“You don’t suppose he’s the Peeping Tom type, do you?”

“I wouldn’t put it past him.”

“Good God! Do you think he’s got a telescope trained on us at this moment?” She pulled the sheets over her very fine breasts.

“No, nothing like that. I’ve got hotel security tailing him.”

“Is this the scoundrel who tried to come ashore from his boat at my dock?”

“Yes.”

“So, he’s already been snooping around here. I’m going to have to be very careful.”

“You’re already very careful. Your native caution operates at a high level.”

“Quite true. If he tries anything like that again, I’ll have him dealt with harshly.”

“May I watch?”

“I doubt if there’ll be time to invite you over, but you may hear small-arms fire from across the river.”

“Then I’ll let my imagination run riot.”

Gala came out of the bathroom wearing only a large towel. She dropped it and got back into bed. “What have you two been talking about?”

“Why, you, of course,” Stone said. “What else?”

“It’s true, darling,” Felicity said, kissing her on the shoulder. “We’ve been discussing your technique in bed.”

“I hope neither of you had any complaints.”

“Certainly not. You received high marks on all counts.”

“All counts,” Stone echoed, nodding enthusiastically.

“Well, I’m happy to give satisfaction.”

“Oh, more than satisfaction,” Felicity said.

“Much more,” Stone added.

“What rises above satisfaction?”

“Exultation,” Stone said.

“Ecstasy,” Felicity added.

“Well, that makes me feel very good,” Gala said.

“Makes us feel pretty good, too,” Stone replied.

Gala took him in her hand. “There is evidence that you are not lying,” she said.

“Oh, good,” Felicity said. “I like evidence.”

25

At breakfast the following morning, Gala said, “Would you like to go riding this morning?”

“I’d love to,” Stone replied, “but I have two video conference calls this morning.”

“Do you mind if I go alone?”

“Not at all. You know the drill.” He picked up the phone and arranged a horse for her, and she went to get dressed, then passed through the bedroom on her way out.

“Have I mentioned to you how good your ass looks in riding pants?”

“Everybody’s ass looks good in riding pants—yours, too.”

“Enjoy your morning.”

“I will, don’t worry.”

Stone went down to the lower-level office and made his first conference call. When he had finished it occurred to him that Tirov might be abroad in the land, and he called Gala’s cell number. No reply. He made his second call, which didn’t take long, then he tried her phone again. Still no answer.

He tapped on the app that allowed him to track Tirov, and he got a green dot inside the hotel. Then, as he watched, the green dot moved outdoors. Shortly, it began to move faster. Tirov must be in a car, he thought.