The English Girl: A Novel

the recording was remarkably clear except for the background hum of the cocktail reception and a dull pile-driver thumping that the team later identified as the sound of Mikhail’s heart. Gabriel’s own heart beat a matching rhythm as he listened to the recording five times from beginning to end. Now, as he clicked the PLAY icon and listened to the recording for a sixth time, he seemed to have no pulse at all.
    “I know who you are. In fact, I know everything there is to know about you.”
    “Really? Why is that?”
    “Because we’ve been watching some of the moves you’ve been making with Viktor’s portfolio, and we’re very impressed.”
    “Who’s we?”
    “Volgatek, of course. Who did you think I was talking about?”
    “The business environment in Russia is rather different than it is in the West. Pronouns can be tricky things.”
    “You’re very diplomatic.”
    “I have to be. I work for Viktor Orlov.”
    “Sometimes it looks as though Viktor is working for you.”
    “Looks can be deceiving, Mr. Lazarev.”
    “So the rumors on the street aren’t true?”
    “What rumors are those?”
    “That you’ve taken control of Viktor’s day-to-day operations? That Viktor is nothing more than a name and a flashy necktie?”
    “Viktor is still the master strategist. I’m just the one who pushes the buttons and pulls the levers.”
    “You’re very loyal, Nicholas.”
    “As the day is long.”
    “I like that in a man. I’m loyal, too.”
    “Just not to Viktor.”
    “You and Viktor have obviously talked about me.”
    “Only once.”
    “I can’t imagine he had anything decent to say about me.”
    “He said you were very smart.”
    “Did he mean it as a compliment?”
    “No.”
    “Viktor and I had our differences—I won’t deny that. But that’s all in the past. I’ve always respected his opinion, especially when it comes to people. He was always a good talent spotter. That’s why I wanted to meet you. I have an idea I’d like to discuss.”
    “I’ll tell Viktor you’d like to have a word.”
    “This isn’t a Viktor Orlov idea. It’s a Nicholas Avedon idea.”
    “I’m an employee of Viktor Orlov Investments, Mr. Lazarev. There is no Nicholas Avedon, at least not where Viktor’s money is concerned.”
    “This has nothing to do with Viktor’s money. It’s about your future. I’d like a few minutes of your time before you leave Copenhagen.”
    “I’m afraid my calendar is a nightmare.”
    “Take my card, Nicholas. My private cell number is on the back. I promise to make it well worth your while. Don’t disappoint me. I don’t like to be disappointed.”
    Gabriel clicked the STOP icon and looked at Eli Lavon.
    “Sounds to me as if you’ve got him,” Lavon said
    “Maybe,” replied Gabriel. “Or maybe Gennady’s got us.”
    “It can’t hurt to meet with him.”
    “It might hurt,” Gabriel said. “In fact, it might hurt a lot.”
    Gabriel slid the toggle bar of the audio player back to the beginning of the conversation and clicked PLAY again.
    “I know who you are. In fact, I know everything there is to know about you.”
    He pressed STOP .
    “Figure of speech,” said Lavon. “Nothing more.”
    “You’re sure about that, Eli? You’re one hundred percent sure?”
    “I am sure the sun will rise tomorrow morning and that it will set tomorrow night. And I am reasonably confident Mikhail will survive a drink with Gennady Lazarev.”
    “Unless Gennady serves him a glass of polonium punch.”
    Gabriel reached for the computer mouse, but Lavon stilled his hand. “We came to Copenhagen to make the meeting,” Lavon said. “Now make the meeting.”
    Gabriel picked up his phone and dialed Mikhail’s mobile. The bleating of his ringtone came back at him from the speakers of the computer, as did the sound of Mikhail’s voice when he answered.
    “Do it tomorrow night,” said Gabriel. “Control the venue to the best of your ability. No surprises.”
    Gabriel hung up without another word and listened while Mikhail dialed Gennady Lazarev’s number. Lazarev answered immediately.
    “I’m so glad you called.”
    “What can I do for you, Mr. Lazarev?”
    “You can have dinner with me tomorrow night.”
    “I have something with Viktor.”
    “Make up an excuse.”
    “Where?”
    “I’ll find some place out of the way.”
    “Not too out of the way, Mr. Lazarev. I can’t be out of pocket for more than an hour or so.”
    “How’s seven?”
    “Seven is