, if you have to. I’ll trust you to make the deal.”

Joan jumped up and hugged him. “You’re wonderful!”

“So are you and Helene,” Stone replied.

He went to his desk and began sorting through the correspondence and phone messages. There was one from Mike Freeman, and he returned it.

“Exciting events last night, eh?” Mike asked cheerfully.

“A little too exciting,” Stone said. “I’m still feeling the effects.”

“My sources tell me that two survivors of the helicopter crash were picked up. Neither of them was Majorov. He’s in the wind.”

“As far as I’m concerned, he can stay there,” Stone replied. “I should have shot him when I could have, or followed Helga’s advice and dumped him off the building.”

Mike laughed. “That Helga is a piece of work, isn’t she?”

“She certainly is.”

“I don’t think we’ll hear from Majorov again. I think he’s found you to be too much trouble for the effort.”

“I hope you’re right,” Stone said. They said goodbye and hung up.

The phone rang. “Hello?”

“It’s Dino. I thought I’d bring you up to date.”

“There were two survivors, but not Majorov?”

“Where do you get this stuff?”

“I have connections.”

“You want to join me for dinner at Patroon tonight? Viv is still cleaning up after the party last night. Eight o’clock?”

“You’re on. I’m glad you don’t have to do the dishes.”

Stone worked through the afternoon, then went upstairs to his study for a drink. Joan buzzed him. “Your package from Marcel has arrived,” she said. “Shall I bring it up?”

“Sure,” Stone said, and collapsed into his easy chair.