Rafe broke into another easy smile. Always calm and collected. Someone could be trying to tear his limbs off and Rafe still wouldn’t lose his head. “Jolly good. I’ll get us some glasses. Would your friend like to join?” Alec cast him a warning look, and Rafe shrugged again. “Suit yourself.” He came back with the uncorked bottle and two dusty glasses.

Rafe held one up to the light and frowned in disapproval. “I thought you had a woman come round to clean?”

Alec snatched the glass and began to pour the wine. “I do, but I doubt anyone’s used these since—” The words caught in his throat.

Since my father.

Rafe studied him. “You know, you might give a thought to moving somewhere else,” he said lightly. “Somewhere without quite so many memories.”

Alec let his icy glare speak for him as he passed Rafe the glass, then poured his own. His living arrangements were another subject not up for discussion. “So what happened to Egypt?” he prompted.

Rafe took a sip of the sweet red wine and made a face. “You know, for a half Italian you have a terrible palate.”

Alec finally managed a laugh. “Blame the English half then.”

Rafe nodded in agreement and set down his glass. “Egypt is off for now.” He lowered his voice. “It appears we have a leak. And from rather high up. I’m meeting with someone from the Foreign Office later. But that’s not why I’m here. When did you last speak with Signore Cardinelli?”

Alec’s neck prickled. “Today, actually. He invited me to a dinner party he’s giving later.”

“That’s perfect,” Rafe said. “There’s a woman who should be in attendance. Madame Noir. You’ll need to make contact with her.”

“Who is she?”

“Another French aristocrat of dubious origin with a line of dead husbands behind her, each one more important, and wealthier, than the last. She’s currently the mistress of one of Germany’s most profitable military contractors.” Rafe leaned forward in his chair. “It is believed she will be there tonight to secure a deal.” He then paused for effect. “It appears the good Signore Cardinelli may be moving into arms dealing.”

And with one of England’s greatest adversaries, no less.

“That’s absurd,” Alec scoffed. “Why would he invite me then?”

Rafe’s eyes narrowed. “My guess is he’ll double-cross her, for the right price.”