‘Don’t you think it’s a little odd, Al? A woman much younger than you makes an unabashed play for you.’ Haut went to protest. ‘You said yourself she pursued you. Told you she would marry the smartest man in the world, or something like that.’

Haut frowned. ‘What are you driving at?’ he asked.

‘The Russians are masters at organising honey traps.’

‘What?’

‘Where a woman is sent to seduce a target.’

‘You’re saying I’m a Russian target!’

‘Not as in Conquer’s interest in you, no. Maybe the opposite. Putin wanted you working for him. He knows you’re the top oil man on the planet. You’re on the threshold of this new technology, which puts you where Oppenheimer was in 1945 or Tesla was earlier.’

This frank remark gave Haut pause.

‘I just don’t believe Natalia would do something like you’re insinuating.’

Cavalier smiled. ‘The Russians are a little more dedicated to doing things for the state than in Australia and here.’

‘Natalia isn’t like that.’

‘You may be right. But remember men’s egos, including mine and yours, are sucked in when a beautiful woman makes a play. Seduction is the oldest profession. She’s your bed partner and PA. She’s learning every detail of your life. Don’t tell me that intelligence on your business operations would not be of interest to Putin, your vodka-drinking buddy Kisley and maybe Natalia’s father. They wanted you on the team. Still do.’

Haut frowned and thought back over the run of events that led to the affair with Natalia.

‘Just be aware, Al. Find out more about her connections, family and background, if you can.’

‘I shall,’ Haut said.

‘I can cheer you up on one issue. I don’t think she’s after your assets—I mean financial. But you must wait for her to tell you.’

‘Go on,’ Haut said.

‘A little bird told me that her father is a billionaire, a Putin crony.’

‘I had no idea.’

‘If so, you can rule out her wanting to marry you for your money.’ Cavalier paused and ordered more drinks.

‘I forgot to ask you,’ he said, ‘what made you choose your apartment across the road?’

Haut thought for a moment and then looked furtive.

‘I discussed living in London with plenty of people,’ he replied.

‘Can you recall who actually suggested Jermyn Street? It’s an upmarket area.’

‘I believe it may have been Anatoly Kisley.’

PART SIX STRIKE AND COUNTER-STRIKE

PART SIX

STRIKE AND COUNTER-STRIKE

51 KIDNAP

51

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