"Calvert's Favor. It's in the guidebooks, sir. We have copies for sale if you'd like one."
"We have one," Rick replied. "Thank you."
"Not at all, gentlemen. Hurry back."
The boys walked into a lovely summer night, with a newly risen moon, near fullness, floating just above the horizon. By unspoken agreement, they put the top down on Steve's convertible. Rick was just snapping it in place when he sensed someone standing next to him. He turned, to face the big man of the trio.
The man got to the point without preliminaries. "You were asking the waiter about Mr. Merlin."
"We thought he looked familiar, but we couldn't place him," Rick replied. "We meant no discourtesy."
"I'm sure you didn't," the man said smoothly. He didn't smile, even though his voice was pleasant enough. "Mr. Merlin is a very prominent man. He comes down here to get away from people. Naturally, he doesn't welcome inquiries. I'm sure you understand."
"We have no intention of intruding," Rick stated coolly. "As I said, he looked familiar. We merely asked out of curiosity."
"You're not local boys." It was a statement.
"No. We're visitors."