“I ordered for you,” Dino said, waving him to the seat on the other side of the table. “Man, you were out last night. Sleep well?”

“I think so; I don’t remember,” Stone said, taking a seat.

Manolo and Carmen were coming across the garden with trays. They set them before Stone and Dino and simultaneously took the covers away.

“Eggs Benedict!” Stone said. “My favorite.”

“I knew that,” Dino said.

“Oh, Manolo, Carmen: Rick and Glenna Barron are coming to dinner tonight at seven with another guest. I think you know the things they like.”

“Oh, yes, Mr. Stone,” Manolo said. “We will be ready for them.” The couple returned to the kitchen.

“Who are Rick and Glenna Barron?” Dino asked.

“Rick is the chairman and CEO of Centurion Studios,” Stone replied. “I think he’s mostly confined himself to management for a while, now, but he still produces a picture now and then. His wife is Glenna Gleason.”

“The old-time movie star? I love her!”

“Not as old as Rick, I think, but getting up there. I met them at Vance’s burial a few years back. I’m supposed to plot with Rick about how to save the studio, but now Arrington has pulled this reversal, and I don’t know what to do.”

“What, exactly, is the deal about?” Dino asked.

“I think Rick is going to explain that to us tonight,” Stone replied.

“And then you explain that Arrington is voting against him?”

“God, I hope not. I’ve got to talk seriously to Arrington.”

An hour later, Stone called Arrington at her Virginia horsecountry home.

“Hello?” She sounded sleepy.

“Did I wake you?”

“Not really, I sort of slept in this morning. I’m sorry I got you when you were so tired last night.”

“I’ve recovered now, and I want you to explain to me why you need the money from the sale of your studio stock.”