Cash?Mina’s horrified expression said. Nothing screamedillegalmore than cash, especially in a deal worth millions.
“…you’ll need security to follow the cash too,” Bene finished.
Gordon frowned. “You’re right.”
Bene’s smug look said,Of course. I’m always right.Then he counted on his fingers and summarized. “So, that makes four working this case. Roux covers the painting. Marius covers Mina. Henrik vets buyers, and I make sure payment goes smoothly.”
Gordon made a face. “Four staff?”
Bene shrugged. “You want to gamble with such a valuable painting and such influential clients? You want to gamble with Mina’s life?”
“Of course not,” Gordon conceded. “But four is excessive. And there’s Brussels to consider.”
“We can reschedule Brussels,” Roux assured him.
Mina looked at Gordon with innocent, saucer-sized eyes. “I would feel better knowing every eventuality was covered.”
Ha. Her turn to go for a cheap blow Gordon couldn’t resist.
His face took on a sourpuss expression, but what could he say to that?
“Fine. You’ll all go,” he finally declared.
Mina gulped, glancing at me, then Henrik.
I knew how she felt. Was this a win or a terrible mistake?
Gordon checked his watch. “If we’re lucky, there will still be seats available on one of the evening trains. I’ll have Celeste check.”
Mina froze, and it was all I could do not to growl. My investigations over the past week hadn’t revealed any recent communications between Celeste and Szabo, but I still didn’ttrust the woman. And as for Szabo… I half hoped he would turn up. That way, I could kill him.
Gordon picked up his phone, dialed, and barked, “Get me five tickets on the train to London. Yes, tonight.” He frowned at whatever Celeste said, then replied. “Two in premier — my goddaughter and Monsieur Aecher. Standard will be fine for the others — Messieurs Anand, Bembridge, and Velchynsky.”
I shot a smug look at Roux, Bene, and Henrik, having scored a better seat than them.
But Mina looked pained, and I could already see her offering her seat to one of the others. Probably Bene, that ass.
“We’ll also need reservations for a hotel near Madame Petrova’s address. Get back to me as soon as you have something.” Gordon hung up on Celeste without so much as a goodbye ormerci.
Great. Another reason for Celeste to resent us.
To us, he said, “Prepare to depart. I’ll be in touch as soon as the arrangements are made.” Only Mina got a warm smile. “Thank you, sweetheart. I really appreciate it.” Then he pinned me with a glare. “And you, Monsieur Aecher — I mean it when I say my goddaughter’s safety is not to be compromised. Don’t let her out of your sight.”
My whole body heated, and Mina’s eyes went wide.
My best dream — and worst nightmare — had just come true.
“Yes, sir,” I vowed.
Gordon shooed us to the door. “Go on, then. All of you — except you, Monsieur Anand. I need a word.”
Roux looked grim as the rest of us filed out, leaving him alone with Gordon.
Bene strode down the hallway, chipper as can be. “A couple of days in London. On a harmless art case, no less!”
Henrik scoffed. “As harmless as the last one?”
Bene shook his head. “We knew that would be tricky going in. This will be easy. I promise you.”
