But the timing had to be perfect.

The action was to take place in three days. Everyone was at the ready. Kathryn would meet up with her road buddies in Ohio. Avery was on call to disable the cameras while Steinwood was en route to New Jersey.

Their work in London was done. Myra and Annie had to get back to Pinewood for the grand finale. They encouraged Charlotte to stay on in London, at Annie’s place. No need for her to witness the details of the final act of this play. Charlotte was undecided. She wanted to see it through. But Annie and Myra knew there were some things that should not be shared and convinced her to stay.

Annie called her pilot to have him get the jet ready for the return trip to the States.

“Tell Maryann we are sorry we missed her this trip, but something came up with Fergus and some business deal, and I have to get back.” That was always a convincing excuse.

On the flight back, Myra and Annie discussed their plan for Corbett and Steinwood. Fergus would keep tabs on Marcus. If Franny didn’t put him in the hospital, they would go to plan B, but they were certain Franny would handle it as well as they could. He had a reputation for showing little mercy. But after meeting Norma Marcus, Annie and Myra were almost convinced that she was torture enough.

* * *

The morning after the fund-raiser, Marcus was flying high. His obtaining two new patients, Myra Rutledge and none other than Countess Anna Ryland de Silva, plus the return of Charlotte Hansen, had Marcus on cloud nine. And with the new arrangement he had with Franny, he was feeling just fine. Fine enough to order a month’s worth of cocaine. That would save a lot of dealing with that rotter Jerry Hardy. Before he left for the office, he went to the jewelry safe. There were at least five tennis bracelets. Norma wouldn’t miss one of them. He pinched one that had been appraised for twenty thousand dollars. Franny would give him credit for half of it. That was fine with Marcus. It was a win-win for him. He would get cocaine for diamonds and gold. The only costs were for making the fake replacements. Something Norma would never figure out.

Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Pinewood

When Myra and Annie returned to Pinewood, Charles had a platter of empanadas waiting for them. “Just a little something to tide you over.” He set the tray down and wrapped Myra in his arms. “Good to have you back, old girl.”

Lady and her pups were yelping and yapping. Myra and Annie squatted to hug and snuggle the pooches. “I missed you so much.” Myra draped her arms over as many dogs as she could.

Charles clasped Annie’s shoulders. “You managed to stay out of trouble, I see,” he said jokingly.