The Founders' Plot

Unable to clear his mind, he called Stone and asked him to meet for a drink. Stone’s calm disposition and objectivity might help settle him down. Mike once told him that his name should have been “Stonewall” instead of Stone.

They met in the cocktail lounge of an off-the-beaten-track restaurant. It was small and dimly lit, with only six empty stools and four tables, also empty. Glittering lights around the mirror behind the bar reflected in Mike’s brandy as he swirled it in its snifter and told Stone about his meeting with Stern.

Stone listened patiently, occasionally taking a sip of his scotch and soda. Mike finished talking, then bent forward with his arms on the bar, staring straight ahead.

Stone turned in his stool toward him. “I’m not one for giving advice on romance. But I do have an opinion if you want to hear it, although I think you already know what needs to be done.”

Mike nodded, still staring straight ahead. “Yeah. I’ve got to tell Jo.”

“I agree. It’s all you can do unless you want to give in to Stern—the low-life bitch.”

“I can’t give up, John. It’s just too damned important.”

The ice in Stone’s glass clinked as he swirled his drink with a swizzle stick. “Then you’ve got to level with Jo.”

“I know. But maybe I should think about it more. There might be a solution I haven’t thought of. I could locate Karina and talk her out of admitting we had the affair.”

Stone shook his head. “She might lie to you. Or she might agree not to and then change her mind. No, buddy. I think there’s no better solution than telling Josephine.” He put his hand on Mike’s forearm. “You’ll come to that conclusion eventually. So, you may as well do it now. Besides, Stern could use this against you again. You’ve got to diffuse this, or it’ll forever be the Sword of Damocles over your head.”

Mike rolled his head back and forth. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right.” He patted Stone’s shoulder. “Thanks, John.”

“My pleasure. Are you planning to tell Jo tonight?”

“Yeah. May as well get it over with.”

Stone got off the stool. “Okay. I hope I helped a little.”

“You always do. Thanks again. I appreciate it.”

Stone waved his hand. “Glad to do it. That’s what friends are for. If there’s anything else, just pick up the phone.”

“I’ll do that.”