Dirk’s mind was working overtime, playing catch-up. “What about the seller?”
Takagawa shook his head. “Not known to me.”
&nbs
p; Dirk didn’t like the picture that was forming. “I need a favor,” he said respectfully.
“I can give you no more.”
Pitt stared at him. “Many of your crew died in flames, Haruto.”
Takagawa closed his eyes as if in pain. His left hand went unconsciously to his right wrist and the scars. “Are you chasing them?” he asked.
“I’m about to start,” Dirk said.
“Then I will give you all I can find.”
Pitt stood and bowed his head slightly. “Thank you,” he said. “I promise it will go no further.”
Takagawa nodded but seemed unable to look directly at Dirk. Finally, Pitt turned to go.
“I was wondering,” Takagawa said, “do you still have such wonderful cars? I collect them now myself.”
Pitt stopped and turned back. “Yes, I still have them, and a few more.”
“What one did you drive here tonight?” Takagawa asked, smiling just a bit, no doubt remembering how he and Pitt had discussed cars as a way to stay calm during their escape from the inferno thirty years back.
Pitt shook his head. “I took a cab.”
Takagawa seemed disappointed. “A pity.”
“But the other day,” Pitt said, “I took my Duesenberg roadster out for a spin.”
Takagawa’s face brightened, as if the thought of Pitt at the controls of the luxurious automobile warmed his heart somehow.
“Friday,” Takagawa said.
Dirk nodded. “It was a nice day for a drive.”
30
KURT AUSTIN SLID THE DOOR of the microvan open and stepped out onto the street fronting Praia Formosa. The night was quiet; he could hear the waves breaking on the beach just beyond. He offered a hand to Katarina, helped her through the door, and paid the driver.
“Do you want to earn another fare?” he asked.
“Sure,” the driver said, his round face lighting up.
“Go around the block,” Kurt said, “and wait down the end with your lights off and watch for us.” In his hand Kurt held out a hundred-dollar bill. He ripped it in half and gave one piece to the driver.
“How long do you want me to wait?” the driver asked.
“Until we come back out here,” Kurt said.
The driver nodded, put the vehicle in drive, and began to move away.
“You sure we’re not putting him in danger?” Katarina asked.
Kurt was pretty certain they’d lost whatever tails had tracked them to the restaurant. “He’s in no danger,” Kurt said confidently. “Neither are we, unless the French team wants to fight about the core sample they’ve taken.” “Not the French way,” she said.