“No, I had a better idea.”
I stop brushing my hair and give him my full attention.
“She’s on board now. She’s going to the rehabilitation centre tomorrow.”
I don’t bother hiding my surprise. “Really?” I had not expected that. “How’d you do that? Hypnosis? Bribery? Drugs?”
“None of the above,” he grins. “I asked Henderson to speak to her.”
“Alistair Ravenscroft. You are a genius.”
“You know they’ve always had a special bond, and their history together kind of underscores that we’re the good guys, not the Redbricks.”
The mere fact that Henderson was in her room would have brought back real and intense emotions that would help sway her in our direction.
“As I said, genius. Not only are you a sex god, but you’re smart, too. It’s an extremely attractive combination.”
“Don’t leave out the wealthy part,” he teases.
“I did it on purpose,” I say. “I’m saving myself for later. Don’t want to use up all my orgasm utils in one day.”
CHAPTER 21
Bombshell Baby
ALISTAIR
My phone buzzes. I hesitate to take the call as I don’t want to be late for dinner. My mother abhors tardiness, and it’s a trait I’ve inherited.
BLACKWOOD, says the caller ID.
“Sorry, Ivy, I need to take this.”
Ivy, mid-lipstick application, motions her approval.
“Mr. Ravenscroft,” says my intelligence agent. “The funeral is today.”
I have a pang of regret in my chest. All I can think of is Mariya, but Blackwood wouldn’t be calling me about that. “Whose funeral?”
“One funeral, four coffins.”
“Ah, okay,” I say. Elena Kuznetsov, the Mirror Baron’s wife, and their three Slavic brats: Dmitri, Yuri and Anya.
“They kept it low-key. No one seems to know it’s happening.”
“But you do.”
“Well, I’ve been watching Mikhail like a hawk. There were a few subtle clues.”
“Why are you telling me this?” I ask.
I hear Blackwood make a vague grunting sound, as if to convey “Isn’t it obvious?”
“Mr. Ravenscroft. I strongly suggest that you move on this today.”
I don’t reply.
“Sir,” he presses. “You can’t afford to be on the defense in this situation.”