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Morning Noon NightMorning Noon NightBySidney SheldonSynopsis:The Stanford family is one of the most respected inAmerica - but behindthe facade of fame and glamour lies a hidden web ofblackmail, drugs andmurder. When Harry Stanford, one of the wealthiestmen in the world,mysteriously drowns while cruising on his yacht off therugged.coast ofCorsica, it sets off a chain of events that reverberatesaround theglobe. At the family gathering following the funeral inBoston, astrikingly beautiful young woman appears. She claimsto be Stanford'sdaughter and entitled to a share of the tycoon's estate.Is she genuine,or issheanimposter?Sweepingfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (1 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon NightfromthesplendoursoftheItalianRiviera, to the fashion salons of Paris and New York,and theopulence of Boston and Florida, Morning, Noon & Nighttwists and turnsits way through intrigue, smoke and mirrors to asurprise ending you'llnever forget. 'Sheldon is a writer working at the heightof hispower. powerful enough to drag us along with him. Ihung on till thevery end.'Last printing: 05/06/02 :4 3' Morning, Noon & NightBooks bySidney Sheldon IF TOMORROW COMES MASTER OF THEGAME RAGE OF ANGELSBLOODLINE A STRANGER IN THE MIRROR THE OTHERSIDE OF MIDNIGHT THE NAKEDFACE WINDMILLS OF THE GODS THE SANDS OF TIMEfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (2 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon NightMEMORIES OF MIDNIGHT THEDOOMSDAY CONSPIRACY THE STARS SHINE DOWNNOTHING LASTS FOREVERSIDNEYSHELDON Morning, Noon & Night a Harper CollinsPublicationHarperCollinsPublishers 77-85 Fulham Palace Road,Hammersmith,London,W6 &JB Special overseas edition 1996 Thispaperback edition 19961 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2 First published in Great Britain byHarperCollinsPublishers 1995Limited partnership 1995 The Author asserts the moralright to beidentified as the author of this workISBN: 0-1898- 00 649806 X Set in TimesRoman by Rowland Phototypesetting Ltd, Bury StEdmunds, Suffolk Printedand bound in Great Britain by Caledonian InternationalBookManufacturing I.Ad, Glasgow All rights reserved. No partof thispublication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievalsystem, ortransmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,mechanical,file:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (3 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightphotocopying, recording or otherwise, without the priorpermission ofthe publishers. This book is sold subject to the conditionthat it shallnot, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hiredout orotherwise circulated without the publishers priorconsent in any form ofbinding or cover other than that in which it is publishedand without asimilar condition including this condition being imposedon thesubsequent purchaser.To Kimberly with loveAllow the morning sun towarm. Your heart when you are young And let the softwinds noon Coolyour passion, But beware the night For death lurksthere, Waiting,waiting, waiting.,ARTHUR RiMBAUD MORNINGChapter One.Dmitri asked, ' you know we're being followed, NITStanfordt '.' He hadfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (4 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightbeen aware of them for the past twenty-four hours. Thetwo men and thewoman were dressed casually, attempting to blend inwith the summertourists strolling along the cobbled streets in the earlymorning, butit was difficult to remain inconspicuous in a place assmall as thefortified village of St.-Paul-de-Vence. Harry Stanfordhad first noticedthem because they were too casual, trying too hard notto look at him.Wherever he turned, one of them was in thebackground. Harry Stanfordwas an easy target to follow. He was six feet tall, withwhite hairlapping over his collar and an aristocratic, almostimperious face. Hewas accompanied by a strikingly lovely young brunette,a pure-whiteGerman shepherd, and Dmitri Kaminsky, a six-foot fourinch bodyguardwith a bulging neck and sloping forehead. Hard to loseus, Stanfordthought. He knew'who had sent them and why, and hewas filled with asense of imminent danger. He had learned long ago totrust hisfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (5 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightinstincts. Instinct and intuition had helped make himone of thewealthiest men in the world. Forbes magazine estimatedthe value ofStanford Enterprises at six billion dollars, while theFortune 500appraised it at seven billion. The Wall Street Journal,Barron's, andthe Financial Tbnes had all done profiles on HarryStanford, trying toexplain his Mystique, his amazing sense of timing, theineffable acumen that had created the giant Stanfofd Enterprises.None had fullysucceeded. What they all agreed on was that he had analmost palpable,manic energy. He was inexhaustible. His philosophy wassimple: A daywithout making a deal was a day wasted. He wore, outhis competitors,his staff, and everyone else who came in contact withhim. He was aphenomenon, larger than life. He thought of himself asa religious man.He believed in God, and the God he believed in wantedhim to be rich andsuccessful, and his enemies dead, Harry Stanford was apublic figure,file:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (6 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightand the press knew everything about him. HarryStanford was a privatefigure, and the press knew nothing about him. They hadwritten about hischarisma, his lavish life-style, his private plane and hisyacht, andhis legendary homes in Hobe Sound, Morocco, LongIsland, London, theSouth of France, and of course his 4 magnificent estate,Rose Hill, inthe Back Bay area of Boston. But the real HarryStanford remained anenigma. ' are we going?' the woman asked. He was toopreoccupied toanswer. The couple on the other side of the street wasusing thecross-switch technique, and they had just changedpartners again. Alongwith his sense of danger, Stanford felt a deep angerthat they wereinvading his plivacy. They had dared come to him in thisplace, hissecret haven from the rest of the world. St.-Paul-deVence is apicturesque, medieval village, weaving its ancient magicon a hilltop inthe Alps Maritimes, situated inland between Cannes andNice. it issurrounded by a spectacular and enchanting landscapefile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (7 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightof hills andvalleys covered with flowers, orchards, and pine forests:The villageitself, a cornu- copia of artists' studios, galleries andwonderfulantique shops, is a magnet for tourists from all over theworld. HarryStanford and his group turned onto the Rue Grande.Stanford turned tothe woman Sophia, ' you like museums?' 4yes, caro.'She was eager toplease him. She had never met anyone like HarryStanford. Wait until Ifell my giry'friends about hbm I didn't think there was ''anything leftfor me to learn about sex, but my God, he's so creative!He's wearing meout! They went up the hill to the Fondation maeght artmuseum, andbrowsed through its renowned collection Of Paintings byBonnard andChagall and many other contemporary artists. WhenHarry Stanfordcasually glanced around, he observed the woman at theother end Of thegallery, earnestly studying a Mir6. Stanford turned toSophia."Hungry?' '. If you are.' Must not be pushy. '. We'll havefile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (8 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightlunch at LaColombe d'Or.' La Colombe d'Or was one of Stanford'sfavoriterestaurants, a sixteenth-century house at the entranceto the oldvillage, converted into a hotel and restaurant. Stanfordand Sophia satat a table in the garden, by the pool, where Stanfordcould admire theBraque and Calder. Prince, the white German shepherd,lay at his feet,ever watchful. The dog was Harry Stanford's trademark.Where Stanfordwent, Prince went. it was rumored that at HarryStanford's command, theanimal would tear out a person's throat. No one, wantedto test thatrumor. Dmitri sat by himself at a table near the hotelentrance,carefully observing the other patrons as they came andwent., Stanfordturned to Sophia. ' I order for you, my deart 611lease.1Harry Stanfordprided himself on being a gourmet. He ordered a greensaladandfricass,6e de lotte for both of them. As they werebeing served theirmain course, Danielle Roux, who ran the hotel with herhusband, Franr,file:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (9 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightois, approached the table and smiled. '. Is everything allright,Monsieur Stanfordt ', Madame Roux.' And it was goingto be. They arepygmies, trying to fell a giant. They're in for a bigdisappointment.Sophia said, ''ve never been here before. It's such alovely village-'Stanford turned his attention to her. Dmitri had pickedher up for himin Nice a day earlier. '. Stanford, I brought someone foryou.' 'problemt. Stanford had asked. Dmitri had grinned. '."He had seen her inthe lobby of the Hotel Negresco, and had approachedher. ' me, do youspeak English?' '.' She had a lilting Italian accent. ' manI work forwould like you to have dinner with him.' She had beenindignant. ''m nota puttana! I'm an actress she had said haughtily. n fact,she had had awalk-on part in Pupi Avati's last film, and a role with twolines ofdialogue in a Giuseppe Tornatore film. ' would I havedinner with astranger?' Dmitri had taken out a wad of hundred-dollarbills. He pushedfive into her hand. ' friend is very generous. He has afile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (10 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightyacht, and he islonely.' He had watched her expression go through aseries of changesfrom indignation, to curiosity, to interest. ' it happens,I'm betweenpictures.' She smiled. ' would probably do no harm tohave dinner withyour friend.""Good. He will be pleased.' ' is he?' '.-Paul-de-Vence.'Dmitri hadchosen well. Italian. In her late twenties. A sensuous,catlike face.Full-breasted figure. Now, looking at her across thetable, HarryStanford made a decision. ' you like to travel, Sophia?' 'adore it.""Good. We'll go on a little trip. Excuse me a moment.'Sophia watched ashe walked into the restaurant and to a public telephoneoutside themen's room. Stanford put ajeton in the slot and dialed. 'operator,please.' Seconds later, a voice said, ' lop6atricemaritime.' ' want toput in a call to the yacht Blue Skies. Whiskey bravo limanine eightzero .' The conversation lasted five -minutes, andfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (11 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightwhen Stanford wasfinished, he dialed the airport at Nice. The conversationwas shorterthis time. When Stanford was through talking, he spoketo Dmitri, whorapidly left the restaurant. Then he returned to Sophia. 'you ready?''. ''s take a walk.' He needed time to work out a plan. Itwas a perfectday. The sun had splashed pink clouds across thehorizon and'rivers ofsilver light ran through the streets.They strolled along the Rue Grande, past the tgjise, thebeautifultwelfth-century church, and stopped at the boulangeriein front of the@Arch to buy some fresh baked bread '. When they cameout, one of thethree watchers ' standing outside, busily studying thechurch.Dmitri was also waiting for them. Harry Stanfordhanded the bread toSophia. ' don't you take this up to the house? I'll bealong in a fewminutes! ' right! She smiled and said softly, ', caro!Stanford watchedher leave, then motioned to Dm itri. ' did you find oufffile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (12 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Night"The woman andone of the men are staying at Le Hameau, on the roadto La Colle! HarryStanford knew the place.-. It was a whitewashedfarmhouse with anorchard a mile west of St.-Paul-de-Vence. ' the otheronet ' Le Masd'Artigny.' Le Mas d'Artigny was a Provenw mansion ona hillside twomiles west of St.-Paul-de-Vence. ' do you want me to dowith them, sirt'. I'll take care of them.' Harry Stanford's villa was onthe Rue deCasette, next to the mairie, in an area of narrowcobblestone streetsand very old houses. The villa was a five-level housemade of old stoneand plaster. Two levels below the main house were agarage and an oldcave used as a wine cellar. A stone staircase led toupstairs bedrooms,an office, and a tiled-roof terrace.The entire house was furnished in French antiques andfilled withflowers. When Stanford returned to the villa, Sophiawas in his bedroom,waiting for him. She was naked. ' took you so long?' shewhispered.file:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (13 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon NightIn order to survive, Sophia Matteo, often picked upmoney between filmassignments as a call girl, and she was used to fakingorgasms to pleaseher clients, but with this man, there was no need topretend. He wasinsatiable, and she found herself climaxing again andagain. When theywere finally exhausted, Sophia put her 10 arms aroundhim and murmuredhappily, ' could stay here forever, caro.' I wish I could,Stanfordthought, grimly. a They had dinner at Le C66 de la Placein Plaza duGeneral-de-Gaulle, near the entrance to the village. Thedinner wasdelicious, and for Stanford the danger added spice tothe meal. Whenthey were finished, they made their way back to thevilla. Stanfordwalked slowly, to make certain his pursuers followed. Atone A. m., aman standing across the street ' the lights in the villabeing, turnedoff, one by one, until the building was in total darkness.At fourthirty in the morning, Harry Stanford went into theguest bedroom wherefile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (14 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon NightSophia slept. He shook her gently. ' . T She openedher eyes andlooked up at him, a smile of anticipation on her face,then frowned. Hewas fully dressed* She sat up. ' something wrong?' ',MY dear.Everything is fine. You said you liked to travel. Well,were going totake a little trip.' She was wide awake now. ' this hourr'. We must bevery quiet.' '@i . ! '.' Fifteen minutes later, HarryStanford, Sophia,Dmitri, and Prince were moving down the stone.Chapter Two.Half an hour later, at Nice airport, a converted Boeing727 was slowlytaxiing down the runway to the takeoff point. Up in thetower, theflight controller said, ' certainly are in a hurry to getthat plane offthe ground. The pilot has asked for a clearance threetimes. 9 "Whoseplane is itt ' Stanford *King Midas himself.' ''s probablyon his way tomake another billion or two.' The controller turned tomonitor a Lea@etfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (15 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nighttaking off, then picked up the microphone."Boeing eight nine five Papa, this is Nice departurecontrol. You arecleared for takeoff. Five left. After departure, turn rightto a headingof one four zero.' Harry Stanford's pilot and copilotexchanged arelieved look. The pilot pressed the microphone button.'. Boeing eightnine five Papa is cleared for takeoff. Will turn Fight toone fourzero.' A moment later, the huge plane thundered downthe runway andknifed into the gray dawn sky. 14 The copilot spoke intothe microphoneagain. 413eparture, Boeing eight nine five Papa isclimbing out of threethousand for flight level seven zero.' The copilot turnedto the pilot."Whew! Old Man Stanford was . anxioui for us to get offthe ground,wasn't het The pilot shrugged. ' not to reason why, oursbut to do anddie. How's he doing. back theret The copilot rose andstepped to thedoor of the cockpit, and looked into the cabin. ''sresting.' Theyfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (16 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nighttelephoned the airport tower from the car. '. Stanford'splane . Is itstill on the groundt ', monsieur. It has departed.' ' thepilot file aflight plant ' course, monsieur.' ' where?' ' plane isheaded for JKF.'' you.' He ' to his companion. '.We'll have people there to meet him.' When the Renaultpassed theoutskirts of Monte Carlo, speeding toward the Italianborder, HarryStanford said, ''s no chance that we were followed,Dmitrit ', sir.We've lost them.' '.' Harry Stanford leaned back in hisseat and r .There was nothing to worry about. They would betracking the plane. Hereviewed the situation 15 in his mind. It was really aquestion of whatthey knew and when they knew it. They were jackalsfollowing the trailof a lion, hoping to bring him down. Harry Stanfordsmiled to himself.They had underestimated the man they were dealingwith. Others who hadmade that mistake had paid dearly for it. Someonewould also pay thistime. He was Harry Stanford, the confidant offile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (17 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightpresidents and kings,powerful and rich enough to make or break theeconomies of a dozencountries. The 727 was in the skies over Marseilles. Thepilot spokeinto the microphone. ', Boeing eight nine five Papa iswith you,climbing out of flight level one nine zero for flight leveltwo threezero.' '.' The R ' reached San Remb shortly after dawn.Harry Stanfordhad fond memories of the city, but it had changeddrastically. Heremembered a time when it had been an elegant townwith first-classhotels and restaurants, and a casino where black tiewas required andwhere fortunes could be lost or won in an evening. Nowit had succumbedto tourism, with loud-mouthed patrons gambling in theirshirtsleeves.The Renault was approaching the harbor, twelve milesfrom theFrench-Italian border. There were two marinas at theharbor, MarinaPorto Sole to the east, and Porto Communale to thewest. In Porto Sole,a 16 marine attendant directed the berthing. In PortoCommunale, therefile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (18 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightwas no attendant. ' one?" Dmitri asked. ' Communale,'Stanford directed.Ae fewer people around, the better. ', sir.' A fewminutes later, theRenault pulled up next to the Blue Skies, a sleekhundred-and7zghty-footmotor yacht.Captain Vacarro and the crew of twelve were lined UPon deck. Thecaptain burned down the gangplank to greet the newarrivals. ' morning,Signor Stanford,' Captain Vacarro said. ''ll take yourluggage, and . 'luggage. Let's shove off.' ', sir.' ' a minute.' Stanfordwas studyingthe crew. He frowned. ' man on the end. He's new, isn'the?' ', sir. Ourcabin boy got sick in Capri, and we took on this one.He's highly -' 'rid of him,' Stanford ordered. The captain looked at him,puzzled. ' .?' ' him off.Let's get out of here.' Captain Vacaffo nodded. ', sir.'Looking around,Harry Stanford was filled with an increasing -sense offoreboding. Hecould almost reach out and touch it. He did not wantfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (19 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightany strangers nearhim. Captain Vacarro, and his crew had been with himfor years. He couldtrust them. He turned to look at the girl. Since Dmitrihad picked herup at random, 17 here was no danger there. And as forDmitri, hisfaithful bodyguard had saved his life. more than once.Stanford turned to Dmitri.-'Stay close to me.' ', sir.'Stanford tookSophia's arm. ''s go aboard, my dear.' - DmitriKaminsky stood on deck,watching the crew prepare to cast off. He scanned theharbor, but he sawnothing to be alarmed about. At this time of themorning, there was verylittle activity. The yacht's huge generators burst intolife, and thevessel got under weigh. The captain approached HarryStanford."You didn't say where we were heading, SignorStanford.' ,, I didn't,did 1, captaint He thought for a moment. '.' ', sir.' ' theway, I wantyou to maintain strict radio silence.' Captain Vacarrofrowned. 'silence? Yes, sir, but what if . T Harry Stanford said,file:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (20 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Night"Don't worryabout'it. Just do it. And I don't want anyone using thesatellitephones.' ', sir. Will we be laying over in Portofinot "I'lllet youknow, captain.' Harry Stanford took Sophia on a tour ofthe yacht. Itwas one of his prized possessions, and he enjoyed 18vessel. It had a 91Sbowm' it off. It was a breathtaking luxuriouslyappointed master suitewith a sitting room and an office. The office wasspacious andcomfortably hirnished with a couch, several easy chairs,and a desk, ,which was enough equipment to run a small town. Onthe wall was a largeelectronic map with a small moving boat showing thecurrent position ofthe yacht. Sliding glass doors opened from the mastersuite onto anoutside veranda deck furnished with a chaise longueand a table withfour chairs. A tea k railing ran along the outside. Onbalmy days, itwas Stanford's custom to have breakfast on theveranda.There were six guest staterooms, each with handfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (21 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightpainted silk panels,picture windows, @and a bath with a Jacuzzi. The largelibrary was donein koa wood. The dining room could seat sixteen guests.A fullyequipped. fitness salon was on the lower deck. Theyacht also containeda wine cellar and a theater that was ideal for runningfilms. HarryStanford had one of the world's greatest libraries ofpornographicmovies. T"he furnishings throughout the vessel wereexquisite, and thepaintings -would have made any museum proud- ', nowyou've seen most ofit,' Stanford told Sophia at the end of the tour. ''ll showyou the resttomorrow.1 She was awed. ''ve never seen anything likeit! It's . it'slike a city!' Harry Stanford smiled at her enthusiasm. '19 steward willshow you to your cabin. Make yourself comfortable. Ihave some work todo.' Harry Stanford returned to his office and checkedthe electronicmap on the wall for the location of the yacht. Blue Skieswas in theLigurian Sea, heading northeast. 7hey won't knowwhere Fve gone,file:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (22 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon NightStanford thought. They'll be waiting for me at JFK Whenwe get toPortofino, F11 straighten everything out. Thirty-fivethousand feet inthe air, the pilot of the 727 was getting newinstructions. ' eight ninefive Papa, you are cleared directly to Delta IndiaNovember upper routeforty as filed.' '. Boeing eight nine five Papa is cleareddirect Dinardupper route forty as filed.' He turned to the copilot. 'clear.' Thepilot stretched, got up, and walked to the cockpit door.He looked intothe cabin. "How's our passenger doing?' the copilotasked. ' lookshungry to me."Chapter Three the.Ligurian coast is the Italian Riviera, sweeping in asemicircle from theFrench-Italian border around to Genoa, and thencontinuing down to theGulf of La Spezia. The beautiful long ribbon of coast andits @Wrklingwaters contain the storied ports of Portofino, Vernazza,and beyond themfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (23 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon NightElba, -Sardinia, and Corsica. Blue Skies wasapproaching Portofino,which even from a distance was an impressive sight, itshillsidescovered with olive trees, pines, cypresses and palms.Harry Stanford,Sopbia, and Dniitri were on deck, studying -theapproaching coastline."Have you been to Portofino oftent Sophia asked. ' fewtimes.' 619thereis your main home?' Too personat ''ll enjoy Portofino,Sophia. It'sreally quite beautiful! Captain Vacarro, approachedthem. ' you behaving lunch aboard, Signor Stanfordt ', we'll havelunch at theSplendido.' 21 ' good. And shall I be prepared to weighanchor rightafter lunch?' ' think not. Let's enjoy the beauty of theplace." CaptainVacarro, studied him, puzzled. One moment HarryStanford was in aterrible hurry, and the next moment he seemed to haveall the time inthe world. And the radio shut down? Unheard of! Pazzo.When Blue Skiesdropped anchor in the outer harbor, Stanford, Sophiaand Dmitri took thefile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (24 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightyacht's launch ashore. The small seaport was charming,with a variety ofamusing shops and outdoor trattorie lining the singleroad that led upto the hills. A dozen or so small fishing boats werepulled up onto thepebbled beach. Stanford turned to Sophia. ''ll belunching at the hotelon top of the hill. There's a lovely view from there.' Henodded towarda taxi stopped beyond the docks. ' a taxi up there, andI'll meet you ina few minutes.' He handed her some lire. ' well, caro."His eyesfollowed her as she walked away; then he turned toDmitri. ' have tomake a call.' But notfrom the ship, Dmitri thought. Themen went to thetwo phone booths at the side of the dock. Dmitriwatched as Stanfordstepped inside one of them, picked up the receiver, andinserted atoken. 40perator, I would like to place a call to someoneat the UnionBank of Switzerland in Geneva.' A woman wasapproaching the second phonebooth. 22 Dhlitri stepped in front of it, blocking her way."Excuse me,' she said. ' . ''m waiting for a call.' Shefile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (25 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightlooked at himin surprise. '.' She glanced hopefully at the phone boothStanford wasin. , wouldn't wait,' Dmitri grunted. ''s going to be -onthe telephonefor a long time., ' woman shrugged and walked. away.6Hello?9 Dmitri was watching Stanford speaking intothe mouthpiece.@Peter? We have a little problem.' Stanford closed thedoor to thebooth. He was speaking very fast, and Dmitri could nothear what he wassaying. At the end of the conversation, Stanfordreplaced the receiverand opened the door. ' everything -all right, Mr.Stanford?" Dmitriasked. ''s get some lunch.' The Splendido is the crownjewel ofPortofino, a hotel with a magnificent panoramic view ofthe emerald baybelow. The hotel caters to the very rich, and jealouslyguards itsreputation. Harry Stariford and Sophia had lunch out onthe terrace."Shall I order for yout Stanford asked. ' have somespecialties herethat I think you might enjoy.' ',' Sophia said. Stanfordfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (26 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightordered thetrenelle al pesto, the local pasta, veal, andfocaccia, thesalted breadof the region. 23 ' bring us a bottle of Schram Eightyeight." He turnedto Sophia. ' received a gold medal in the InternationalWine Challengein London. I own the vineyard.' She smiled. ''re lucky."Luck hadnothing to do with it. 11 believe that man was meant toenjoy thegustatory delights that have been put on the earth.' Hetook her hand inhis. ' other delights, too.' ''re an amazing man.' ' you.' ItexcitedStanford to have beautiful women admiring him. Thisone was young enoughto be his daughter and that excited him even more.When they hadfinished lunch, Stanford looked at Sophia and grinned.''s get back tothe yacht.' ', yes!' Harry Stanford was a protean lover,passionate and. His enormous ego made him more concerned aboutsatisfying a womanthan about satisfying himself He knew how to excite awoman's eroticzones, and he orchestrated his lovemaking in asensuous symphony thatfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (27 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightbrought his lovers-to heights they had never achievedbefore. They spentthe afternoon in Stanford's suite, and when they wefinished makinglove, Sophia was exhausted. Harry Stanford dressedand went to thebridge to see Captain Vacarro. @ Would you like to goon to Sardinia,Signor Stan- T the captain asked. ''s stop off at Elbafirst.' ery good,sir. Is everything satisfactory?' ' Stanford said."Everything is satisfactory! He -was feeling arousedagain. He went backto Sophia's ,,,@stateroom. They reached Elba thefollowirs afternoon andAR anchored at Portoferraio. '@', M As the Boeing 727entered NorthAmerican airspace, the pilot checked in with groundcontrol. ' YorkCenter, Boeing eight nine five Papa is with you, passingflight leveltwo six zero for flight Jevel two four zero.' The voice ofNew YorkCenter came on. ', you are cleared to one two thousand,direct JFK. Callapproach on one two seven point four.' From the backof the plane came alow growl. ', Prince. That's a good boy. Let's get thisfile:///E 0-%20Morning%20Noon%20Night.htm (28 of 409) [6/17/2003 5:17:36 PM]
Morning Noon Nightseat belt aroundyou.' There were four men waiting when the 727landed.They stood at different vantage points so they couldwatch thepassengers descend from the plane. They waited forhalf an hour. Theonly passenger to come out was a white Germanshepherd. 24 25portofcrraio is the main shopping center of Elba. Thestreets are linedwit
'Sheldon is a writer working at the height of his power. powerful enough to drag us along with him. I hung on till the very end.' Last printing: 05/06/02 :4 3' Morning, Noon & Night Books by Sidney Sheldon IF TOMORROW COMES MASTER OF THE GAME RAGE OF ANGELS BLOODLINE A ST
