AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Around nine. I have a few things to take care of first.”
“I will save a table for you, and put aside your favorite bottle of retsina.”
Before Gazich could respond, the old man hung up. He stared blankly at the phone for a second and then climbed in the waiting cab.
6
ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND
Ross was holding court in the corner of the vaulted living room, his back to the giant picture window. He looked like he was standing on the altar of one of those New Age churches that focused more on entertainment than theology. A six-foot-one, wafer-thin model hung on his every word as Ross spoke about environmentalism being the key to bringing the Middle East and the rest of the world together. A common ground that everyone could agree upon. The others all nodded in earnest and threw in an occasional comment of their own, but this was Ross’s show. He was the new man of the hour.
“How is your president?” asked the model. She had a Dutch accent.
“The current one or the new one?”
“The new one.”
Ross consciously hesitated before answering. “He’s…he’s hanging in there. He’s a pretty tough guy.”
“I can’t imagine the pain,” a slender older woman added. She tried to convey a sense of sadness, but her new face-lift prevented her from showing anything other than a look of permanent alertness.
“They seemed like they really loved each other,” the model added.
“Yes, they did. Very much so.”
“Enough melancholy,” Speyer announced as he wedged his way into the semicircle. With a flippant wave of his wrist he said, “This is a party, and more importantly it is my party. I demand that you all start having fun.”
The group relaxed a bit and cracked a few smiles. Several of the men laughed and begged Speyer for his forgiveness.
“I will consider it, but I will not tolerate boring or depressing conversation at my parties. Start having fun or I will not invite you next year.” He said this with great theatrical flair and the group dispersed with the exception of Ross and the model.
“I have something I would like to show you, Mr. Vice President.”
“And what would that be, Joseph?”
“My new wine cellar.”
“May I join you, as well?” the model asked hopefully.
“I’m afraid not, my darling. Boys only.” Speyer grabbed Ross by the arm and led him through the living room. A few people tried to stop them, but Speyer simply smiled and kept moving. They reached the entrance hall where Special Agent Brown and two other agents were standing watch by the front door. The agents watched their protectee and his host walk across the stone floor. Speyer opened a wooden door to what looked like a closet, but was actually an elevator.
Agent Brown turned to the man on his left. “You didn’t tell me there was an elevator.”
“I didn’t know there was an elevator,” the agent responded in an embarrassed tone. “I was told it was a closet.”
Brown moved quickly, crossing the entrance hall in six long strides. “Mr. Speyer, where does this elevator go?”
“To my wine cellar.”
“I’m fine, Michael.”
Brown ignored the vice president–elect. “Is there another way to get to the wine cellar?”
“There is also a back staircase from the carport.”
The wood paneled elevator door slid open. Before the two men could get in, Agent Brown stuck out his arm to block their path. “I’ll need to clear the room first.” Brown turned to the other two agents, but before he could motion them over, Ross stopped him.
“You’ll do no such thing,” Ross said firmly. “I have known Joseph for years. This place has a better security system than the White House. Go wait by the door and I’ll call for you if I need you.”
