The next question came from Mario Buttacavola. “You made some interesting points about the possibilities for investing in Eastern Europe. I heard something about a big Russian truck company that wants foreign capital. Do you think that’s safe?” He did not give Bennett a chance to answer. “Say, I’ve got a good idea,” he boomed. “There’s someone here, Cameron Hardwick, who sits at our table, and he’s a big financial expert. Maybe both of you could give us your opinions. That would be real interesting.”

“You are, of course, referring to the Boris and Vanya trucking company, which is following the example of its biggest competitor by offering to sell forty-nine percent of its stock to foreign investors. I’d be very interested to hear what Mr. Hardwick has to say about this.” Bennett sounded genuinely enthusiastic.

Mario was obviously pleased to have the floor. “Well, Cameron just came back from checking out the Eastern European countries for investment possibilities for his private clients. What do you say, Cameron?” he asked, turning to the back of the room.

All heads turned their gaze on Hard wick. He remained in his seat and waved away the question. “I’d rather hear what you have to say about it.”

Mario said persuasively, “Oh, come on, Cameron. We’re not asking you to talk about your clients. Let me put it this way. Would you consider this a good buy generally?”

Hardwick stood up and gripped the chair in front of him. “I deal with my clients one-on-one. I think that Mr. Bennett is the one you came to hear.” Clearly he was forcing a smile. “Now if you’ll excuse me.” He strode from the room.

Bennett broke the uneasy silence that followed. “It has been my experience that most of my financial colleagues enjoy putting forth their views. However, we must respect Mr. Hardwick’s wish not to do so. Now in my opinion ...”

Ten minutes later, as they were leaving the boardroom, Mario and Immaculata joined Regan and Lady Exner. “Is that Hardwick guy some kind of stiff or what?” Mario asked. “You want to know something—I’ll bet dollars to doughnuts he never heard of that company. In my book that guy is either dumb or a phony.”

Chapter 26

SYLVIE WANDERED THROUGH the Astolat Lounge, the Knights Lounge and the Lancelot Bar before she located Milton Wanamaker and his ever-present sister, Violet Cohn, sipping a Bloody Mary in the glassed-in section of the Lido Deck. On her third casual glance around the room she managed to meet Milton’s eye. With a dazzling smile she made a beeline for his table.

“Enjoying our beautiful weather today?” she asked as she placed one hand on the empty chair between Milton and his sister.