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Another said, “I am not sure I understand. Can you explain, please?”
“We have been working on this for almost twenty years. Do you remember the blackout of 2003? Fifty-five million Americans were without power. Some for up to fourteen days. Since then, utilities have installed failsafe measures, but this little charm can hack right through them. For the right price.” It sounded like Viktor’s voice, one with an Eastern European accent.
“Which is what?” Mr. Chin asked.
“It’s a bargain at five million.”
“I am not interested in malware,” Sven stated.
“Then why are we here?” Viktor asked.
“I was under the impression you had a new antivirus software that could detect malware threats.”
Mr. Chin and Hayward concurred. Perhaps Viktor had overestimated the desire of the wealthy for power.
“Apologies for the confusion,” Viktor said in a harsh voice. Melanie heard something click. Metal? He must have put the device in something. He wasn’t carrying anything bulky like a briefcase. It had to be on his person. Then she saw him put a silver cigarette case in the inside pocket of his suit jacket.
Melanie saw someone leaving the bedroom. It was Sven. “You can continue your conversation without me.” Melanie wouldn’t be able to get out of the bathroom right away without being seen by Sven. Her presence would be suspicious. She had to go back into the closet and wait until he was near the living room. She heard him walk past. When she thought he was far enough away, she slowly and quietly opened the door.
Sven turned when he heard footsteps behind him. “I thought I left my handbag in the bathroom,” she explained. Sven had an annoyed look on his face. “Is everything alright?” she asked.
“I think we are going to have to conclude our gathering. I feel a migraine coming on.”
Melanie had to think fast. One option was to plant a GPS device on Viktor so the agents could track him. With any luck, he wouldn’t get out of the hotel with his hideous device. Sven made his apologies, encouraging his guests to stay for as long as they wanted. No one took him up on his offer, and three couples departed. He walked over to Melanie and said goodnight. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope we can do this again.” He turned to the rest of the group, bade them farewell, and exited in the direction of the master bedroom. Melanie had another idea. As they were walking to the elevator, she touched Katarina’s arm. “Do you really need to go? Perhaps a drink in the bar? I was just about to comment on your outfit. Do you have a stylist or are you this fashion savvy?” Melanie was becoming a pro at throwing the bull.
Katarina was flattered. She looked at Viktor, who didn’t appear to be very happy. “Why not?” he grumbled. They descended to the lobby, the two women chatting about their latest favorite designers. Viktor stood quietly, his eyes pinched in deep thought. He didn’t notice Melanie drop one of the pencil eraser-sized GPS devices in his coat pocket.
The women continued to gab as they walked past the glittering crystal works of art. The walls of the bar were clad in crimson velvet. Leather barstools sat atop a checkered floor, and the wall was lined with dozens upon dozens of crystal goblets, tumblers, flutes, and highball glasses. They each ordered an after-dinner digestif. When the drinks were served, Viktor excused himself. “I am going outside to have a smoke.”
Smoking outdoors was tricky in New York. Many establishments had rules about smoking within a certain number of feet of the entrance. He’d figure it out.
Smoking on the sidewalk was the least of Viktor’s worries now. His boss had told him on no uncertain terms that he was not to return without a buyer. Viktor’s problem was soon solved when two federal agents approached him and summarily took him away in handcuffs.
Melanie heard Gilmour. “All clear. M.A.” Which meant she was free to go and mission accomplished. She looked around the bar. “I wonder what’s keeping Viktor.”
Katarina shrugged. “He is not a nice man. I am glad if he does not return.”
“Oh? I thought the two of you were engaged?” Melanie played dumb.
“Him? Never.”
They waited for several more minutes. “I really need to get back to my hotel,” Melanie said. “Will you be alright here? Alone?”
Katarina looked Melanie in the eye. “I won’t be for too long.”
Melanie thought she got the gist of what Katarina was saying. If she wasn’t leaving with Viktor, she would be leaving with someone else.
Melanie said goodnight and walked through the lobby and out the door. Jennine was waiting for her with a thumbs-up.
Gilmour was in the back seat.
Melanie flung herself onto the soft leather. “Please do not make me do this again.”
“Okay. Not this.”
Melanie sensed a but was about to follow. “What are you not telling me?” She peered into Gilmour’s eyes.
“One more. I promise.” Gilmour held up his arms in a defensive pose, thinking Melanie was going to beat the tar out of him.
