“And you’ll consider my offer?”
“Of course.”
He rose from the piano and lifted the lid of the signal-blocking box. “What are you doing for the holidays?”
“Hiding from the virus. You?”
“Oksana and I are spending Christmas here in Féchy, but we’re celebrating New Year’s Eve with a few friends in Courchevel.”
“Afewfriends?”
“Actually, it will be a rather large gathering.”
“I thought the ski resort was closed because of the pandemic.”
“It is. But I’ve purchased every snowmobile in Les Trois Vallées to get my guests to the top of the mountain. Several important figures from Moscow are flying in for the occasion.” He handed Isabel her phone. “I insist you join us.”
“I wouldn’t want to be an imposition.”
“You won’t be. In fact, one of my guests specifically asked me to invite you.”
“Really? Who?”
Arkady took Isabel by the arm. “My driver will take you back to Geneva.”
46
Geneva–Costa de Prata, Portugal
Isabel was awakened by her phone shortly after eight the following morning. She tapped theaccepticon and raised the device to her ear.
“Didn’t I read somewhere that you never get out of bed before noon?”
“Reporters,” said Anna Rolfe disdainfully.
“If I remember correctly, it was a direct quote.”
Anna laughed. “I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“You did, actually. I had a rather late night.”
“What was his name?”
“I’d rather not say.”
“I’ve had a few nights like that myself,” admitted Anna.
“I’ve read about those, too.”
Anna asked about Isabel’s plans for the holidays. Isabel gave her the same answer she had given Arkady the previous evening, that she intended to shelter in place in her apartment in the Old Town.
“I have a better idea,” said Anna. “Let’s take a trip. Just the two of us.”
“Where?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“How shall I pack?”
