But he said none of those things, for in truth he was afraid of the man seated across from him. He had heard too many chilling stories about him, and he had reason to believe them.
So all he said was, “Yes, sir, I can arrange an accident. No one will ever know.” Even as he said the words, the thought struck him: He knows that I’ll know. He waited. He could hear the street noises outside the window, and the shrill and raucous polyglot of languages that belonged to the residents of the walled city.
Demiris was studying him with cold, obsidian eyes.
When he finally spoke he said, “Very well. I will leave the method to you.”
“Yes, sir. Is the target here in Kowloon?”
“London. Her name is Catherine. Catherine Alexander. She works in my London offices.”
“It would help if I could get an introduction to her. An inside track.”
Demiris thought for a moment. “I’m sending a delegation of executives to London next week. I’ll arrange for you to be in the party.” He leaned forward and said quietly, “One thing more.”
“Yes, sir?”
“I don’t want anyone to be able to identify her body.”
Chapter Nineteen
Constantin Demiris was calling. “Good morning, Catherine. How are you feeling today?”
“Fine, thank you, Costa.”
“You are feeling better?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I’m very pleased to hear that. I’m sending a delegation of our company executives to London to study our operation there. I would appreciate it if you would take them in hand and look after them.”
“I’ll be happy to. When will they be arriving?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll do everything I can.”
“I know I can count on you. Thank you, Catherine.”
“You’re welcome.”
Good-bye, Catherine.
The connection was broken.
So, that was done! Constantin Demiris sat back in his chair, thinking. With Catherine Alexander gone, there would be no more loose ends. Now he could turn his full attention to his wife and her brother.
“We’re having company tonight. Some executives from the office. I want you to act as hostess.”
It had been so long since she had been a hostess for her husband. Melina felt elated, excited. Perhaps this will change things.
The dinner that evening changed nothing. Three men arrived, dined, and left. The dinner was a blur.
Melina was perfunctorily introduced to the men and sat there while her husband charmed them. She had almost forgotten how charismatic Costa could be. He told amusing stories and gave them lavish compliments, and they loved it. They were in the presence of a great man, and they showed that they were aware of it. Melina never got a chance to speak. Every time she started to say something, Costa interrupted, until finally she sat there in silence.
Why did he want me here? Melina wondered.
At the end of the evening, as the men were leaving, Demiris said, “You’ll be flying to London early in the morning. I’m sure you’ll take care of everything that needs to be done.”
And they were gone.
The delegation arrived in London the following morning. There were three of them, all of different nationalities.
The American, Jerry Haley, was a tall, muscular man with a friendly, open face and slate-gray eyes. He had the largest hands Catherine had ever seen. She was fascinated by them. They seemed to have a life of their own, constantly in motion, twisting and turning, as though eager to have something to do.
The Frenchman, Yves Renard, was a sharp contrast. He was short and stout. His features were pinched, and he had cold, probing eyes that seemed to see through Catherine. He appeared withdrawn and self-contained. Wary was the word that came to Catherine’s mind. But wary of what? Catherine wondered.
The third member of the delegation was Dino Mattusi. He was Italian, friendly and ingratiating, exuding charm through every pore.
“Mr. Demiris thinks highly of you,” Mattusi said.
“That’s very flattering.”
“He said you are going to take care of us in London. Look, I brought you a little gift.” He handed Catherine a package with a Hermes label on it. Inside was a beautiful silk scarf.
“Thank you,” Catherine said. “That’s very thoughtful of you.” She looked at the others. “Let me show you to your offices.”