“Hold it, hold it.” Russ threw up both hands. “I’m just trying to find out what’s going on.”

“What are you doing here?” Furious, she lowered her hands, but they remained in fists. “I told everyone to get out.”

“I know. I was coming back in from the break when everyone else came out. Nobody knew why. What’s up, Eve? Is there a fire or something?”

“Just go back to the hotel and wait.”

“Look, what gives? If this is your way of saying you didn’t like this morning’s rehearsal—”

“I’m not playing around here.” Her voice rose as the last of her control snapped. There were beads of sweat on her temples and a stream of it down her back. Cold sweat. “I got a bomb threat. Do you understand? I think there’s a bomb in the theater.”

He stood where he was a moment as she started up the steps, then he was scrambling after her. “A bomb? A bomb in the theater? What in the hell are you doing? Let’s get out.”

“I have to make certain everyone else did.” She shook him off and sprinted up the rest of the stairs.

“Eve, for God’s sake.” His voice cracked as he raced after her. “There’s no one left. Let’s get out of here and call the police, the fire department. Whoever.”

“We will—as soon as I make sure everyone got out.” After she’d checked every room and shouted until she was hoarse, she was satisfied. Terror began to edge its way in. Her heart in her throat, she grabbed him by the arm and raced downstairs again. They were nearly to the stage door when the explosion hit.

* * *

“I’m pleased you could meet me here, Monsieur Trouchet.”

“I’m always at your disposal, Your Highness.” Trouchet took the seat Alexander offered, setting his briefcase neatly on his lap. “It was a pleasure to see you at the Cabots’ last night, but as you said, such a gathering is not always appropriate for business discussions.”

“And as the health-care bill is, shall we say, a pet project of mine, I prefer to give it the time and place it warrants.”

Settled behind his desk, Alexander drew out a cigarette. He was well aware that Trouchet objected to the heart of the bill and that he was in a position to sway many members of the council. Alexander intended to see the bill put in force, with very few concessions.

“I know your time is valuable, monsieur, so we won’t hedge. Cordina has only two modern hospitals. In the capital and in Le Havre. There are fishing villages and farms in outlying areas that rely solely on the clinics set up by medical personnel. These clinics, though never conceived as profitable businesses, have steadily been losing ground over the past five years.”