Heads You Win

ALEX

Boston

Evelyn picked up the phone to hear a familiar voice, which she hadn’t spoken to for some time.

“I need to see you.”

“Why would I want to see you?” she asked.

“Because you know damn well I didn’t steal the Warhol,” said Ackroyd.

“Is this conversation being taped?”

“No, because I certainly wouldn’t want anyone else to hear what I’m about to tell you.”

“I’m listening.”

“I didn’t waste my time when I was in prison, and I’ve come up with a way for you to make half a billion dollars, and embarrass Karpenko at the same time.”

There was a brief pause before Evelyn said, “What would I have to do?”

“Just confirm that I’ll get ten percent of the deal if we pull it off.”

“I’m still listening.”

“I’m not saying another word, Evelyn, until I have your signature on the bottom line. I haven’t forgotten that the last time we made a deal, I ended up in jail.”

“In which case, Douglas, you’ll have to fly down to the south of France, and bring the contract with you.”

* * *

Alex arrived at Marliave ten minutes early, and was making some calculations on the back of his menu when Anna arrived.

“Happy anniversary, darling,” he said as he rose to kiss her.

“Thank you. And here’s your trick question,” said Anna, sitting down at their favorite corner table. “How many years have we been married, or was that what you were trying to work out on the back of your menu?” Fortunately Miss Robbins had reminded him just before he left.

“Thirteen, but it would have been fourteen if Lawrence hadn’t left me his fifty percent of the bank.”

“You live to fight another year. What’s this?” Anna asked coyly.

“Open it and you’ll find out.”

“I suspect it will be more of a surprise for you than me.”

Alex laughed. “I’ll pretend I’ve seen it before.”

Anna slowly removed the red ribbon, unwrapped the parcel, and lifted the lid to reveal a small, elegant light gray Chloé bag that was both practical and stylish.

“It’s so you, I thought, the moment I saw it,” said Alex.

“Which was just now,” said Anna, leaning across and kissing him again. “Perhaps you could remember to thank Pamela for me,” she added as the maître d’ appeared by their side.

“I know exactly what I want, François,” she said. “Salade niçoise and the Dover sole.”

“I’ll have the same,” said Alex. “I’ve made quite enough decisions for one day.”

“Dare I ask?”