Stone Barrington 06-11

PD.”
    “Did you?”
    “Yes, and I immediately checked our records on Mrs. Frances Bartlett.”
    “And what did you find?”
    “I found that the smashup was handled as an accident by the traffic division of the sheriff’s department, and since they didn’t suspect foul play, we were never brought into it. Apart from reading about it in the papers, this was the first I’ve known about it.”
    “I’m glad Dan Griggs enlightened you.”
    “He said that you enlightened him. You’re ex-NYPD, right?”
    “Right.”
    “Ever work homicide?”
    “For many years.”
    “You think this was a homicide?”
    “It has that distinct odor.”
    “What makes you think so?”
    “Griggs told you about Bartlett’s little identity problem?”
    “Yes, we’re looking at that now.”
    “That’s a tip-off. Then there’s the fact that Mrs. Bartlett rescinded a prenuptial agreement and made a new will in Paul Bartlett’s favor less than a month before she was killed. And I understand she was very rich.”
    “First I’ve heard of that,” Lundquist said. “I’ll check it out. We’re looking for the wrecked car, too. Right now, I’m not sure where it is.”
    “I’d be very interested in what you learn,” Stone said.
    “Tell me, what’s your interest in Paul Bartlett?”
    “He may be harassing a client of mine.”
    “Enough harassment to put him in jail?”
    “Not yet, not unless he tries to harm her.”
    “So, if we arrested him for the murder of his wife, that would be okay with you, huh?”
    “Sure would. But please don’t think I’m trying to frame him for it to get my client off the hook. The information that Griggs and I passed on to you is just what I came up with, almost by accident. If he’s a murderer, I’d like to see him nailed for it, but I’m not positive he’s the guy who’s harassing my client. There’s a physical resemblance, and that’s as far as I’ve gotten. Griggs told you about the FBI hold on his fingerprint file?”
    “Yeah. I’ve run into that once before. It’s not going to help.”
    “I don’t see how it would hurt a homicide investigation. You can convict him as Bartlett or as John Doe; you don’t need his real identity. I’m the one who needs that, so if you come up with something along those lines, I’d really like to hear about it.”
    “Can I reach you at this number?”
    “Yes, and I’ll give you my cell phone number, too.” He recited the number.
    “Got it. I’ll call you.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Do you know where this guy can be found?”
    “No. He checked out of the Chesterfield Hotel yesterday and didn’t leave a forwarding address. He says he’s house-hunting, and that he bought a Bentley. So far, he doesn’t seem to have any interest in leaving Palm Beach, unless he’s worried about me. I did ask him a few pointed questions.”
    “Do me a favor and don’t crowd him. If we get something on him, I want him where I can find him.”
    “Our interests may diverge there,” Stone said. “I have to put my client’s safety first.”
    “Okay, okay, just try not to scare him out of town.”
    “I won’t, unless I have to.”
    “Thanks. I’ll call you.”
    “Bye.” Stone hung up and greeted Callie, who was still yawning. “Sleep late?”
    “It’s the rain,” she said. “It’s like a narcotic. You had breakfast?”
    “Yep, but it wasn’t as good as the ones you make.”
    “You’re sweet.”
    “Are you going to talk to Thad today?”
    “Maybe. I can, if necessary.”
    “Please tell him that I’ve asked a friend, a New York City detective lieutenant, to come down here and lend a hand. I’d like to put him up on the boat.”
    “I’m sure that will be all right. We’re not expecting any other guests, and anyway, the house is ready now. Who is this fellow?”
    “His name is Dino Bacchetti. He and I were partners for a long time when I was on the force. He’s saved my ass more than once.”
    “I must remember to thank him. Will I like him?”
    “Probably. He’ll certainly like you,” Stone said.
    “Should I see if I can find him some female companionship while he’s here?”
    “Not unless you want his Sicilian wife to come after you with a sharp instrument.”
    “I think not.”
    “Don’t worry, Dino will be fine on his own. Anyway, we can pair him with Liz at dinner.”
    “Does he know her?”
    “He knows about her, but they’ve never met.”
    “Funny, I don’t think I’ve ever met a cop before. I mean, except for