Page 75 of Shadow of Doubt

Sølvi had warned him that Grechko was always “on,” a perpetual spymaster, constantly probing for information, looking for ways to stick his boot in the door and leverage himself inside people’s minds.

“What I believe,” said Harvath, “is that certain men leave the intelligence game, but the intelligence game never really leaves them. Know what I mean?”

“Touché,” the Russian replied.

Another long pause ensued before Grechko asked, “You’re positive that she’ll be here tonight?”

Harvath nodded, taking a bite of his octopus.

“Buthowdo you know? Did you talk to her?”

“A little bird told me,” he responded.

As soon as he said the words, Muse’s front door swung open and a hardened security team ushered in a glamorous, exceptionally attractive Russian woman.

As she passed, Eva Nekrasova pretended not to notice Harvath while also throwing him a discreet wink.

CHAPTER 35

Even in the midst of her cancer battle, Eva still electrified every room she walked into. She was a force of nature.

And while the women of polite South of France society may have frozen her out of their circles because they resented her wealth and beauty, to anyone else, having her around was like basking in the presence of a classic movie star. She was elegance and glamour personified.

Harvath could only imagine the energy she had summoned to be here. On top of that, she looked fantastic. There was no hint that she was undergoing treatment. Every millimeter of her was perfect. Her shitbag husband had zero idea how lucky he was.

“Who the hell is that?” Grechko asked.

“My little bird,” said Harvath as he looked at his watch. “It’s time for you to hit the men’s room. Lock yourself in that stall and don’t move until I come get you. Just as we discussed. Understand me?”

The Russian nodded and, after knocking back the rest of the wine in his glass, headed for the restroom.

No sooner had Eva been seated at the best table in the house than the arrival of another statuesque woman, also with her own security detail, sent a hush rippling across the room.

The moment Harvath saw Inessa Surkova, he understood why Grechko had sacrificed everything for her. He also understood why the defector was so concerned that, should she ever disappear, Tsybulsky would go to the ends of the earth to find her and bring her back.

In a word, the woman was stunning. Butstunningwasn’t descriptiveenough. While men stole glances of Eva so as not to upset their wives, when Inessa passed through the room, they openly and admiringly stared, unconcerned with the consequences, and were completely unaware that their wives were staring as well.

She had the tightest jawline Harvath had ever seen and cheekbones so high, they rivaled the Andes. A silk dress of emerald green clung to her body and left little to the imagination. Her walk was infused with the kind of confidence only seen on the catwalks of Paris or Milan. How this woman had ended up a courtesan and not a high-fashion model was beyond Harvath.

As she passed, she glanced in his direction and he thanked God that he had already dispatched Grechko to the men’s room. Had she seen him sitting there at the bar, before she really knew why Eva had asked her to dinner, there was no telling how she might have reacted. It could have ruined everything.

Harvath watched as Eva stood to greet her. The two women kissed on both cheeks, embraced, and, drawing their chairs closer together, sat down.

A waiter brought over the champagne Eva had ordered. It was a gorgeous bottle of Krug, just like the one Harvath had bought for Sølvi, which was still sitting in her fridge back in Oslo, waiting for them to enjoy.

Expertly removing the cork, the waiter poured a small amount for Eva. She took a small sip and nodded. After filling both of their glasses, the man left the two friends to catch up.

Eva had told Harvath that she wanted to get Inessa loosened up before springing the surprise on her. She believed that having a little alcohol in her system would help keep her calm.

And just in case Inessa got angry and stormed out, Eva wanted to have had a few moments with her to say goodbye.

Harvath deferred to her wishes. Eva not only knew women better than he did, but she also knew Russian women much better.

When their glasses ran dry, Eva didn’t wait for the waiter to return. Grabbing the bottle from the bucket, she refilled them and proposed another toast.

As they clinked glasses, Eva placed her left hand on the back of her neck and gave Harvath a signal.Five minutes.

Texting the team, Harvath let them know that everything was in motion. He laid a couple of bills on the bar and headed toward the men’s room.

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