“Not yet.”
“Hope you choke on the celery stick, then.”
“Aw, I wondered how long it would take for the small talk to end. Two minutes. A record for you, my friend. Now, I’m on the secure line, and the reason I’m calling is that Val asked me to check on you. How is the situation with Margaret?”
“Not good.” I tell him about my meeting from last night.
“You have a security breach,” he says. “Did you tell Niksha?”
I roll my eyes. “No, I kept the knowledge to myself.”
“Alessio, please don’t be difficult. I left you with a mess, and I want to make it right. I just can’t be there with you. I can be herefor youwhile I work out my family life.”
I sigh. “The prime minister’s network is wider and stronger than initially assessed. I believe this is because he’s handing over his daughter to an arms dealer who owns the underground in these matters. I’ve never dealt in weapons, whereas they have.”
A pause as Miro reflects. “You fear defeat?”
“If I play by their rules on their turf as I have been, I think they’ll end up in control of the weapon.”
“A disaster to be sure. What are you going to do about it?”
“Since you’re not available, not much.”
“I need another month, maybe two.”
“Miro, I’m not on my own timetable. I’m dealing with world leaders and their generals, who do not like each other, so the discussions are intense. I need to get rid of this damn warhead and never think of it again.”
“You think you’re in a losing position?”
“I’m playing defense, and they’re changing the game at the last minute. Leo’s with me, and they’re dragging my family into this.”
“How so?”
“Last night, the PM brought a plus one, so I matched him and brought my governess.”
“What governess?”
I clear my throat. “Leo’s governess.”
A pause. “Leo has a governess?”
“Val hired one before she took off. Planned it all so I’m stuck with this woman.”
“Okay, but you implied she’s family.”
“I misspoke.”
“You don’t misspeak.”
I fix my cuff link. “You’re right. I’m dating her.” When Miro doesn’t answer, I check the phone line. “Hello?”
“You don’t date,” he says.
“I didn’t. Now I do. And I like her.” I watch Lake share a dessert with Leo.
I hear shuffling on the line. “What’s her name?” Miro asks.
“Lake Wilder.” I hear fingers over the keyboard. “Val vetted her.”
