Foreign Affairs Read Free Page B

you that those difficulties have been resolved as a result of our purchase. Now all that remains is for each of us to deposit a very large sum of cash in the Arrington account, and we’re off.” He handed Stone a letter that was a formal request for Stone’s investment.
    Stone looked at his watch. “It’s early in New York. Is today soon enough?”
    Marcel squeezed his arm. “I knew I could rely on your support, my good friend.”
    â€”
    S tone returned to his suite, faxed the letter to Joan with an approval to transfer the money, then found Hedy camped on the living room sofa, drinking coffee. “I’m glad to see you awake,” he said, joining her and pouring himself some coffee.
    â€œAwake is too strong a word, but the coffee is helping,” she replied. “How did your board meeting go?”
    â€œSwimmingly. We approved the purchase of a property quite near here for the construction of a new Arrington.”
    â€œI’ve visited the Arrington in L.A., but not the one in Paris. Will the new Rome Arrington meet their standards?”
    â€œWe have a Frenchman in charge who has impeccable taste and unlimited resources. He will devote himself to that task, and all I will have to do is enjoy it when it’s done.” He looked at his watch. “Can you be ready for dinner at seven-thirty?”
    â€œProbably. Will an LBD do?”
    â€œA Little Black Dress will be fine.”
    â€”
    S he reappeared in the living room wearing a quite spectacular LBD and very beautiful jewelry. He escorted her down the hall to the restaurant, which was on the same floor.Shortly they were seated at a table with a view, in the distance, of St. Peter’s Basilica. A moon hung over the city, and the drinks were good. They had just finished their first course when Hedy pointed past him. “What’s that?” she asked.
    He turned and followed her finger. Just past the church a bright light was burning. “Something appears to be on fire,” Stone said.

5
    A fter an excellent dinner, Stone signed the bill and stood up. “Do you mind if we take a short walk?” he asked Hedy.
    â€œNot at all.”
    They took the elevator downstairs and walked past the church, where they found the smoking ruin of the half-built hotel that Stone, with Marcel, had just bought. A single fire truck was spraying water on the smoking ruin, and Marcel was standing alone, disconsolately watching.
    Stone approached and introduced Marcel and Hedy. “What happened?” he asked.
    â€œIt burned down.”
    â€œDo we know why?”
    Marcel shook his head. “There’s a bright side, though.”
    â€œAnd what would that be?”
    â€œWe can rebuild immediately. All we have to do is to occupythe same footprint. The architects will like that, since they won’t be stuck with the previous floor plans.”
    â€œWhose insurance is going to cover this?”
    â€œThe previous owner’s. We’re not due to close until the day after tomorrow. They should clear the lot, as well. If you’ll excuse me, I want to go and speak to the architects in New York. We have the construction company lined up, but I want to see if we can start them with the plans we have.” Marcel shook hands and got into his car, and Stone and Hedy started back to the Hassler.
    â€œWhy only one fire truck?” she asked.
    â€œI don’t know—that would have been a three-alarm fire in New York.”
    â€”
    W hen they were back in the suite, Hedy turned her back. “Will you unzip me, please?”
    â€œIt’s one of the things I do best,” Stone replied, unzipping the dress and kissing her on the shoulder.
    â€œDo I have to sleep in the guest room tonight?”
    â€œYou will be most welcome in the master suite.”
    â€œI’ll be with you shortly.”
    Stone filled out the breakfast card, hung it on the doorknob, and was already in bed when