The Yacht Party (Lara Stone)

Lara couldn’t picture Eduardo strutting around one of the smartest members’ clubs in London. She imagined that sitting at home reading leather-bound books or watching heavyweight documentaries was more his speed. Jago squeezed himself in next to Lara, both arms spread along the booth behind. He clicked his fingers at a waitress, mouthing the word ‘Krug’ and pointing to Eduardo’s table.

‘So you’re the famous Lara Stone, hmm?’ he said, greedily looking her up and down.

‘Famous?’ said Lara, refusing to react.

‘I don’t think anyone can have missed all that Felix Tait nonsense. I know your cousin Charlie too.’

‘Of course.’

The champagne arrived and Stefan made a toast. ‘To money.’

It was meant to be ironic, even mocking perhaps, but Bain grinned. ‘Very apt,’ he said, knocking back the fizz like it was Evian and reaching for the bottle.

‘So what can I do for you folks?’ he said, filling his own glass.

‘I hear you were a friend of Jonathon Meyer’s.’

Bain shook his head.

‘Ah Jonathon, that was awful. We had our differences, but still sad. Very sad.?

?

‘What happened with you and him?’ asked Lara, as casually as she could.

‘What do you mean?’ said Jago, sniffing his champagne glass before taking a sip.

‘I heard you were thrown off his boat last month.’

Jago pointed a finger at her, then looked at Eduardo and Stefan.

‘She’s good, this one. Keep hold of her.’

He shrugged and tipped back his champagne. ‘I got a bit too boisterous. Went a little too heavy on the bubbles.’

‘So who was on the boat? Who was Jonathon trying to impress?’ asked Eduardo. Lara saw Jago flinch and flashed Stefan a look. To her relief, Stefan understood immediately: Lara needed to get Jago on his own. Stefan pretended to look at his phone, then tapped Eduardo on the knee. ‘Apologies, Jago,’ he said, getting up. ‘Eduardo and I have to go and make a quick work call.’

‘We do?’ said Eduardo.

‘Can we leave you with Lara for five?’

‘Take all the time you need,’ he said wolfishly. ‘Lara’s in safe hands.’

I’m not entirely sure about that, thought Lara, sliding a little further down the booth.

‘We’re better off without Eduardo anyway,’ said Jago, lowering his voice. ‘Bit of a stiff, that one, nothing like his brother Felipe.’

Lara was intrigued and would have loved to quiz him for more insights into the Euro elite, but she knew she needed to stick to the plan.

‘Why are you here, Jago?’ she asked.

He shrugged. ‘When an Ortega rings, you take the call. If I do him a favour, I can call one in later down the line. It’s how the world works, sweetheart.’

‘Okay, so do me the favour and tell me about Meyer,’ said Lara. ‘Why was he so popular? Surely there are lots of generous hosts in this part of the world.’

‘Correct. Anyone can throw a party but people went to the Pandora because of what Jonathon could do for them,’ said Jago with a touch of contempt.

‘Do?’ said Lara, topping up his glass. ‘What did he do?’