The Dark Lady

paused. “The house itself shouldn't present too much of a problem; I've probably seen every safeguard he's got. But crossing the grounds will be difficult, since I'll be out in the open. It'll take me a few days to figure out a safe approach, and I'll have to plot an escape route, but it can be done.” He looked at me sharply. “But one question remains.”
    “What is that, Friend Valentine?”
    “If I pull it off, will you report me to the police?”
    “I would prefer that you did not make the attempt.”
    “I know what you prefer, Leonardo. Please answer my question.”
    “I truly do not know,” I said.
    Suddenly he smiled. “Cheer up,” he said. “If his security system's as good as you think, you may not have to make the decision.” He patted my shoulder. “I'll be in touch.”
    He turned and walked out before I could think of a reply, leaving me to contemplate the question he had asked. I was still lost in thought when Tai Chong entered.
    “Welcome back, Leonardo,” she said.
    “And to you, Great Lady,” I replied, getting to my feet. “I trust you are well?”
    “As well as can be expected,” she answered. “The cuisine and decor at the Kennicott jail leave a little something to be desired.” She paused. “Did I make the news on Far London?”
    “Hector Rayburn tells me that you did,” I said. “I returned only three days ago.”
    She smiled triumphantly. “I knew I would! Did they run my hologram?”
    “I do not know.”
    She shrugged. “No matter. At least we focused the public's attention on the plight of Kennicott's aliens.”
    “Have any reforms been made, Great Lady?” I inquired.
    She seemed surprised by the question. “I really don't know, Leonardo,” she said. “But I'm sure it's just a matter of time.” She smiled again. “But enough about me. Did Reuben Venzia find you?”
    “Yes, he did.”
    “And he gave you the package from your Pattern Mother?”
    “Yes.”
    “Good. I wouldn't have told him where you were, but I thought the package might be important.”
    “It was, Great Lady. I thank you for your concern.” I paused. “I should like to explain what actually happened on Charlemagne.”
    “It's not necessary. Your message was quite complete, and the problem has been dealt with to everyone's satisfaction.”
    “Not to Valentine Heath's, I am afraid.”
    “Is he on Far London?”
    “Yes, Great Lady. His assets are still frozen.”
    “That's too bad,” she said.
    “I fear that he is contemplating an illegal act to replenish his funds.”
    “Oh?” she said, arching an eyebrow. “Do you know what particular illegal act he has in mind?”
    “Robbery,” I said.
    “Money?”
    “Artwork, Great Lady.”
    She frowned. “On Far London?”
    “Yes, Great Lady.”
    “Stupid,” she muttered.
    “I agree,” I said. “Can you convince him not to do it?”
    “Perhaps,” she said. “Do you know where he is?”
    “No, Great Lady— but I saw him this morning, and he promised to contact me again in the near future.”
    “When he does, tell him that I want to talk to him.”
    “You will dissuade him?”
    “I'll do my best,” she said reassuringly.
    “Thank you, Great Lady,” I said. “I have become very fond of him. I would not like to see him incarcerated.”
    “Neither would I,” she said earnestly. She looked directly at me. “Has he actually seen Abercrombie's collection yet?”
    “How did you know he planned to rob Malcolm Abercrombie?” I asked, startled.
    She smiled. “I know Valentine's tastes.”
    “In artwork?”
    “In everything but artwork— and Mr. Abercrombie's collection is the only one on the planet valuable enough for him to indulge those tastes.” She walked to her office door, then turned to me. “You will tell him to get in touch with me first?”
    “First?” I repeated, puzzled.
    “Before he does anything he might regret.”
    “Yes, Great Lady,” I promised her.
    “Good. I hate to be rude, but I've got a lot of work to catch up
    on... ”
    “I understand,” I said. “I am glad that you are back, Great Lady.”
    “Thank you very much, Leonardo,” she said, and entered her office.
    I spent the remainder of the day in another fruitless search for paintings or holograms of the Dark Lady. On my way home I stopped at my usual restaurant and found Venzia waiting for me.
    “Any luck yet?” were his opening words.
    “No,” I responded. “And you, Friend Reuben?”
    He shook his head. “I must have gone