Shoot First(Stone Barrington #45)(70)

53




Stone walked out his front door in time to watch a black Mercedes-Maybach depart his house in a spray of gravel. Carl Atkins, the security man, was watching, too.

“I guess your idea was to have him go away mad,” he said.

“Exactly, Carl, and now I think we must prepare for him to respond.”

“From what I’ve heard of him in the security business, he loves revenge among all other things.”

“Have you been in touch with the local constabulary?” Stone asked.

“Just once, when we arrived. That inspector you know is now the chief constable, and he wants to be helpful, if he can.”

“Then use him and his people to the hilt,” Stone said, “and I will find a way to thank him later.”

“Certainly, sir, and may I have your permission to request another six men to be sent down from London?”

“If you think we need them. And I think it would be a good idea to speak to the manager of our hotel and see what you can learn from him and his staff about Owaki’s intentions.”

“His car didn’t head in that direction,” Atkins said. “I think he may be visiting his car factory.”

“I’m sure of it,” Stone said. His cell phone rang, and he answered. “Hello?”

“Good afternoon, my dear,” Felicity said. “I wanted to thank you for a delightful evening, though I was a little worse for the wear this morning.”

“A condition I share,” Stone replied. “I’ve just had a visit from Selwyn Owaki, who came to make a business proposal and left very, very unhappy, after a call to him requesting his attention to some county fire officials at his factory.”

“I should think he might hear from more than one county department before the day is out,” she said. “And tomorrow, with any luck at all, he may be summoned to the home secretary’s office to explain why he should not be expelled from the country because of bad business practices and his indifference to the safety of his staff.”

“You are a perfect angel,” Stone said.

“We can discuss that on another occasion,” Felicity said, “but in the meantime, I think you should prepare yourself for a further visit from Mr. Owaki or his associates.”

“I have already taken steps,” Stone said, “which reminds me, I must make a call to the hotel manager regarding his most infamous guest.”

“Go, then. See you soon.”

“Yes, indeed.” Stone called the hotel and asked to speak to the manager.

“Yes, Mr. Barrington?” the man said.

“I hope business is good,” Stone said.

“It is very good, sir. We are maintaining an occupancy rate in the region of ninety-five percent.”

“I’m delighted to hear it. However, I’m calling to ask you to free up some space—that occupied by a Mr. Owaki and, perhaps, some of his associates.”

“Ah, yes, a large suite and two smaller rooms. You would like them all to vacate?”

“I would.”

“How soon?”

“With immediate effect.”

“As you wish, sir. What reason shall I give Mr. Owaki?”

“Tell him that your headquarters have instructed you to evict him, and that he and his associates will oblige the management by leaving quietly.”

“Certainly, sir. Would you like us to pack his luggage?”

“What a good idea! Neatly, of course, then set it on the front steps for collection on his return. How much is his bill?”

“They arrived only yesterday, sir, so it’s right at three thousand five hundred pounds, so far.”

“Hand him his bill, marked ‘Paid,’ and send a copy to my New York Office, which will reimburse you.”

“As you wish, Mr. Barrington. I’ll see to it immediately.”

“Oh,” Stone said, “if you should find any weapons when you are packing his things, retain them and turn them over to the chief of the local constabulary, and be sure to tell Mr. Owaki or his representative that you have done so.”

“It will be done, sir. Is there anything else? Anything at all?”

“Thank you, that will do it,” Stone said, “and I will favorably mention your cooperation to the main office at the first opportunity.”

“How very kind of you, sir.”

“Goodbye.” Stone hung up.

Carl Atkins, who had overheard the conversation, was laughing quietly. “Good idea to disarm them, Mr. Barrington.”

“We must try and keep the peace, Carl. By the way, I’m reliably informed that Mr. Owaki and his party will be told to leave the country tomorrow.”

“I don’t know how you arranged that, sir, but I admire your skills and your connections.”

Stone turned to the butler, who had been present the whole time. “Would you please ask the head groom to saddle two of the horses for Ms. Harmon and me, and to bring them around front?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And would you let Ms. Harmon know that we are going riding?”

“Immediately, sir.”

“Anything else I can do for you, Mr. Barrington?” Atkins asked.

“Yes, you can loan me a compact firearm and a holster,” Stone said.