Shadow Zone by Iris Johansen, Roy Johansen Page B

Eugenia. Please.”
    Eugenia looked away. “You’re putting me in an awkward position. I owe Kirov my life, and my loyalties have to be with him. And if I were to guess what he wants, it’s that you stay as far away from him right now as you possibly can.”
    It was the answer she expected, but she couldn’t accept it. “Eugenia, I’m involved in this whether he wants me to be or not. My communications have been monitored, I’ve had government agents boarding my boat, a priceless artifact has been hijacked . . . I don’t understand any of it, but I believe Kirov does. Don’t you think I deserve an explanation?”
    Eugenia did not reply.
    She threw in the one argument to which she knew Eugenia would respond. “And Kirov may need help. Our help. And I need to know whatever you can tell me about Gadaire. I take it he’s someone we should be worried about?”
    Eugenia nodded. “Oh, yes, he most definitely is.”
    “Then don’t do this for me. Do it for Kirov. And if we find him, and he tells me to go to hell, I’ll go home.”
    Eugenia’s brows arched skeptically. “Just like that.”
    “Well, maybe after I get some answers.” Hannah put her hand on Eugenia’s. “Will you do it, Eugenia?”
    Eugenia let out a long breath. “Kirov will be furious with us, you know that?”
    Hope soared within her. “I don’t doubt it. Are you saying you’ll help me?”
    “Yes.” A brilliant smile lit her face. “I’ve been bored. I need a challenge. Let’s find that stubborn, secretive son of a bitch.”
    Paris, France
Rue de Rivoli
    Ah, Anna . . .
    Beautiful as ever, Gadaire thought as he caught sight of Anna Devareau standing waiting for him on the sidewalk near the Café Marly. She was wearing a short black skirt that showed off her long, tanned legs. In the thirty seconds it took him to reach her, he counted at least a half dozen passersby—both male and female—who felt compelled to turn and catch another glimpse of this woman with long dark hair, full lips, and sparkling green eyes. He felt the familiar surge of lust. He was never more turned on than when he saw others admiring his Anna.
    He stopped at the curb, and she climbed into the passenger seat of his Mercedes.
    She smiled. “You’re late. No driver today?”
    He kissed her and continued driving. “No. I had a few sensitive phone calls to make on the way, and I didn’t need anyone listening. How did your meeting go?”
    “Good. Dr. Hollis has agreed to do everything we need him to do. It didn’t take much prodding after I offered him the money. He’s a fanatic about anything relating to Marinth, and you’re right, he feels very competitive toward Melis Nemid. He’s excited to know that he can look at that trellis before she has a chance at it.”
    “But you made it clear he can’t discuss it with anyone?”
    “Of course. And I made sure no other employees were present at his office at the Louvre.” She tilted her head. “But once he’s examined the trellis, you don’t really think he’ll keep his mouth shut, do you?”
    Gadaire shot her a sideways glance.
    She smiled. “Ah, it’s going to be one of those jobs? You didn’t tell me. Am I going to get a bonus?”
    “Why should I bother? You like it. Who was it who insisted on going into that Customs warehouse in Tenerife? You should pay me.” He turned left at the corner. “Once we’re finished with him, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get him to take you someplace out of the way.”
    She laughed. “Someplace secret, someplace remote, someplace he won’t be telling anyone about . . . He is a married man, after all.”
    “You don’t anticipate a problem with him?”
    “I rarely have problems in that area.”
    “I know.”
    “It wouldn’t have taken much encouragement for him to jump me right there in his office in the Louvre. When he’s given you what you need, let me know. I’ll take him into the countryside and dispose of him.” She leaned forward, brushed her