“I would guess that they are trying to see what purpose the disturbance last night had. Your man did an excellent job on the main power, though I think the explosive was a bit overstated.” She shrugged as though it had been a hat with one too many feathers. “In any case, they ran on auxiliary for the rest of the evening and have a crew in the Center this morning for repairs. It’s their belief that the power was blown so that the assassin could break his way into the Royal Box.”

“A natural assumption,” Deboque said as he went back to his coffee. And exactly the one he’d hoped for. “Though such a move would have been messy and unstylish. And you, my dear? How do you cope after witnessing a killing?”

“I’ve chosen to be shocked and weakened by the events. But brave, naturally. We British are, you know.”

“I’ve always admired the quality.” He smiled at her again. “I have to congratulate you on the depth of your skill. You look as though you didn’t close your eyes all night.”

It was a mistake to remember, to think even for an instant, of Bennett. “I drank enough coffee to keep me awake until dawn,” she said easily as her stomach tied itself in knots. “At the moment I’m supposedly out for a walk to clear my head.” To take his attention from that, she added the last of what she and Reeve had discussed. “Are you aware that the entire Royal Family will gather at the palace for the Christmas Ball?”

“So is tradition.”

“With Eve being a bit delicate, the Princess Gabriella brings her family to stay for several days during the preparations. The MacGees share a wing with Alexander and Eve so that they can be close to the children.”

“Interesting.”

“And obliging. I’ll require the makings for three plastic explosives.”

Deboque only nodded. “The younger prince doesn’t reside in the same wing.”

“The younger prince will be fatally injured while trying to save the rest of his family. Leave it to me. Just make sure the five million is waiting.” She rose again, then inclined her head as if waiting for his permission to leave. Deboque stood as well, then surprised her by taking both of her hands.

“I had thought that some time after the holiday I would take a long vacation. I have an urge to sail, to be in the sun. Vacations can be very dull without companionship.”

Her stomach turned over. She prayed the revulsion wouldn’t show, even for an instant. “I’ve always been fond of the sun.” She didn’t object when he stepped closer, but smiled. “You have a reputation for discarding women as easily as you collect them.”