Teddy got up early the next morning and called Mike Freeman, the head of Strategic Services. Mike answered at his office in New York.
“Hey, Mike, how’s it going?”
“I think I know that voice.”
“I think you do, too.”
“I understand congratulations are in order.”
“Yes, indeed. The Oscars. Peter has every reason to be proud.”
“I understand his producer and supporting actor are also being honored.”
“I’m sure they’re thrilled. That’s not why I’m calling.”
“I didn’t figure it was.”
“What sort of protection do you have on Peter’s and Ben’s families?”
“I can’t give out that information.”
“I know you can’t. Except to the person hiring you. That happens to be me.”
“Not according to my records.”
“Then your records aren’t up-to-date. Let’s correct that while I have you on the phone. I’m hiring Strategic Services to provide protection to Peter’s and Ben’s families in addition to whatever protection Stone Barrington may have requested that you can’t tell me about.”
“You mind telling me why?”
“Circumstances have arisen which make such precautions seem prudent.”
“Would this have anything to do with any recent felony arrests in the Los Angeles area?”
“That’s what I don’t know, and it bothers me. Clearly someone has it in for Billy Barnett. In addition to the legal entanglements, there have been personal encounters.”
“Nothing you couldn’t handle, I trust?”
“No, but the resultant frustration might cause the opposition to try an alternative tack. I’m afraid I might be inadvertently putting friends of mine at risk.”
“This is a secure line, swept every day. Would you care to be specific?”
“I wouldn’t mind, but I don’t know. The evidence seems to indicate Gino Patelli’s attempting to avenge his uncle’s death. The fact that I didn’t kill him makes it somewhat ironic.”
“Any chance of bringing Patelli around to that point of view?”
“I don’t think he’d be inclined to listen. And I was at least indirectly responsible. Anyway, I actually met the gentleman at a party, and his men tried to spoil my exit. The result no doubt added to Patelli’s list of grievances.”
“And that’s why you’re nervous.”
“This was an Oscar party. Hattie’s nominated for the musical score. Tessa’s nominated for Best Actress. The award show is next Sunday. A vindictive creep might want to see they missed the ceremony.”
“Any indication that’s the case?”
“Stone took the kids out to dinner last night. Gino Patelli was in the same restaurant.”
“Checking on Billy Barnett?”
“Maybe, but Billy Barnett wasn’t there.”
“Uh-oh.”
“So, I’d like to make sure the kids are safe and well and get to the Oscars.”
“If you want my men in the audience, that will take a little doing.”
“That shouldn’t be necessary. Just see that everyone gets there. They’re fine once they’re inside.”
“You got it.”
“I realize there may be some overlap. Don’t worry about billing Stone Barrington and me for the same men. No one does what you do better than you do it. I just need to know until the Oscars there’s no one I have to look out for but me.”
“I take it you don’t want personal protection?”
“Don’t waste your men. I’d only have to ditch ’em.”
Teddy hung up the phone feeling a lot better knowing Mike was on the case. He made himself up as Mark Weldon and headed for the set.