rely slept. Every time she closed her eye

ng hands. Today she would give Alexander Stone a private to

hone

sharp. "We need to talk. Meet

ne wen

rabbed her coffee, and headed for the subway. The morning

ictoria waited wi

Victori

a s

any billionaire," Victoria

do you

ere newspaper clippings, photos, and

orate espionage. Someone stole his designs and sold them

ander at a press conference.

his have to

t he requested you specifically..." Vi

e just l

hout a reason." Victoria leaned forward.

before. She walked to her favorite coff

med her nerves. She ordered her usual, black co

s seat

tone stood beside her table

art st

robably cost more than her monthly salary. B

I... how d

"I asked Victoria where you liked t

r. "Double shot espresso,

p. "How did you know

ne who takes life st

creepy. Instead, it

alking me,

d I prefer to think

rch fo

d her face. "I'm tryi

to figure out. I'

ft but intense. "You looked at that painting

uld go. I have to prepare fo

we could make it more in

nne

ou're afr

chin. "I'm not a

d. Eight o'clock.

o leave, t

home alone. Manhattan ca

ask what he mea

iced the envelope he'd left on the table. Her

ith an address and a phone number. A

ou need an

ully. Her hands were shaki

excit

ning. Alexander Stone was interested in her.

e gallery entrance, s

Rodr

a cheap suit stood behind her.

are

something into her hand

ay before sh

n her palm was a fo

t with tremb

om Stone or p

our only

looked around wildly, but the

zed. Text mes

o tonight. Wear so

phone, then at th

inutes, her fairy tale

er near Alexander Sto

Alex's message again,

ere. She wouldn't be scared aw

going to

it kil