Dirt

Barrington is still investigating, but he’s been in the hospital.”
    “Hospital?”
    “Someone … this goes no further.”
    “Of course not.”
    “Someone broke into his house, and when he investigated, he got hit over the head.”
    “I must say, I’m not surprised.”
    “What do you know that I don’t know?” Amanda asked.
    “You must understand, I’m in a very difficult position. The … allegations about me in the scandal sheet are very, very dangerous to my interests. I’m already persona non grata in London, with my wife and my father-in-law, and if the old man were sufficiently riled, he could, quite literally, destroy me. I’d never hold a job again, anywhere in the world.” “Why is your position any worse than anybody else’s in this wretched business?” Amanda asked.
    “Because I suspect — although I can’t prove it — that one of the people, perhaps the
only
person, behind
DIRT
may be someone I was once …
involved
with.” “A lover?”
    “That’s too strong a term, I think. No, there was never any love in it.”
    “Who is this person?”
    “His name is Geoffrey.”
    “Geoffrey what?”
    “When I knew him — this was nearly a year ago — he called himself Power, but I doubt that’s his name. I went through his wallet once, and I found three driver’s licenses, in different names.” Amanda was alert now. “What were the other two names?”
    “I don’t remember. I didn’t have any reason to, at the time; I figured they were aliases, too.”
    “Geoffrey Power. Is Geoffrey his real first name?”
    “I can’t swear to it, but I think so. I remember that the initial ‘G’ appeared in the names on all three licenses.”
    “What does he have against Dick Hickock?”
    “I don’t know, but I know what he has against me.”
    “What?”
    “After we stopped … seeing each other, I was very angry with him, and I did something that someone in my position should never do — I used the
Infiltrator
to get back at him.” “How?”
    “He was trying to make a career as an actor in L.A., and I assigned a reporter to call a couple of dozen casting directors and studios, and let drop that the
Infiltrator
was investigating him. Of course, no one would have anything to do with him after that. He left town and, I think, came to New York.” “What does he look like?”
    “Early to mid-thirties, tall, slender, but well-built, light brown hair, highlighted at the ends. He’s quite beautiful, actually.” Peebles sounded regretful.
    Amanda had produced a notebook and was writing furiously. “Have you had him investigated? Really, I mean?”
    “No; I’m afraid to. I’m afraid of what he’ll do.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “He has a somewhat unsavory background. He hinted at working for some government agency at one time, something secret. That may have been bragging, of course, but I don’t really doubt it. He seems to have all sorts of, well,
skills
that ordinary people never come by. And he has a violent streak.” Peebles blinked rapidly. “I’m terribly afraid of violence. Also, I can’t be seen by
anyone
to have had an interest in him. I’ve compromised myself too much already; my whole world is hanging by a slender thread.” “I understand your position,” Amanda said. “Why did you come to me?”
    “You already have an investigation under way that is not seen as being connected with me. Stone Barrington has a reputation as very bright and discreet; if he can track this thing down and put it out of business —
quietly
— then we’re all safe: Hickock, you, and me.” “I see,” Amanda said.
    “Tell your investigator as much of what I’ve told you as you feel is necessary, but for God’s sake, keep my name out of it, if you possibly can. I don’t know any more than I’ve told you, so there’s no point in my speaking directly to Barrington. Will you do that?” “I’ll have to think about this,” Amanda said. “About the best way to approach it. Of course, I’ll keep your name out of it … if I can.”
    Peebles’s face fell; he obviously knew that his fate was in her hands. “I would be very,
very
grateful,” he said.
    Amanda lowered her window and waved at Paul. In a moment they were rolling back toward the East Side.
    “Where can I drop you?” Amanda asked.
    “Anywhere,” Peebles said disconsolately. “It really doesn’t matter.”
     
Chapter 35
     
    On the morning following his return from the hospital, Stone felt well for