Edge of Danger (24 page)

‘Back to London.’

Billy started the car and drove away. ‘Is that it, then?’

‘I don’t think so.’

On Friday night of that week, they met in the Dorchester Piano Bar, Harry and Billy, Ferguson and Dillon. Harry still wore a sling, Ferguson appeared normal, no sign of his broken arm. Dillon stepped behind the piano, lit a cigarette and started to play, working his way through a few standards. He was aware of her appearance but made no sign, continuing to play.

She leaned on the piano. ‘I like that, Dillon. “A Foggy Day in London Town.”’

‘From Damsel in Distress - Fred Astaire.’

‘I’ve seen the movie. Joan Fontaine was terrible, but you’re good - good at everything.’

Seated at the end table, Ferguson and the Salters could hear the entire exchange. Dillon shook out another Marlboro and lit it with his old Zippo.

‘What do you want, Kate?’

‘Not just you, Dillon, you and your friends.’

She turned to the others and stood there in her usual black jumpsuit, only this one looked as if it had cost three thousand pounds at the Armani shop. Her black hair was superbly cut, hanging to her shoulders, and for once, she was ablaze with jewellery. She looked incredible, not just amazingly beautiful, but strong, powerful.

‘The Queen of Sheba,’ Dillon said quietly.

‘Really?’ she smiled.

‘Oh, yes, and it’s not just the Arab influence. There are Dauncey wives with marble faces from long ago in that church who have the same look.’

‘You couldn’t have paid me a greater compliment.’

Dillon slid from behind the piano and joined the group.

‘Lady Loch Dhu,’ Ferguson said formally, and they all stood.

‘Sit, gentlemen.’ They eased down. ‘I thought

you’d like advance notice of today’s news. American and Russian oil interests have agreed on terms for exploration in Hazar and the disputed Empty Quarter with Rashid Investments. There’s been strong movement on the stock exchange for a family-owned firm, and me as Executive Chairman.’ She smiled. ‘Huge movements in New York and the City of London. We’ve jumped to seven billion. My accountants tell me it makes me the richest woman in the world.’

Ferguson managed a smile. ‘Excellent, my dear.’ ‘I was sure you’d think that, General.’ There was silence. Dillon said, ‘Get it done, Kate.’

She turned and actually smiled. ‘Sorry, Dillon. I just wanted to say that I intend to destroy all of you. It’s the Arab half of me, you see. I had three brothers, now I’m on my own.’

‘And how do you intend to do it?’ he asked gently.

‘It doesn’t really matter. I believe in the old saying that revenge is a dish best enjoyed cold. I can wait.’ She smiled again. ‘But it does leave you gentlemen on the dangerous edge of things. When you start the car, will it blow up? The footfall in the darkness, is it an assassin?’

‘Do what you like, darling,’ Harry Salter told her. ‘People have been trying to knock me off for the last forty years.’

Ferguson said, ‘My thanks for the advance warning. Very civilized.’

She smiled at Dillon. ‘Don’t forget me, Sean, and remember the Dauncey family motto: I always return.’

She walked away, supremely beautiful, the epitome of elegance.

Dillon watched her go and said softly, ‘Oh, I won’t forget you, girl.’