Sidney Sheldon - Morning Noon Night

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Morning Noon Night [151-139-066-4.0]

By: Sidney Sheldon

Category: Fiction Thriller

Synopsis:

The Stanford family is one of the most respected in America - but behind

the facade of fame and glamour lies a hidden web of blackmail, drugs and

murder.. When Harry Stanford, one of the wealthiest men in the world,

mysteriously drowns while cruising on his yacht off the rugged.coast of

Corsica, it sets off a chain of events that reverberates around the

globe. At the family gathering following the funeral in Boston, a

strikingly beautiful young woman appears. She claims to be Stanford's

daughter and entitled to a share of the tycoon's estate. Is she genuine,

or is she an imposter? Sweeping from the splendours of the Italian

Riviera, to the fashion salons of Paris and New York, and the

opulence of Boston and Florida, Morning, Noon & Night twists and turns

its way through intrigue, smoke and mirrors to a surprise ending you'll

never forget... '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 STRANGER IN THE MIRROR THE OTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT THE NAKED

FACE WINDMILLS OF THE GODS THE SANDS OF TIME MEMORIES OF MIDNIGHT THE

DOOMSDAY CONSPIRACY THE STARS SHINE DOWN NOTHING LASTS FOREVER

SIDNEY

SHELDON Morning, Noon & Night a Harper Collins Publication

HarperCollinsPublishers 77-85 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith,

London,W6 &JB Special overseas edition 1996 This paperback edition 1996

1 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2 First published in Great Britain by

HarperCollinsPublishers 1995

Limited partnership 1995 The Author asserts the moral right to be

identified as the author of this work

ISBN: 0-1898- 00 649806 X Set in Times

Roman by Rowland Phototypesetting Ltd, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk Printed

and bound in Great Britain by Caledonian International Book

publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,

photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of

the publishers. This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall

not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out or

otherwise circulated without the publishers prior consent in any form of

binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a

similar condition including this condition being imposed on the

subsequent purchaser.

To Kimberly with love

Allow the morning sun to

warm. Your heart when you are young And let the soft winds noon Cool

your passion, But beware the night For death lurks there, Waiting,

Page 1

Sidney Sheldon - Morning Noon Night

waiting, waiting.,

ARTHUR RiMBAUD MORNING

Chapter One.

Dmitri asked, ' you know we're being followed, NIT Stanfordt '.' He had

been aware of them for the past twenty-four hours. The two men and the

woman were dressed casually, attempting to blend in with the summer

tourists strolling along the cobbled streets in the early morning, but

it was difficult to remain inconspicuous in a place as small as the

fortified village of St.-Paul-de-Vence. Harry Stanford had first noticed

them because they were too casual, trying too hard not to look at him.

Wherever he turned, one of them was in the background. Harry Stanford

was an easy target to follow. He was six feet tall, with white hair

lapping over his collar and an aristocratic, almost imperious face. He

was accompanied by a strikingly lovely young brunette, a pure-white

German shepherd, and Dmitri Kaminsky, a six-foot four-inch bodyguard

with a bulging neck and sloping forehead. Hard to lose us, Stanford

thought. He knew'who had sent them and why, and he was filled with a

sense of imminent danger. He had learned long ago to trust his

instincts. Instinct and intuition had helped make him one of the

wealthiest men in the world. Forbes magazine estimated the value of

Stanford Enterprises at six billion dollars, while the Fortune 500

appraised it at seven billion. The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, and

the Financial Tbnes had all done profiles on Harry Stanford, trying to

explain his Mystique, his amazing sense of timing, the ineffable acu-

men that had created the giant Stanfofd Enterprises. None had fully

succeeded. What they all agreed on was that he had an almost palpable,

manic energy. He was inexhaustible. His philosophy was simple: A day

without making a deal was a day wasted. He wore, out his competitors,

his staff, and everyone else who came in contact with him. He was a

phenomenon, larger than life. He thought of himself as a religious man.

He believed in God, and the God he believed in wanted him to be rich and

successful, and his enemies dead, Harry Stanford was a public figure,

and the press knew everything about him. Harry Stanford was a private

figure, and the press knew nothing about him. They had written about his

charisma, his lavish life-style, his private plane and his yacht, and

his legendary homes in Hobe Sound, Morocco, Long Island, London, the

South of France, and of course his 4 magnificent estate, Rose Hill, in

the Back Bay area of Boston. But the real Harry Stanford remained an

enigma. ' are we going?' the woman asked. He was too preoccupied to

answer. The couple on the other side of the street was using the

cross-switch technique, and they had just changed partners again. Along

with his sense of danger, Stanford felt a deep anger that they were

invading his plivacy. They had dared come to him in this place, his

secret haven from the rest of the world. St.-Paul-de-Vence is a

picturesque, medieval village, weaving its ancient magic on a hilltop in

the Alps Maritimes, situated inland between Cannes and Nice. it is

surrounded by a spectacular and enchanting landscape of hills and

valleys covered with flowers, orchards, and pine forests:-The village

itself, a cornu- copia of artists' studios, galleries and wonderful

antique shops, is a magnet for tourists from all over the world. Harry

Stanford and his group turned onto the Rue Grande. Stanford turned to

the woman Sophia, ' you like museums?' 4yes, caro.' She was eager to

please him. She had never met anyone like Harry Stanford. Wait until I

fell my giry'friends about hbm I didn't think there was '' anything left

for me to learn about sex, but my God, he's so creative! He's wearing me

out! They went up the hill to the Fondation maeght art museum, and

browsed through its renowned collection Of Paintings by Bonnard and

Chagall and many other contemporary artists. When Harry Stanford

casually glanced around, he observed the woman at the other end Of the

Page 2

Sidney Sheldon - Morning Noon Night

gallery, earnestly studying a Mir6. Stanford turned to Sophia.

"Hungry?' '. If you are.' Must not be pushy. '. We'll have lunch at La

Colombe d'Or.' La Colombe d'Or was one of Stanford's favorite

restaurants, a sixteenth-century house at the entrance to the old

village, converted into a hotel and restaurant. Stanford and Sophia sat

at a table in the garden, by the pool, where Stanford could admire the

Braque and Calder. Prince, the white German shepherd, lay at his feet,

ever watchful. The dog was Harry Stanford's trademark. Where Stanford

went, Prince went. it was rumored that at Harry Stanford's command, the

animal would tear out a person's throat. No one, wanted to test that

rumor. Dmitri sat by himself at a table near the hotel entrance,

carefully observing the other patrons as they came and went., Stanford

turned to Sophia. ' I order for you, my deart 611lease.1 Harry Stanford

prided himself on being a gourmet. He ordered a green salad

andfricass,6e de lotte for both of them. As they were being served their

main course, Danielle Roux, who ran the hotel with her husband, Franr,

ois, approached the table and smiled. '. Is everything all right,

Monsieur Stanfordt ', Madame Roux.' And it was going to be. They are

pygmies, trying to fell a giant. They're in for a big disappointment.

Sophia said, ''ve never been here before. It's such a lovely village-'

Stanford turned his attention to her. Dmitri had picked her up for him

in Nice a day earlier. '. Stanford, I brought someone for you.' '

problemt. Stanford had asked. Dmitri had grinned. '." He had seen her in

the lobby of the Hotel Negresco, and had approached her. ' me, do you

speak English?' '.' She had a lilting Italian accent. ' man I work for

would like you to have dinner with him.' She had been indignant. ''m not

a puttana! I'm an actress she had said haughtily. n fact, she had had a

walk-on part in Pupi Avati's last film, and a role with two lines of

dialogue in a Giuseppe Tornatore film. ' would I have dinner with a

stranger?' Dmitri had taken out a wad of hundred-dollar bills. He pushed

five into her hand. ' friend is very generous. He has a yacht, and he is

lonely.' He had watched her expression go through a series of changes

from indignation, to curiosity, to interest. ' it happens, I'm between

pictures.' She smiled. ' would probably do no harm to have dinner with

your friend."

"Good. He will be pleased.' ' is he?' '.-Paul-de-Vence.' Dmitri had

chosen well. Italian. In her late twenties. A sensuous, catlike face.

Full-breasted figure. Now, looking at her across the table, Harry

Stanford made a decision. ' you like to travel, Sophia?' ' adore it."

"Good. We'll go on a little trip. Excuse me a moment.' Sophia watched as

he walked into the restaurant and to a public telephone outside the

men's room. Stanford put ajeton in the slot and dialed. ' operator,

please.' Seconds later, a voice said, ' lop6atrice maritime.' ' want to

put in a call to the yacht Blue Skies. Whiskey bravo lima nine eight

zero ...' The conversation lasted five -minutes, and when Stanford was

finished, he dialed the airport at Nice. The conversation was shorter

this time. When Stanford was through talking, he spoke to Dmitri, who

rapidly left the restaurant. Then he returned to Sophia. ' you ready?'

'. ''s take a walk.' He needed time to work out a plan. It was a perfect

day. The sun had splashed pink clouds across the horizon and'rivers of

silver light ran through the streets..

They strolled along the Rue Grande, past the tgjise, the beautiful

twelfth-century church, and stopped at the boulangerie in front of the@

Arch to buy some fresh baked bread '. When they came out, one of the

three watchers ' standing outside, busily studying the church.

Dmitri was also waiting for them. Harry Stanford handed the bread to

Sophia. ' don't you take this up to the house? I'll be along in a few

minutes! ' right! She smiled and said softly, ', caro! Stanford watched

Page 3

Sidney Sheldon - Morning Noon Night

her leave, then motioned to Dm itri. ' did you find ouff "The woman and

one of the men are staying at Le Hameau, on the road to La Colle! Harry

Stanford knew the place.-. It was a whitewashed farmhouse with an

orchard a mile west of St.-Paul-de-Vence. ' the other onet ' Le Mas

d'Artigny.' Le Mas d'Artigny was a Provenw mansion on a hillside two

miles west of St.-Paul-de-Vence. ' do you want me to do with them, sirt

'. I'll take care of them.' Harry Stanford's villa was on the Rue de

Casette, next to the mairie, in an area of narrow cobblestone streets

and very old houses. The villa was a five-level house made of old stone

and plaster. Two levels below the main house were a garage and an old

cave used as a wine cellar. A stone staircase led to upstairs bedrooms,

an office, and a tiled-roof terrace.

The entire house was furnished in French antiques and filled with

flowers. When Stanford returned to the villa, Sophia was in his bedroom,

waiting for him. She was naked. ' took you so long?' she whispered.

In order to survive, Sophia Matteo, often picked up money between film

assignments as a call girl, and she was used to faking orgasms to please

her clients, but with this man, there was no need to pretend. He was

insatiable, and she found herself climaxing again and again. When they

were finally exhausted, Sophia put her 10 arms around him and murmured

happily, ' could stay here forever, caro.' I wish I could, Stanford

thought, grimly. a They had dinner at Le C66 de la Place in Plaza du

General-de-Gaulle, near the entrance to the village. The dinner was

delicious, and for Stanford the danger added spice to the meal. When

they were finished, they made their way back to the villa. Stanford

walked slowly, to make certain his pursuers followed. At one A. m., a

man standing across the street ' the lights in the villa being, turned

off, one by one, until the building was in total darkness. At four

thirty in the morning, Harry Stanford went into the guest bedroom where

Sophia slept. He shook her gently. ' ... T She opened her eyes and

looked up at him, a smile of anticipation on her face, then frowned. He

was fully dressed* She sat up. ' something wrong?' ', MY dear.

Everything is fine. You said you liked to travel. Well, were going to

take a little trip.' She was wide awake now. ' this hourr '. We must be

very quiet.' '@i .. ! '.' Fifteen minutes later, Harry Stanford, Sophia,

Dmitri, and Prince were moving down the stone.

Chapter Two.

Half an hour later, at Nice airport, a converted Boeing 727 was slowly

taxiing down the runway to the takeoff point. Up in the tower, the

flight controller said, ' certainly are in a hurry to get that plane off

the ground. The pilot has asked for a clearance three times. 9 "Whose

plane is itt ' Stanford *King Midas himself.' ''s probably on his way to

make another billion or two.' The controller turned to monitor a Lea@et

taking off, then picked up the microphone.

"Boeing eight nine five Papa, this is Nice departure control. You are

cleared for takeoff. Five left. After departure, turn right to a heading

of one four zero.' Harry Stanford's pilot and copilot exchanged a

relieved look. The pilot pressed the microphone button. '. Boeing eight

nine five Papa is cleared for takeoff. Will turn Fight to one four

zero.' A moment later, the huge plane thundered down the runway and

knifed into the gray dawn sky. 14 The copilot spoke into the microphone

again. 413eparture, Boeing eight nine five Papa is climbing out of three

thousand for flight level seven zero.' The copilot turned to the pilot.

"Whew! Old Man Stanford was . anxioui for us to get off the ground,

wasn't het The pilot shrugged. ' not to reason why, ours but to do and

die. How's he doing. back theret The copilot rose and stepped to the

door of the cockpit, and looked into the cabin. ''s resting.' They

Page 4

Sidney Sheldon - Morning Noon Night

telephoned the airport tower from the car. '. Stanford's plane ... Is it

still on the groundt ', monsieur. It has departed.' ' the pilot file a

flight plant ' course, monsieur.' ' where?' ' plane is headed for JKF.'

' you.' He ' to his companion. '.

We'll have people there to meet him.' When the Renault passed the

outskirts of Monte Carlo, speeding toward the Italian border, Harry

Stanford said, ''s no chance that we were followed, Dmitrit ', sir.

We've lost them.' '.' Harry Stanford leaned back in his seat and r ..

There was nothing to worry about. They would be tracking the plane. He

reviewed the situation 15 in his mind. It was really a question of what

they knew and when they knew it. They were jackals following the trail

of a lion, hoping to bring him down. Harry Stanford smiled to himself.

They had underestimated the man they were dealing with. Others who had

made that mistake had paid dearly for it. Someone would also pay this

time. He was Harry Stanford, the confidant of presidents and kings,

powerful and rich enough to make or break the economies of a dozen

countries. The 727 was in the skies over Marseilles. The pilot spoke

into the microphone. ', Boeing eight nine five Papa is with you,

climbing out of flight level one nine zero for flight level two three

zero.' '.' The R ' reached San Remb shortly after dawn. Harry Stanford

had fond memories of the city, but it had changed drastically. He

remembered a time when it had been an elegant town with first-class

hotels and restaurants, and a casino where black tie was required and

where fortunes could be lost or won in an evening. Now it had succumbed

to tourism, with loud-mouthed patrons gambling in their shirtsleeves.

The Renault was approaching the harbor, twelve miles from the

French-Italian border. There were two marinas at the harbor, Marina

Porto Sole to the east, and Porto Communale to the west. In Porto Sole,

a 16 marine attendant directed the berthing. In Porto Communale, there

was no attendant. ' one?" Dmitri asked. ' Communale,' Stanford directed.

Ae fewer people around, the better. ', sir.' A few minutes later, the

Renault pulled up next to the Blue Skies, a sleek hundred-and7zghty-foot

motor yacht.

Captain Vacarro and the crew of twelve were lined UP on deck. The

captain burned down the gangplank to greet the new arrivals. ' morning,

Signor Stanford,' Captain Vacarro said. ''ll take your luggage, and .. '

luggage. Let's shove off.' ', sir.' ' a minute.' Stanford was studying

the crew. He frowned. ' man on the end. He's new, isn't he?' ', sir. Our

cabin 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 of foreboding. He

could almost reach out and touch it. He did not want any strangers near

him. Captain Vacarro, and his crew had been with him for years. He could

trust them. He turned to look at the girl. Since Dmitri had picked her

up at random, 17 here was no danger there. And as for Dmitri, his

faithful bodyguard had saved his life. more than once.

Stanford turned to Dmitri.-'Stay close to me.' ', sir.' Stanford took

Sophia's arm. ''s go aboard, my dear.' - Dmitri Kaminsky stood on deck,

watching the crew prepare to cast off. He scanned the harbor, but he saw

nothing to be alarmed about. At this time of the morning, there was very

little activity. The yacht's huge generators burst into life, and the

vessel got under weigh. The captain approached Harry Stanford.

"You didn't say where we were heading, Signor Stanford.' ,, I didn't,

did 1, captaint He thought for a moment. '.' ', sir.' ' the way, I want

you to maintain strict radio silence.' Captain Vacarro frowned. '

silence? Yes, sir, but what if ... T Harry Stanford said, "Don't worry

Page 5

Sidney Sheldon - Morning Noon Night

about'it. Just do it. And I don't want anyone using the satellite

phones.' ', sir. Will we be laying over in Portofinot "I'll let you

know, captain.' Harry Stanford took Sophia on a tour of the yacht. It

was one of his prized possessions, and he enjoyed 18 vessel. It had a 91

Sbowm' it off. It was a breathtaking luxuriously appointed master suite

with a sitting room and an office. The office was spacious and

comfortably hirnished with a couch, several easy chairs, and a desk, ,

which was enough equipment to run a small town. On the wall was a large

electronic map with a small moving boat showing the current position of

the yacht. Sliding glass doors opened from the master suite onto an

outside veranda deck furnished with a chaise longue and a table with

four chairs. A tea k railing ran along the outside. On balmy days, it

was Stanford's custom to have breakfast on the veranda.

There were six guest staterooms, each with hand painted silk panels,

picture windows, @and a bath with a Jacuzzi. The large library was done

in koa wood. The dining room could seat sixteen guests. A fully

equipped. fitness salon was on the lower deck. The yacht also contained

a wine cellar and a theater that was ideal for running films. Harry

Stanford had one of the world's greatest libraries of pornographic

movies. T"he furnishings throughout the vessel were exquisite, and the

paintings -would have made any museum proud- ', now you've seen most of

it,' Stanford told Sophia at the end of the tour. ''ll show you the rest

tomorrow.1 She was awed. ''ve never seen anything like it! It's ... it's

like a city!' Harry Stanford smiled at her enthusiasm. ' 19 steward will

show you to your cabin. Make yourself comfortable. I have some work to

do.' Harry Stanford returned to his office and checked the electronic

map on the wall for the location of the yacht. Blue Skies was in the

Ligurian Sea, heading northeast. 7hey won't know where Fve gone,

Stanford thought. They'll be waiting for me at JFK When we get to

Portofino, F11 straighten everything out. Thirty-five thousand feet in

the air, the pilot of the 727 was getting new instructions. ' eight nine

five Papa, you are cleared directly to Delta India November upper route

forty as filed.' '. Boeing eight nine five Papa is cleared direct Dinard

upper route forty as filed.' He turned to the copilot. ' clear.' The

pilot stretched, got up, and walked to the cockpit door. He looked into

the cabin. "How's our passenger doing?' the copilot asked. ' looks

hungry to me."

Chapter Three the.

Ligurian coast is the Italian Riviera, sweeping in a semicircle from the

French-Italian border around to Genoa, and then continuing down to the

Gulf of La Spezia. The beautiful long ribbon of coast and its @Wrkling

waters contain the storied ports of Portofino, Vernazza, and beyond them

Elba, -Sardinia, and Corsica. Blue Skies was approaching Portofino,

which even from a distance was an impressive sight, its hillsides

covered with olive trees, pines, cypresses and palms. Harry Stanford,

Sopbia, and Dniitri were on deck, studying -the approaching coastline.

"Have you been to Portofino oftent Sophia asked. ' few times.' 619there

is your main home?' Too personat ''ll enjoy Portofino, Sophia. It's

really quite beautiful! Captain Vacarro, approached them. ' you be

having lunch aboard, Signor Stanfordt ', we'll have lunch at the

Splendido.' 21 ' good. And shall I be prepared to weigh anchor right

after lunch?' ' think not. Let's enjoy the beauty of the place." Captain

Vacarro, studied him, puzzled. One moment Harry Stanford was in a

terrible hurry, and the next moment he seemed to have all the time in

the world. And the radio shut down? Unheard of! Pazzo. When Blue Skies

dropped anchor in the outer harbor, Stanford, Sophia and Dmitri took the

yacht's launch ashore. The small seaport was charming, with a variety of

amusing shops and outdoor trattorie lining the single road that led up

to the hills. A dozen or so small fishing boats were pulled up onto the

Page 6

Sidney Sheldon - Morning Noon Night

pebbled beach. Stanford turned to Sophia. ''ll be lunching at the hotel

on top of the hill. There's a lovely view from there.' He nodded toward

a taxi stopped beyond the docks. ' a taxi up there, and I'll meet you in

a few minutes.' He handed her some lire. ' well, caro." His eyes

followed her as she walked away; then he turned to Dmitri. ' have to

make a call.' But notfrom the ship, Dmitri thought. The men went to the

two phone booths at the side of the dock. Dmitri watched as Stanford

stepped inside one of them, picked up the receiver, and inserted a

token. 40perator, I would like to place a call to someone at the Union

Bank of Switzerland in Geneva.' A woman was approaching the second phone

booth. 22 Dhlitri stepped in front of it, blocking her way.

"Excuse me,' she said. ' .. ''m waiting for a call.' She looked at him

in surprise. '.' She glanced hopefully at the phone booth Stanford was

in. , wouldn't wait,' Dmitri grunted. ''s going to be -on the telephone

for a long time., ' woman shrugged and walked. away.

6Hello?9 Dmitri was watching Stanford speaking into the mouthpiece.

@Peter? We have a little problem.' Stanford closed the door to the

booth. He was speaking very fast, and Dmitri could not hear what he was

saying. At the end of the conversation, Stanford replaced the receiver

and opened the door. ' everything -all right, Mr. Stanford?" Dmitri

asked. ''s get some lunch.' The Splendido is the crown jewel of

Portofino, a hotel with a magnificent panoramic view of the emerald bay

below. The hotel caters to the very rich, and jealously guards its

reputation. Harry Stariford and Sophia had lunch out on the terrace.

"Shall I order for yout Stanford asked. ' have some specialties here

that I think you might enjoy.' ',' Sophia said. Stanford ordered the

trenelle al pesto, the local pasta, veal, andfocaccia, the salted bread

of the region. 23 ' bring us a bottle of Schram Eighty-eight." He turned

to Sophia. ' received a gold medal in the International Wine Challenge

in London. I own the vineyard.' She smiled. ''re lucky." Luck had

nothing to do with it. 11 believe that man was meant to enjoy the

gustatory delights that have been put on the earth.' He took her hand in

his. ' other delights, too.' ''re an amazing man.' ' you.' It excited

Stanford to have beautiful women admiring him. This one was young enough

to be his daughter and that excited him even more. When they had

finished lunch, Stanford looked at Sophia and grinned. ''s get back to

the yacht.' ', yes!' Harry Stanford was a protean lover, passionate and

.. His enormous ego made him more concerned about satisfying a woman

than about satisfying himself He knew how to excite a woman's erotic

zones, and he orchestrated his lovemaking in a sensuous symphony that

brought his lovers-to heights they had never achieved before. They spent

the afternoon in Stanford's suite, and when they we finished making

love, Sophia was exhausted. Harry Stanford dressed and went to the

bridge to see Captain Vacarro. @`Would you like to go on to Sardinia,

Signor Stan- T the captain asked. ''s stop off at Elba first.' ery good,

sir. Is everything satisfactory?' ' Stanford said.

"Everything is satisfactory! He -was feeling aroused again. He went back

to Sophia's ,,,@stateroom. They reached Elba the followirs afternoon and

AR anchored at Portoferraio. '@', M As the Boeing 727 entered North

American airspace, the pilot checked in with ground control. ' York

Center, Boeing eight nine five Papa is with you, passing flight level

two six zero for flight Jevel two four zero.' The voice of New York

Center came on. ', you are cleared to one two thousand, direct JFK. Call

approach on one two seven point four.' From the back of the plane came a

low growl. ', Prince. That's a good boy. Let's get this seat belt around

you.' There were four men waiting when the 727 landed.

They stood at different vantage points so they could watch the

passengers descend from the plane. They waited for half an hour. The

Page 7

Sidney Sheldon - Morning Noon Night

only passenger to come out was a white German shepherd. 24 25

portofcrraio is the main shopping center of Elba. The streets are lined

with elegant, sophisticated shops, and behind the harbor, the

eighteenth-century buildings are tucked under the craggy

sixteenth-century citadel built by the Duke of Florence. Harry Stanford

had visited the island many times, and in a strange way, he felt at home

here. This was where Napoleon Bonaparte had been sent into exile. ''re

going to look at Napoleon's house,' he told Sophia. ''ll meet you

there.' He turned to Dmitri. ' her to the Villa dei Mulini.' ', sir.'

Stanford watched Dmitri and Sophia leave. He looked at his watch. Time

was running out. His plane would already have landed at Kennedy. When

they learned that he was not aboard, the manhunt would begin again. It

will take thenr a while to pick up the trail, Stanford thought. By then,

everything will have been settled. He stepped into a phone booth at the

end -of the dock. ' want to place a call to London," Stanford told the

operator. ' Bank. One seven one ...' Half an hour later, he picked up

Sophia and brought her back to the harbor. ' go aboard,' Stanford told

her. ' have another call to make.' She watched him stride over to the

telephone booth 26 beside the dock. "y doesn't he use the telephones on

the )wchi? Sophia wondered. Inside the telephone booth, Harry Stanford

was saying, ' Sumitomo Bank in Tokyo .. Fifteen minutes later, when he

returned to the yacht, he was in a fury. ' we going to be anchoring here

for the nightt Captain Vacarro asked. ',' Stanford snapped. '! Let's

head for Sardinia. Now!' The Costa Smeralda in Sardinia is one of the

most ' places along the Mediterranean coast. The ' town of Porto Cervo

is a haven for the wealthy, with a large part of the area dotted with

villas built by Aly Khan. The first thing Harry Stanford did when they

docked was to head for a telephone booth.. Dmitri followed him, standing

guard outside the booth. ' want to place a call to Banca. d'Italia in

Rome The phone booth door closed- , The conversation lasted for -almost

half an hour. When Stanford came out of the phone booth, he was grim.

Dmitri wondered what was going on. Stanford and Sophia had lunch at the

beach o f Liscia di Vacca. Stanford ordered for them. ''ll start with

malloreddus.' Flakes of dough made of hard-grain 27 wheat. ' the

porceddu.' Little suckling pig, cooked with myrtle and bay leaves. ' a

wine, we'll have the Vemaccia, and for dessert, we'll have sebadas."

Fried fritters filled with fresh cheese and grated lemon rind, dusted

with bitter honey and sugar. gbene, signor.' The waiter walked away,

impressed. As Stanford turned to talk to Sophia, his heart suddenly

skipped a beat. Near the entrance to the restaurant two men were

seated at a table, studying him. Dressed in dark suits in the summer

sun, they were not even bothering to pretend they were tourists. Are

they after me or are they innocent strangers? I mustn't let my

imagination run away with me, Stanford thought. Sophia was speaking.

"I've never asked you before. What business are you int Stanford studied

her. It was refreshing to be with someone who knew nothing about him.

"I'm retired,' he told her. ' just travel around, enjoying the world."

"And you're all by yourselff Her voice was filled with sympathy. ' must

be very lonely.' It was all he could do not to laugh aloud. ', I am. I'm

glad you're here with me.' She put her hand over his. ', too, caro.' Out

of the comer of his eye, Stanford saw the two men leave. When luncheon

was over, Stanford and Sophia and Dmitri returned to town. 28 Stanford

headed for a telephone booth. ' want the Cr6dit Lyonnais in Paris ...'

Watching him, Sophia spoke to Dmitri. ''s a wonderful man, isn't het ''s

no one like him.' ' you been with him long?' ' years,' Dmitri said. ''re

lucky.' ' know.' Dmitri walked over an@ stood guard right outside the

telephone booth. He heard Stanford saying,'Ren& You know why I'm

calling ... Yes ... Yes ... You will? ... That's wonderful!' His voice

was filled with relief. ' ... not there.

Page 8

Sidney Sheldon - Morning Noon Night

Let's meet in Corsica. That's perfect. After our meeting, I can return

directly home. Thank you, Renv Stanford put down the receiver. He stood

there a moment, smiling, then dialed a number in Boston. A secretary

answered. "Mr. Fitzgerald's office.' ' is Harry Stanford. Let me talk to

him.' ', Mr. Stanford! I'm sorry, Mr. Fitzgerald is on vacation.

Can. someone else ... ?' .'No. I'm on my way back to-the States. You.

tell him 1 want him in Boston at Rose Hill at nine o'clock Monday

morning.

Tell him to bring a copy of my will and a notary.' ''ll try to -I "Don't

try. Do it, my dear.' He put down the reoeiver and stood there, his mind

racing. When he stepped out of the telephone booth, his voice was calm.

' have a 29 little business to take care of, Sophia. Go to the Hotel

Pitrizza and wait for me.' ' right,' she said flirtatiously. ''t be too

long.' ' won't.' The two men watched her walk away. ''s get back to the

yacht,' Stanford told Dmitri. ''re leaving.' Dmitri looked at him in

surprise. ' about ... T ' can screw her way back home.' When they

returned to the Blue Skies, Harry Stanford went to see Captain Vacarro.

''re heading for Corsica,' he said. ''s shove off.' @ ' just received an

updated weather report, Signor Stanford.. I'm afraid there's a bad

storm. It would be better if we waited it out and -' ' want to leave

now, captain.' Captain Vacaffo hesitated. ' will be a rough voyage, sir.

It's a libecdo - the southwest wind. We'll have heavy seas and squalls.'

' don't care about that.'The meeting in Corsica was going to solve all

his problems. He turned to Dmitri. ' want you to arrange for a

helicopter to pick us up in Corsica and take us to Naples. Use the

public telephone on the dock."

"Yes, sir.' Dmitri Kaminsky walked back to the dock and entered the

telephone booth. Twenty minutes later, Blue Skies was under weigh.

Chapter Four.

His idol was Dan Quayle, and he often used the name as his touchstone. @

, ' don't care what you say about Quayle, he's the only politician with

real values. Family - that's what it's all about. Without family values,

this country would be up the creek even worse than it is. All these

young kids are living together without being married, -and having

babies. It's shocking. No wonder there's so much crime. If Dan Quayle

ever runs for president, he's sure got my vote.' It was a shame, he

thought, that he couldn't vote because of a stupid law, but, regardless,

he was behind Quayle all the way.. He had four children: Billy, eight,

and the girls - Amy, Clarissa, and Susan, ten, twelve, and fourteen.

They were wonderful children, and his greatestjoy was spending what he

liked to call quality time with them. His weekends were totally devoted.

to the children. He barbecued for them, played with them, took them to

movies and ball games, and helped them with their homework. All the

youngsters in the neighborhood adored him. He repaired their bikes and

toys, and 31 invited them on picnics with his family. They gave him the

nickname of Papa. On a sunny Saturday morning, he was seated in the

bleachers, watching the baseball game. it was a picture-perfect day,

with warm sunshine and fluffy cumulus clouds dappling the sky. His

eight-year-old son, Billy, was at bat, looking very professional and

grown up in his Little League uniform. Papa's three girls and his wife

were at his side. It doesn't get any better than this, he thought

happily. Why can't all fwnifies be like ours? It was the bottom of the

eighth inning, the score was tied, with two outs and the bases loaded.

Billy was at the plate, three balls and two strikes against him. Papa

called out, encouragingly,'Get'em, Billy! Over the fence!' Billy waited

Page 9

Sidney Sheldon - Morning Noon Night

for the pitch. It was fast and low, and Billy swung wildly and missed.

The umpire yelled, ' threel' The inning was over. ' were groans and

cheers from the crowd of parents and family friends. Billy stood there

disheartened, watching the teams change sides. Papa called out, ''s all

right, son. You'll do it next time!' Billy tried to force a smile. John

Cotton, the team manager, was waiting for Billy. ''re outta the game!'

he said. 32 ut, Mrcotton ...' @Go on. Get off the field.' Billy's father

watched in hurt amazement as his son the field.

He can't do that, he thought. He has to give pilly another chance. ru

have to speak to Mr. Cotton and At that instant, the cellular phone he

carried Valig. He let it ring four times before he answered it. Only one

person had the number..He knows I hate to

"W be disturbed on weekends, he thought angrily. R I tly, he lifted the

antenna, pressed a button, e uctan And spoke into the mouthpiece. ' I

line voice at the other end spoke quietly for several minutes. Papa

listened, nodding from time to time. Pinally lie said, '. I understand.

I'll take care of it.' He put the phone away. ' everything all right,

darling?' his wife asked. '. I'm afraid it isn't. They want me to work

over the weekend. I was planning a nice barbecue for us tomorrow., His

wife took his hand and said lovingly, ''t worry about it. Your work is

more important.' Not as important as my family, he thought stubbornly.

Dan Quayle would understand His hand began to itch fiercely and he

=atched it. Why does it do that? he wondered. r1l have to see a

dermatologist one of these days. John Cotton was the assistant manager

at the local supermarket. A burly man in his fiffies, he had agreed 33

to manage the Little League team because his son was a ballplayer. His.

team had lost that afternoon because of young Billy. The supermarket had

closed, and John Cotton was in the parking lot, walking toward his car,

when a stranger approached him, carrying a package. ' me, Mr. Cotton.'

'?' ' wonder if I could talk to you for a moment?' `1The store is

closed.' ', it's not that. I wanted to talk to you about my son. Billy

is very upset that you took him out of the game and told him he couldn't

play again.' ' is your son? I'm sorry he was even in the game. He'll

never be a ballplayer.'_ Billy's father said earnestly,, "You're not

being fair, Mr. Cotton. I know Billy. He's really a fine ballplayer.

You'll see. When he plays next Saturday - t ' isn't going to play next

Saturday. He's out.' ' ... % ' buts. That's it. Now, if there's nothing

else ... ', there is.'Billy's father had unwrapped the package in his

hand, revealing a baseball bat. He said pleadingly, "This is the bat

that Billy used. You can see that it's chipped, so it isn't fair to

punish him because -' ', mister, I don't give a damn about the bat. Your

son is out!' Billy's father sighed unhappily.

"You're sure you won't change your -mind?' 34 ' chance.' As Cotton

reached for the door handle of his car, Billy's father swung the bat

against the rear window, gmashing it. Cotton stared at him in shock.

"What ... what the bell are you doine.' e ' up,' Papa explained.

He raised the bat swung it again, smashing it against Cotton's pjohn

Cotton screamed and fell to the ground, writh- in pain. ''re crazy!" he

yelled. '!' s father knelt beside him and said softly, ' more sound, and

I'll break your other kneecap.' -Cotton stared up at him in agony,

terrified. ' my son isn't in the game next Saturday, I'll kill you and

I'll kill your son. Do I make myself cleart Cotton looked into the man's

eyes and nodded, , to keep from screaming with -pain.

"Good. Oh, and I wouldn't want this to get out. I@ve got friends.' He

looked at his watch. He had just enough time to catch the next flight to

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SidneySheldon-MorningNoonNightMorningNoonNight[151-139-066-4.0]By:SidneySheldonCategory:FictionThrillerSynopsis:TheStanfordfamilyisoneofthemostrespectedinAmerica-butbehindthefacadeoffameandglamourliesahiddenwebofblackmail,drugsandmurder..WhenHarryStanford,oneofthewealthiestmenintheworld,mysteriously...

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