The vista behind the window is hidden by the fog. A few floodlights color the footpaths of the garden with an emerald light. The view must be spectacular on a clear day.
“Sit,” he says, leading me to a round conference table near his desk.
When I’m seated, he takes a bottle of vodka from an ice bucket and pours two shots. “I believe you have an assassin on your tail.”
I regard him from under my eyelids. “News travels fast.”
“In our circles.” He places a glass in front of me and takes the chair behind the desk. “Are you making headway in finding the man who wants you dead?”
Inhaling deeply, I exhale through my nose as I consider him. Like I said, I don’t trust anyone, not easily. “As a matter of fact, yes.”
When I don’t elaborate, he asks, “And who is this person who wants you dead, if I may ask?”
My smile feels flat. “You may not.”
“May I ask why then?” He traces the rim of his glass. “Power?”
“Power is always a good motive for killing.”
A grin slides onto his face. He knows I’m not going to tell him anything. “What’s with the evasiveness?”
Impatience slips into my tone. “What’s with the curiosity?”
“I like to know with whom I’m doing business.” Leaning back, he studies me with an inquisitive look. “Not so long ago, you were parading a woman around New York City, a woman you took to Russia with you. Katherine Morrell, am I right? It was all over the gossip magazines.”
I tighten my grip on the glass. “If you value your life, you won’t speak her name again.”
“It’s like that,” he says, giving not only his agreement but also his understanding with a nod. “What happened? Did your hunter go after her to get to you?”
If I clench the glass any harder, it’s going to break.
“Ah,” he says when I don’t answer. “I see that I’m right.”
Narrowing my eyes, I say in a calculated tone, “You seem very interested in matters that don’t concern you.”
He regards me for a moment, both thoughtful and attentive. “You have a lot of enemies.”
I raise a brow. “So do you.”
“This joint venture will guarantee you an alliance with my family. To a certain extent. Is that the real reason for your interest in Konstantin’s project?”
“It will also secure you an alliance with me. Is that why you’re signing the papers?”
He smiles at my comeback. Silence stretches for a beat before the tension gives and a more amiable atmosphere settles.
“What’s with the questions, Nikolai? I thought you were happy with my terms. Do you have doubts?”
Pulling his glass closer, he says, “Just making sure you’ll stay alive for the project to actually get off the ground.”
I give him a cold look. “I have no intention of dying.”
“Good.” He raises his glass. “To our mutual objectives.”
I clink my glass against his. “To the joint venture.”
We throw back the liquor in unison. When I put my empty glass aside, he takes a folder from the drawer and slides it over the desk.
I flip back the cover. As I read the contract, he pours more vodka. Satisfied that everything is stated as we agreed, I take a felt tip pen from my pocket and sign my name.
“This warrants another toast,” he says.
After he signs, we drink twice more. When he lifts the bottle for a fourth round, I get to my feet.
“I’d better get going.” I button up my jacket. “We have a long trip ahead.”
He follows suit. “There’s plenty of room here if you’d like to stay over.”
“Thanks, but I’d prefer to get back.”
Coming around the desk, he says, “I’ll walk you out.”
We go via the living room where Yuri and Leonid are watching television while stuffing their faces with a spread of snacks.
At the front door, I pause. “Tell me something, Nikolai.”
He waits.
“What is a man who supposedly loves the opera more than anyone doing out here in the wilderness?”
His eyes tighten. “I like fishing.”
Right. Does it have anything to do with the young American wife he took not so long ago? Either way, every man is entitled to his secrets, so I leave it at that. I’m halfway to the car when he speaks.
“It’s my turn to ask you something, Alex.”
Pausing, I face him.
“Why did you choose Konstantin’s project?” he asks. “There are a hundred other investments with a much lower risk profile.”
“Because everyone deserves affordable power.”
He utters a low laugh. Yuri and Leonid join in. So do I. Let them think what they will. They don’t need to know I mean it. As far as my reputation goes, I’m heartless.
Just as we get into the car, my phone rings.
It’s Igor.
Every muscle in my body goes rigid. I take the call even before Leonid has closed my door.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, my voice tight.
“Everything is fine here,” Igor says. “Kate is safe. Something went down in St. Petersburg.” He pauses, the silence grave. “I got word from our man who’s watching Stefanov’s house. I thought you’d want to know.”