“Viktor has quite a reputation with the ladies. I understand that many of them have found him to be a charmer.”

“Oh, good.”

“Nathalie, I recall from reading your contract that this is the first film in which you have had profits participation.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Two gross points, isn’t it?”

“Yes, and I’m very pleased about that.”

“I’m glad you’re happy. My point is, if this junket goes the way we hope it will, we anticipate that ticket sales in the Russian Federation could add as much as twenty-five million dollars to this picture’s gross, perhaps even more. That would mean a very large contribution to your bank account, in addition to other worldwide income, of course.”

“That’s certainly good news.”

“Of course, that goal can only be achieved if we make a complete success of our publicity effort.”

“I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“I’m so happy to hear that. I just wanted you to understand that you have an important personal stake in making your dinner with Viktor Petrov a complete success.”

Nathalie wondered what making the dinner a “complete success” would entail.

“I’ve no doubt that Viktor will find you extremely alluring.”

Nathalie thought that she now knew where this was headed. Milestone did not leave her in doubt.

“If his reputation is to be believed, he will expect his attentions to be received warmly. Do you understand?”

“I think I’m beginning to.”

“Not that this would have to be unpleasant. The man does have a reputation for pleasing women.”

“Ah.”

“I would never ask you to sleep with the man—unless your heart were in it,” Milestone said. “But I did want you to understand what is at stake for you, personally.”

“You’ve made that very clear,” Nathalie said.

“And I hope my candor has not offended you.”

“I appreciate your frankness,” she replied.

“One other thing. Petrov also has a reputation for making things difficult for those who disappoint him. I mean, we could suddenly find that the fire department has shut down our theater for the premiere, or there could be a catering disaster for our dinner afterward, or the print for our showing could be ‘misplaced.’ It could be very unpleasant for us and wreck our plans for making this film a hit in Russia.”

“I see your point.”

“I’m so glad.” He rose. “Now, I expect you’d like to get some sleep, in order to arrive in Moscow fresh. I understand there will be photographers at the airport and at the hotel. The news of your dinner with the president has piqued the interest of the Moscow public.” He shook her hand and opened the cabin door for her.

Nathalie fixed a smile on her face and returned to her seat. Howard Fine was snoring gently by now. She retrieved her handbag and fished out her iPhone.

“How did your meeting with Marvin go?”