Page 186 of Pervade London
James turned it off. “Once they realize he’s missing they’ll track it.” He handed it back.
What? No.
My fingers tightened around the phone as I realized what he wanted.
He watched me carefully. “Hide it in your violin case. Carry it off the yacht. Kitty will take it from there.”
“She’ll meet me?”
He gave a nod. “Make sure the phone leaves your side within sixty seconds of stepping foot off the ramp. Understand?”
My wide-eyed stare conveyed I was having a “what the hell” moment.
He gave me a look of sympathy. “They won’t suspect a student. The phone can’t be on me. Everyone goes through security when we disembark.”
“Won’t I?”
“No.” He smiled. “You’re the entertainment.”
“Where are you going?”
“I can’t be seen with you.” He went to touch my face, but then drew his hand back.
“I’m sorry for it all,” I whispered.
“I’ll meet you on the other side,” he said, and then slipped away.
Hurrying into the cabin, I made my way over to my violin case, drawing in a deep breath as I unclipped the lid and flung it open. With a sigh, I ran my fingers over the soft velvet where the Stradivarius should have rested. It was only then I noticed my hand was trembling.
The reality of this evening was starting to sink it. But I didn’t have time to dwell on it. I was still in danger.
I still had to get off this yacht.
Sixty seconds.
It seemed like a reasonable amount of time right up until I had to stroll down the walkway to disembark, shuffling beside the other meandering students who were getting in my way—trying to appear like I didn’t have a dead member of the KGB’s phone in my case.
Glancing back, I saw James being patted down. Cars were parked along the pavement ready to collect passengers. Desperately, I searched for Kitty.
I had to get rid of this device.
“Emily,” Penn-Rhodes called to me.
I spun round to see him behind me.
“Patrick Woo wants to talk with you,” he said. “He was impressed with your performance.”
I continued to walk backwards. “Can I meet him later?”
He looked baffled.
Forty seconds.
“Did you enjoy the event tonight?” His frown deepened.
“Very much so. But my lift home is here.” I turned and hurried toward the pavement.
Penn-Rhodes came after me and quickly caught up. “Emily, this is your career we’re talking about. Five minutes of your time could change your life.”
