“Yes.” He got to his feet. “I got exactly what I wanted. We can leave now.” There was no hint of the sly catlike expression that had been there previously. He was all cool business. “I not only thoroughly enjoyed myself, but I gave Nikolai the time he needed to check out Tanner’s suite and the grounds.”

“I told you the security was good,” Tanner said impatiently.

Kaskov shrugged. “Nikolai had been insisting lately that we be extra careful.”

“And you had Lara perform just so that you could have that extra time,” Tanner said with dangerous softness. “You son of a bitch.”

“I thought it necessary. And since you’re the one who’s been pushing me for answers, I’d say the ball was in my court.”

“It is,” Lara said. “What difference does it make, Tanner? He’s going to give us what we want. Let’s get out of here.” She was striding toward the door. “Now, dammit!”

Chapter 11

Chapter
11

The first person Lara saw when she got off the elevator was Rennell. He was leaning casually against the stone of the fireplace in the large living room. He nodded at her. “I hear Maria isn’t here with you. She must not like that.”

“She doesn’t. Hello, Rennell. I’m jealous that you managed to dodge dinner. Tanner said it wasn’t your style. It wasn’t mine, either.” She glanced at Kaskov. “Have you met Rennell?”

“No, but Tanner told me about him.” He nodded coolly at Rennell. “But I’m most interested in what you did with my friend Nikolai. Where is he? I gave orders that he be here…alone.”

“In the kitchen making coffee. I offered to help, but he said that with him it was an art form.”

“Quite true. But he never changes schedules without letting me know.”

“But I’m such a harmless soul.” Rennell smiled wryly. “I introduced myself to him. I gave him a chance to check me out. Then I spent the evening helping him check out your hotel, Tanner.”

“And that was enough?” Tanner asked. He snapped his fingers. “Of course it was. Kindred spirits.”

“Not really. But we have a basic understanding and respect for each other. That’s enough.”

“It may not be enough for me,” Kaskov said grimly. “He broke a rule.”

“Yes, I did,” Nikolai said as he wheeled in the coffee tray. “It was a judgment call, sir. You gave me permission to recruit and I decided Rennell would do very well. He has all the qualifications I need, and he will not be volatile like Tanner. He will just do the job and keep on going until there’s no one left.”

Kaskov turned to Rennell. “Is that true?”