Page 130 of The New Girl

“Last weekend. It was almost as good as this martini. I must say, his maisonette is divine, even without furniture.”

“Did he tell you where he got the money to buy it?”

“He mentioned something about a certain Don Orsati from the island of Corsica. He has a home there, too, you know.”

“And a Monet.” Gabriel fixed Sarah with a reproachful stare. “He’s too old for you.”

“He’s the youngest man I’ve been on a date with in a long time. Besides, have you ever seen him without his clothes on?”

“Haveyou?”

Sarah looked away.

“Is there nothing I can do to talk you out of this?”

“Why would you try?”

“Because it’s probably unwise for you to get involved with a man who used to kill people for a living.”

“If you can overlook Christopher’s past, why can’t I?”

“Because I’ve never considered moving to London to live with him.” Gabriel exhaled slowly. “What do you intend to do for work?”

“This might come as a shock to you, darling, but money isn’t exactly an issue. My father left me quite well off. That said, I would like something to do.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“A gallery, perhaps.”

Gabriel smiled. “There’s a nice one in Mason’s Yard in St. James’s. It specializes in Italian Old Masters. The owner’s been talking about retiring for a couple of years. He’s looking for someone to take over the business.”

“How are his finances?” asked Sarah with justified concern.

“Thanks to his association with a certain Russian businessman, they’re quite good.”

“Christopher told me all about the operation.”

“Did he?” asked Gabriel, annoyed. “And did he tell you about Olivia Watson, too?”

Sarah nodded. “And about Morocco. I’m only sorry I wasn’t invited.”

“Olivia’s gallery is in Bury Street,” warned Gabriel. “It’s possible you might bump into her.”

“And Christopher will bump into Mikhail the next time we...” Sarah left the thought unfinished.

“It could get a bit incestuous.”

“It could, but we’ll manage somehow.” Sarah smiled with a sudden sadness. “We always do, don’t we, Gabriel?”

Just then, his BlackBerry vibrated. The distinctive pulse told him it was an urgent message from King Saul Boulevard.

“Anything serious?” asked Sarah.

“The Allegiance Council just appointed Khalid the new crown prince.”

“That was fast.” Suddenly, Sarah’s iPhone was vibrating, too. She smiled as she read the message.

“If that’s Keller, tell him I want a word.”