Read Online Winter Palace by T. Davis Bunn - Free Book Online

not,” he replied.
    She nodded slowly. “Yes it was. You were just too smart to suggest it yourself.”
    â€œWhoever is responsible,” Alexander said, “I thank you both. Your offer has done much to restore me. And I do hope that you still intend to hold your reception in my flat.”
    â€œIf you really think—”
    â€œNothing could bring me greater pleasure, except to be there myself,” Alexander pronounced gravely. “Know that I shall most certainly be there in spirit. As shall Gregor.”
    â€œWell,” she said, turning brisk, “my last calm moment before the wedding was shattered by yet another call from our Mr. Markov. Whenever he phones, he seems to grow distressed by degrees. He starts off all cool and polished, ordering me in the most civilized manner to get you on the phone. When I insist that’s not possible, he goes bright red.”
    â€œYou’ve seen him?” Jeffrey asked.
    â€œI don’t need to.” She smiled at him. “I’m just glad he waited to call until you had left to collect Gregor. I’d hate you to have a shouting match with somebody six days before our wedding.”
    â€œPerhaps I should give him a call,” Alexander said thoughtfully.
    â€œFrom the sounds of things,” Katya said, “whatever he has on his mind is quite urgent.”
    â€œYou do not speak French, do you, my dear?”
    She shook her head. “It is a language I have always wanted to learn.”
    â€œWell, perhaps the future shall afford you an opportunity. Be so good as to dial for me, would you?”
    â€œOf course.” Katya placed the call, then handed him the phone. A woman’s voice answered with, “La Residence Markov.”
    â€œ Oui. Monsieur Markov, s’il vous plait .”
    â€œ Et vous etes Monsieur . . . ? ”
    â€œKantor. Alexander Kantor.”
    A long moment’s pause, then, “ Ici Markov .”
    Alexander switched to English. “Mr. Markov, this is Alexander Kantor returning your call.”
    â€œAh, yes, Mr. Kantor. Thank you so much for responding so quickly. I understand you have had a bout of ill health. Not anything serious, I hope.”
    Alexander took in the bleak surroundings in a single sweeping glance, made do with a simple, “Thank you for asking.”
    â€œI do apologize for disturbing you.”
    â€œNot at all,” Alexander replied. “I understood that youwere under some time pressure, and I did not wish to delay you further.”
    â€œBut of course I would expect nothing less than a prompt response from a professional such as yourself.”
    â€œYou are too kind.” For the first time since his attack, Alexander felt a surge of his old acquisitive spirit. The familiar feeling lifted him enormously. “And how are you enjoying your life at Villa Caravelle?”
    â€œOh, it is a most splendid place. As you know, I fell in love with it the moment I saw it.”
    â€œAnd you don’t miss—” Alexander searched his memory for the name of Markov’s former residence, one of the largest palaces along the Corniche, and was delighted when he came up with “Beau Rivage? That was certainly a magnificent residence.”
    â€œAh, yes. Beau Rivage. No, I must say I have had quite a number of other things on my mind these past two years. Which brings me to the reason for my call. I have a business proposition for you, Mr. Kantor.”
    â€œWell, I don’t know, Mr. Markov. Under the circumstances—”
    â€œMr. Kantor, I need a man of your discretion, honesty, and expertise. This matter positively will not wait and, I assure you, is of the utmost importance.” He leaned heavily on the words.
    â€œIt is just that I am in no position to be traveling—”
    â€œOh, I do love the way you play at being shrewd,” Markov replied. “Let me assure you, Mr. Kantor. You would find a visit to Monte