Too many variables.
Except Nicholas already made his first mistake, and I count on him making a few more. Not that I underestimate my brother, but taking Vivianne lit a firestorm within me. That blaze burns bright, and I'm willing to sacrifice much to ensure her safety.
First, I secureDr. Gachetin a secondary vault in my chalet. Urakov isn't pleased with the plan, but the Russian has little say in the matter.
He could take it by force at any point, but I hold an unspoken threat over his head, and the FSB officer will do nothing that might threaten his government. Besides, somewhere along the way, Vivianne slipped between the cracks of the blocky man's hardened exterior. He's somehow smitten by her, and Urakov lives by a chivalrous code.
I intend to make use of that.
For now, we secure the chalet. Two of Urakov's men guard the vault in the cellar. The other two patrol outside to ensure no other entrances have been breached. Meanwhile, Urakov and I plot in the study.
"So, who is this man?" Urakov settles into one of the leather chairs.
We're discussing my brother, a difficult conversation without revealing too many secrets. Urakov intimates he knows I'm the Starling but is unaware of Nicholas's identity as the Crow.
Too much is at risk to let Urakov connect all the dots of my family tree. Any choice I make will have deadly effects on the two people I care most about. All because Nicholas blames me for sweet Catherine's death.
"You must have the supplies on hand to separate the painting from the anthrax." Urakov's voice pulls me from my thoughts.
"If you're asking if I can pull off the frame and separate the painting from the backing, then you're correct."
"Then why don't we do that?" He scratches his head.
"Because, if I know Nicholas—and I do—he has something in play that will reveal such tampering. The only way through this is to make the exchange. I get Vivianne to safety while your men take back the painting."
"A bold plan. And what of your father?"
I don't have an answer to that.
I turn to the cold hearth and stare at the ashes. Not long ago, Vivianne posed naked before this fire.
Now?
The thought of her cold and afraid, terrified of her future, twists something in my chest. It's time to call in reinforcements.
"How closely has your government been working with Interpol?"
"Minimally." Urakov arches a brow. "Why?"
"The extra men you have coming are still a day away?—"
"Hours, my friend."
"Okay, hours, but I can have Interpol here within the hour. My task is to locate and secureDr. Gachet. They won't want it turned back over to Nicholas's hands. Perhaps it's time for some deeper discussions between your government and that of France?"
"Few are aware of the terrorist attack. We've been handling this quietly."
"What about guards from your consulate in Lac Léman?"
"Tricky to pull them in. The FSB likes to take care of things quietly."
"And your other contacts?" I need Urakov to know I'm aware of his secrets. We both have damaging information on the other.
"Of course, those are the ones I called. I'm not eager to involve official channels, and as charming as your Vivianne is..." He trails off. His assistance will be limited.
"I understand."
"And I think calling Interpol is at odds with truths you must keep hidden. Their involvement would result in your identity as the Starling coming to light. I wonder how that would look?"
