“I can’t say too much at the moment, because it could turn out to be either a complete waste of time or the biggest deal that’s ever crossed my desk.”
“When will you know which?”
“By this ti
me next week, would be my bet. By which time I should be back from Leningrad.”
“But haven’t you always said you’d never go back to Russia in any circumstances, and Leningrad in particular?”
“It’s a calculated risk,” said Alex. “However, I think it’s safe to assume that after all these years, Polyakov will have retired.”
“Your mother once told me that KGB officers never retire, so what does she think?”
“She won’t relax until she’s attended his funeral. But when I promised to see her brother, Kolya, find out how the rest of the family are, and visit my father’s grave, she reluctantly came around.”
“I don’t want you to go,” said Anna quietly. “Let Jake Coleman take your place. He’s just as good a dealmaker as you are.”
“Maybe, but the Russians always expect to deal with the chairman. By the way, there’s a spare seat on the plane if you’d like to come.”
“No, thank you. Not least because I’ve got an opening on Wednesday.”
“Anyone I know?” asked Alex, pleased to change the subject.
“Robert Indiana.”
“Oh yes, I like his work. I’ll be sorry to miss the opening.”
“The show will still be on when you get back. If you get back.”
“It’s not that bad, my darling. So am I allowed to know what my anniversary gift is?” asked Alex, hoping to lighten the mood. “Because I don’t see a package.”
“It was too big to bring with me,” said Anna. “It’s a six-foot-square bronze by Indiana called LOVE.” She drew an image on the back of the menu.
L O
V E
“How much is that going to cost me?”
“With the usual discount, around sixty thousand. And if you were to gift it to Konstantin, he can avoid estate tax.”
“So let me try and understand this, one I love,” said Alex. “My anniversary present is going to cost me sixty thousand dollars, but it’s Konstantin who will actually own it?”
“Yes, my darling. I think you’ve grasped the idea. But the good news is, there’s now an outside chance you’ll go to heaven.” Anna paused. “Not that you’ll enjoy it.”
“Why not?” demanded Alex.
“Because you won’t know anyone,” she said as the waiter returned with their first course.
“So what do I get?”
“To look at it for the rest of your life.”
“Thanks,” said Alex. “And can I ask where the beneficiary is?”
“He’s staying overnight with his grandmother.”
“Does that mean my mother has taken a night off?” Alex asked in mock disbelief.