“When did you tell Sophie and Ella of your plans?”
“A week or so before our departure.”
“Why not Phoebe?”
“Because she’s the most honest person I’ve ever known. I was certain she would fold under police interrogation.”
“So you intentionally picked a fight with her and drove her away.”
“Poor Pheebs was voted off the island,” replied Alice with a sigh. “After that everything went according to plan—until Edward asked you to find me, of course. And to think it was all because of that fundraiser.”
“You have something against Botticelli?”
“Not at all. They make wonderful shoes.” She gave him a sidelong glance. “I’m joking, Mr. Allon. I went to Cambridge, after all. And I adore Botticelli’s paintings.”
“Do you have a favorite?”
“I go weak in the knees while standing beforePrimavera.”
“Perhaps there’s hope for you, after all.”
“Is there?” She paused outside a hair salon and gazed at the woman reflected in the glass as though she were a stranger. “What are you going to do with her, Mr. Allon? Hand her over to the Swiss authorities? Forget you ever met her?”
“Actually,” replied Gabriel, “I was thinking about committing a major felony myself.”
“What sort?”
“Aiding and abetting a fugitive.”
“That would make you an accessory after the fact.”
“Not for the first time.”
“You’ve committed crimes before?”
“It’s possible I’ve planned one or two in the bar of the Connaught.”
Her smile was reflected in the glass. “Where are you planning to take her?”
“Back to Britain.”
“And then?”
“I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise.”
“She’s not terribly fond of them, if you must know. Edward learned that lesson the hard way on the occasion of her thirty-fifth birthday.” She ran a hand through her short, dark hair. “I don’t suppose I can get a wash and a blow-dry before we leave. I wouldn’t want to arrive at Heathrow looking like something the cat dragged in.”
“You look fine. Besides, your return to Britain will be entirely secret.”
“No police?” she asked.
“Not exactly.”
“What does that mean?”
Gabriel took her by the arm. “Do you remember the detective who was at the hospital the night of your accident? Nice-looking chap. Speaks with a Cornish accent...”
35
