Page 52 of Donovan Blake: Passion

“Donovan, wait. Your plan is brilliant. It will work. I’m sure of it.”

“With Koslov we can’t be sure of anything.”

“Yes, we can. He believes he’s won and his ego won’t let him see it any other way.”

“Huh…you could be right. Regardless, I’ll be ready for anything.”

* * *

Giles Cavendish was already celebrating. He was enjoying a delicious meal at an upscale London Restaurant with several friends. He’d told them the spontaneous gathering was to celebrate an unexpected windfall. When they pressed him, he claimed he’d won a sizable amount in The National Lottery

The last minute call to the eatery had cost him a hefty tip but he was too excited to care. He was convinced the frame would contain priceless jewels. What else would a jewelers son ferret away? He’d already decided to take an early retirement and travel the world. He wanted to visit Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. As yet another bottle of champagne was brought to the table, he tapped his glass to get everyone’s attention, then he raised it in the air.

“To good friends, good times, and the future,” he exclaimed, then drank it down and asked for more.

* * *

At his lavish home in Knightsbridge, Alexi poured himself a glass of his favorite vodka, smiled at his success, and took a satisfying drink. The Swiss buyer had pulled out leaving him free to accept the offer from Giles Cavendish.

“Here’s to you, Giles,” he exclaimed, raising his glass and taking another drink.

Without customs breathing down his neck the smuggling operations could be ramped up, and moving stolen items out of the country would be a breeze.

“Mr. Kozlov?”

Hearing Ari’s voice, he glanced up and saw him standing at the door.

“Yes, Ari?”

“You said the painting will be dropped off and frame picked up in the morning.”

“That’s right. Why?”

“I was just thinking—Mr. Cavendish might want it. The frame I mean.”

“Possibly, but it’s a bit late to organize moving it, and I’ve made the deal with Donovan Blake.”

“I understand, it was just something that crossed my mind. Will you be needing me again tonight?”

“One thing. As soon as that frame is out of here and the painting is on its way to Cavendish, I want to leave.”

“I’ll make sure the car is ready. Where will we be headed?”

“I mean, leave London. There’s an interesting opportunity opening up in Southern California. Make sure my plane is ready for a trip to Los Angeles.”

“Yes, Mr. Kozlov.”

But as Ari walked out, Alexi wondered if he’d been too hasty and maybe Ari was right. Lifting his phone from his pocket he placed a call to Giles. It went straight to voicemail.

“Giles, Alexi here. I received the transfer of funds and the painting is yours, but if you also want the antique picture frame you need to call me right away. It will be picked up when the painting is dropped off in the morning. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, and so am I. The painting is much safer in a canister and it will be delivered to your home around noon. I’m leaving London for a while and I won’t be reachable, so as I said, if you want that frame you need to get back to me.”

Ending the call he let out a sigh…then smiled.

He’d won.

But he always did.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

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