CHAPTER 24
Archie
The trap was set.Nowwe just had to wait for Viktor to walk into it.
My study had been transformed into a war room of sorts.Roberto stood near the window, arms crossed, watching the drive.Captain Steiner had positioned herself by the door with the particular stillness of someone ready to move very quickly if necessary.Betty sat in the chair beside my desk, looking calmer than I'd expected.
"He just passed the front gate," Roberto said without turning around."Three minutes."
"And we're sure he took the bait?"I asked.
Captain Steiner nodded."We intercepted a call last night to an unregistered number in Cyprus.He told them the 'democracy transition' could proceed as planned.That Princess Bettina was finished and Prince Archibald had agreed to discuss a marriage alliance with the Belarusian family."
Betty's expression flickered at that, but she said nothing.We'd fed Viktor that information yesterday, let him think she was defeated and fleeing back to Oregon, that I'd already moved on to considering Anastasia.He'd swallowed it whole.
"He's going to wonder why I'm still here," Betty said.
"Let him wonder."I reached over and squeezed her hand."By the time he figures it out, it won't matter."
Roberto straightened."He's at the door."
We arranged ourselves quickly.Betty and Captain Steiner moved into the anteroom, leaving the door cracked. They would time their entrances for maximum impact.When Viktor walked in, however, it would look like I was alone, waiting to finalize my surrender.
The knock came precisely on time.Viktor had always been punctual.
"Come in."
He entered with the satisfied expression of a man who believed he'd already won.His suit was immaculate, his silver hair perfectly styled, his bearing radiating the confidence of fifteen years as the Grand Duchess's most trusted advisor.
"Your Highness."He offered a slight bow."Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.I know this must be a difficult time."
"Please, sit."I gestured to the chair across from my desk.
Viktor settled into it, crossing one leg over the other with the ease of someone who had occupied that chair many times before."I wanted to discuss the transition arrangements before Princess Bettina departs.There are certain protocols we should establish regarding the Anastasia discussions, and I thought it best to coordinate directly rather than through intermediaries."
"Of course.Though I'm curious why you're so eager to help with those arrangements."
"I serve both royal families, Your Highness.It's my duty to ensure a smooth transition, regardless of personal feelings about the outcome."
"Personal feelings."I let the words hang in the air."Tell me, Viktor, what are your personal feelings about the outcome?"
"I think the original alliance was perhaps rushed.Princess Bettina is a charming young woman, but she was never adequately prepared for royal life.Princess Anastasia, on the other hand, has been trained from birth for exactly this role."
"And her family's connections to Moscow don't concern you?"
"Every alliance involves compromise, Your Highness.The question is whether the benefits outweigh the risks."
"Speaking of benefits."I slid the first document across the desk."Can you explain these payments from a Cyprus holding company?Fifty thousand euros, deposited two days before my wife's luggage was destroyed.Another thirty thousand the week before her speech was sabotaged."
Viktor glanced at the document, and for just a moment, his composure cracked.He recovered quickly."Consulting fees.I advise on multiple projects for various clients.There's nothing improper about legitimate compensation for legitimate work."
"The timing is remarkable, though."Betty opened the door from the anteroom wider, and walked into the room.
Viktor's head snapped around.
