Page 26 of Donovan Blake: Passion

“Follow me,” the man said brusquely, then turned and strode to an elevator.

Donovan quickly studied the opulence surrounding him. A huge crystal chandelier hung majestically over the marble foyer, exotic plants rose up like guards from magnificent bronze vases, and mirrors held by gold frames in various shapes and sizes graced the walls distorting his reflection. Stepping into the elevator he pushed the distracting sights to the back of his mind and mentally prepared himself. He would be agreeable, but not intimidated. Men like Alexi Kozlov despised weakness.

“I am Ari,” the man suddenly declared. “Turn around and place your palms on the wall. You cannot get the better of me. It would be unwise to try.”

Though Donovan was sure he could give the man a run for his money he wasn’t about to put Phoebe in danger and immediately complied.

“When we leave the elevator make no sudden moves,” Ari ordered brusquely as he finished his efficient pat down, “and do not reach into your pockets for any reason. Is that clear?”

“Sure,” Donovan replied, turning around and suppressing his desire to punch the pompous bodyguard square in the nose.

The doors opened.

The first thing Donovan saw was the picture frame leaning against a far wall, then he spotted Phoebe to his left. She was sitting on a couch holding a cup and saucer, sipping what he assumed was tea. In a tray in front of her on a glass top coffee table was a teapot, small milk jug, sugar bowl, and a plate of tiny, square cakes.

“Please, join her.”

Glancing around, Ari was still the only other person in the room. Alexi Koslov’s voice had come through a speaker. The scene was not what Donovan had imagined, and he suspected it was designed to throw him off.

“Are you alright, Phoebe?” he asked, walking over to her.

“I am now.”

“She can tell you about her adventure another time,” Alexi’s voice exclaimed. “Sit down, Mr. Blake, pour yourself some tea.”

“I’m a coffee drinker.”

“Happy to oblige, I’ll have some sent up right away.”

“Thanks, but I’ve already had my morning quota.”

“Ah, you want to get down to business. Good. I’m sure you already know those two men you followed here have been sent back to Hawthorne Hall to find my portrait.”

“Your portrait?”

“Yes. My portrait. When I decide I want something I automatically see it as belonging to me. But I digress. They don’t know I’m speaking to you but they will soon. You’re going to work with them. They’re foot soldiers, not idea men, and they’re careless. You would never have shown up here with an empty frame. You would have checked beneath that protective cloth. And I’m sure it was you who decided to remove the portrait.”

“Yes, Alexi, it was.”

“Exactly! So—you will make sure they will find it and bring it back here.”

“And I assume once it’s delivered Phoebe will be released.”

“As much as I would enjoy her company, you’re wrong. I brought her here simply to show you how easily it can be done. Not even you can watch someone all the time, and my personal guards, like Ari, are very good at what they do.”

“I’m sure they are. So, if that’s not the proposition, what is it?”

“You and Phoebe make an excellent team. It would be shortsighted of me to break it up. You will both return to Hawthorne Hall. But you will be contacted on your drive back and told where to meet up with those two incompetent fools. They’ll do the heavy-lifting, the breaking in, the grunt work. You and Phoebe will be in charge. You possess something no-one else has. Peter Hawthorne’s trust. You’re on the inside. Regardless, you and Phoebe will take the lead. They’ll be ordered to do whatever you say without question.”

“Alexi,” Donovan began, rising to his feet. “I don’t—”

“Sit down!” Ari barked, stepping forward.

“Ari, you can relax. Mr. Blake won’t do anything stupid. He feels the need to pace as he speaks. It helps him think, doesn’t it, Donovan?”

“Yes, I suppose it does.”

“And he knows you’re a rattlesnake. One bite and he’s dead. In your case, one karate chop. Correct, Donovan?”

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