Chapter Twenty-Eight
When Phoebe and Donovan returned to the house, he called Sam and reported the remarkable news.
“I’m going to make sure you have air support on the drive back to Hawthorne Hall,” Sam exclaimed. “I don’t want to take any chances.”
“That’s a good idea. If Alexi mentions anything to Giles Cavendish about keeping the frame, things will south—and fast. When will the van get here?”
“It will arrive at 9 a.m. I’ve been told the driver is one of the best. His name is Derrick.”
“Got it. Thanks, Sam. I’ll call you when we’re heading out.”
When he finished speaking with Sam, he and Phoebe met up with Peter to make sure everything was ready for their meeting with Alexi the following morning. But Donovan noticed he hadn’t seen Trevor or Jane.
“Peter, have you seen or heard from Jane?”
“Ah, yes. She’s taken Trevor on a tour of the grounds beyond the walls surrounding the house. I think they’ve taken a liking to each other, Quite frankly I couldn’t be more pleased. I’ve always thought he was a decent sort, and his family are good friends. I think he’ll be good for her.”
“I agree,” Donovan replied, knowing Trevor would soon teach the spoiled young woman a lesson or two. “I just wanted to make sure she hadn’t left.”
“No, and I’m not worried. She’s in excellent hands.”
“I’m sure she is,” Donovan replied knowingly. “Phoebe I’ll meet you in our suite. I have to find the three security guys who are off duty.”
“I believe they’re in their apartment,” Peter offered. “I saw them on their way up the stairs a little while ago.”
“Thanks, Peter. I’ll see you at dinner.”
Heading out the door, he marched to the main staircase and took the steps two at a time. When he knocked and poked his head around the door, he saw all three men relaxing in front of the television. As he entered one of them grabbed the remote and turned it off.
“I need two of you for a simple job tomorrow morning. I’m not anticipating any problems, but if there are any they won’t be a walk in the park. You’ll be posing as odd job men and moving a large picture frame into a van then coming back here. I’ll be with you, and we’ll have air support. As I said, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about, but if things go south, I need men who can handle themselves.”
All three jumped to their feet and volunteered.
“Okay, great. Two of you will move the frame and the third can keep watch at the van. Be in front of the house at 9:45 tomorrow morning.”
Relieved they’d been eager to help, he returned to his suite and found Phoebe had already showered and was dressing for dinner.
“There are you,” she exclaimed, hurrying across and giving him a hug. “Is everything set?”
‘Yep. We’ll leave here at ten with three former soldiers for company.”
“That’s reassuring but you seem a bit worried.”
“I’m not worried, but you know as well as I do, with a man like Alexi Koslov nothing can be taken for granted. He has the eyes of an eagle and the instincts of a wild animal I’m starting to think you should stay here.”
“I will not! Besides, he’ll think it’s strange if I’m not with you.”
“Yeah, I realize that, and it’s the only thing that’s stopping me from locking you in this room.”
“Very funny.”
“Hey, I’m not kidding. But you must—”
“I know, I know, do as you say. Of course I will.”
“You’d better. I’m going to take a quick shower then we’ll go down.”
“Donovan, wait. Your plan is brilliant. It will work. I’m sure of it.”
“With Koslov we can’t be sure of anything.”
“Yes, we can. He believes he’s won and his ego won’t let him see it any other way.”
“Huh…you could be right. Regardless, I’ll be ready for anything.”
* * *
Giles Cavendish was already celebrating. He was enjoying a delicious meal at an upscale London Restaurant with several friends. He’d told them the spontaneous gathering was to celebrate an unexpected windfall. When they pressed him, he claimed he’d won a sizable amount in The National Lottery
The last minute call to the eatery had cost him a hefty tip but he was too excited to care. He was convinced the frame would contain priceless jewels. What else would a jewelers son ferret away? He’d already decided to take an early retirement and travel the world. He wanted to visit Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. As yet another bottle of champagne was brought to the table, he tapped his glass to get everyone’s attention, then he raised it in the air.
“To good friends, good times, and the future,” he exclaimed, then drank it down and asked for more.
* * *
At his lavish home in Knightsbridge, Alexi poured himself a glass of his favorite vodka, smiled at his success, and took a satisfying drink. The Swiss buyer had pulled out leaving him free to accept the offer from Giles Cavendish.
“Here’s to you, Giles,” he exclaimed, raising his glass and taking another drink.
Without customs breathing down his neck the smuggling operations could be ramped up, and moving stolen items out of the country would be a breeze.
“Mr. Kozlov?”
Hearing Ari’s voice, he glanced up and saw him standing at the door.
“Yes, Ari?”
“You said the painting will be dropped off and frame picked up in the morning.”
“That’s right. Why?”
“I was just thinking—Mr. Cavendish might want it. The frame I mean.”
“Possibly, but it’s a bit late to organize moving it, and I’ve made the deal with Donovan Blake.”
“I understand, it was just something that crossed my mind. Will you be needing me again tonight?”
“One thing. As soon as that frame is out of here and the painting is on its way to Cavendish, I want to leave.”
“I’ll make sure the car is ready. Where will we be headed?”
“I mean, leave London. There’s an interesting opportunity opening up in Southern California. Make sure my plane is ready for a trip to Los Angeles.”
“Yes, Mr. Kozlov.”
But as Ari walked out, Alexi wondered if he’d been too hasty and maybe Ari was right. Lifting his phone from his pocket he placed a call to Giles. It went straight to voicemail.
“Giles, Alexi here. I received the transfer of funds and the painting is yours, but if you also want the antique picture frame you need to call me right away. It will be picked up when the painting is dropped off in the morning. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, and so am I. The painting is much safer in a canister and it will be delivered to your home around noon. I’m leaving London for a while and I won’t be reachable, so as I said, if you want that frame you need to get back to me.”
Ending the call he let out a sigh…then smiled.
He’d won.
But he always did.