Page 140 of Delusion in Death

“Hot’s my favorite thing.”

Peabody had a chance for one quick gulp before Eve tore out of the garage.

“Gina Bellona,” she began. “In addition to her condo here, she has a home in London, a flat in Paris, and a villa in Sardinia. Her husband, deceased, was knighted for his contribution to science and humanitarian works.”

“Science,” Eve repeated while she punched vertical and zipped over a knot of traffic.

“Carlo Corelli—Brit mother, Italian father, dual citizenship, a scientist, primary work molecular chemistry. His father was one of the founders of Biotech Industries.”

“One of the leaders in the field,” Roarke told her while he worked. “Innovations and development of synthetic organs, cancer vaccines, fertility, auto-immune research. They’ve built health centers in areas where medicine and health care was a luxury or simply nonexistent.”

“Pharmacology—lots of drug research.”

“No question.”

“Perfect for her. How’d he buy it, Peabody—Corelli?”

“Slipped in the shower seven months ago.”

“About the time Teasdale says Menzini died. I bet Corelli had help in the shower.”

“Death ruled accidental, but it looks like his first wife and his children made some noise about the widow. I can probably find some dish on it in the scandal sheets.”

“Marries him, gets rich, gets access to all the drugs she wants—and some expertise. Menzini dies, and she’s done with Corelli. Wants this tribute, or revenge, or whatever the hell. She takes Corelli out, inherits, moves to New York.”

“Where she lives in a spacious, two-level condo,” Roarke put in. “Private elevator into a foyer. Secondary entrance/exit on south corner. Additional on second level, central. Video security, all entrances. There’s also an interior elevator. Terraces off first and second levels, roof terrace on second level. She’s on Fifty-two and Three, southeast corner.”

“What else is up there?”

“Three other units—one at each corner.” He continued to work quickly, coolly, while Eve drove like a lunatic. “A central elevator, a maintenance/housekeeping area with service elevators. Three stairways—north and south and in the maintenance area.”

“Got it. Peabody, send Reo the info on MacMillon’s properties.”

“She’s also got a limo and town car here in New York, as well as a private shuttle.” A small “Eek!” escaped Peabody as the car threaded through snarled traffic. “An all-terrain in Sardinia—and a yacht—town cars in London and Paris. Biotech’s got a branch here, a complex on Long Island, and a facility on Park. Oh, another in Jersey City.”

“Get her all of it. Get warrants. Have her reach out to the European locals. She can add HSO’s and Tibble’s weight to get it moving. I want all her vehicles located and impounded.”

“Oh shit. Okay.” Peabody muttered prayers as they leapfrogged over a trio of Rapid Cabs. “McNab’s already located the shuttle, he’s keeping me up. We’re on that.”

“Box her in,” Eve stated, cutting the sirens, gliding the rest of the way.

“I think I just lost five pounds in fear sweat.” Peabody mopped at her face. “Now I want a cannoli. I don’t know why.”

With a laugh, Roarke shifted to grin at her. “I’ll buy you a dozen, precious.”

“Cannolis, for God’s sake.” Eve pulled into the loading zone in front of the building. The doorman, spiffy in red and gold, mistook the DLE for a piece of crap and hotfooted over.

“You can’t—”

“I can.” Eve pulled out her badge as she pushed open the car door.

“What’s this—”

“I ask; you answer. Gina Bellona. Is she in her condo?”

“Ms. Bellona? She hasn’t come out or ordered her car. What’s—”

“How long have you been on the door today?”

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