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ELAINE’S, LATE

Stone Barrington and his for in the co her rounds “So?” Elaine asked as she joined them

“Not much,” Dino replied

Stone was deep into his spaghetti alla carbonara

“Nice, isn’t it?” she asked Elaine had a good opinion of her food

“M to handle what he had stuffed into his mouth and speak at the same time

“Never mind,” Elaine said “Enjoy”

Stone sed hard and nodded “Thank you, I am”

The waiter calass

Stone began to take smaller bites, so as to better participate in the conversation As he took his first sip of wine, he froze

Dino stared at hionna have to do a Heimlich?”

Stone set down the glass but said nothing He was following the entrance of a very beautiful woht, and closer to six feet in her heels She was dressed in a classic Little Black Dress that set off a strand of large pearls around her neck Fake, probably, but who cared? She had honey-blond, shoulder-length hair and a lot of it, cascades of it, big eyes, and pluht red lipstick Dino and Elaine followed Stone’s gaze as the woman turned to her left and sat down at the bar

“She can’t be alone,” Dino said

“Who is she?” Stone asked Elaine

“Never saw her in here,” Elaine replied, “but you’d better hurry; she’s not gonna be alone long”

Stone put down his glass, got up, and walked toward the bar, straightening his tie Normally, the people at the tables didn’t have much to do with the people at the bar; they were different crowds But Stone knehen to make an exception

“Good evening,” he said to her, offering his hand “My naton”

She took the hand and offered a shy smile “Hello, I’m Carrie Cox,” she said, and her accent was soft and southern

Stone indicated his table “My friends Dino and Elaine agree withalone at the bar Will you join us?”

She looked surprised “Thank you, yes,” she said after a ht

Stone escorted her back to the table and sat her down “Carrie Cox, this is Elaine Kaufman, your hostess, and Dino Bacchetti, one of New York ’s Finest”

“How do you do,” Carrie said “Finest what?”

“It’s a designation meant to describe any New York City police officer,” Stone said, “without regard for individual quality”

“Stone should know,” Dino said “He used to be one of New York ’s worst”

Carrie laughed, a low, inviting sound

“You must be from out of town,” Dino said