Page 11 of The Picasso Heist
“I’m pretty sure I’m thinking of the same one,” says Nikolov.
“Which is why it’s impossible.”
“Nothing’s impossible.”
“This isn’t like asking someone for a favor. We’re talking about fraud,” I say. “Why would any Echelon member take the risk?”
“Normally they wouldn’t.”
“So why are you smiling like that?”
“You’re right, this isn’t like asking someone for a favor,” he says. “But what if I was the one who was owed the favor?”
“You have someone in mind, don’t you?”
“I do. There’s a member of Echelon who owes me.”
“Are you talking a dollar amount?” I ask. “Someone who owes you money?”
“Not exactly. Let’s just say he’s in my debt.”
“You really think he would do it?”
“I do. But he’ll need some convincing. We’ll need to work him a little bit.”
“The auction’s in three weeks. We don’t have a lot of time.”
“Then we better not waste any,” he says. “What size dress do you wear?”
“What size?”
“Yes. You need a dress.”
“What makes you think I don’t own a dress?”
“I’m sure you do. You just don’t own the kind you’re going to need Saturday night.”
“What’s happening Saturday night?” I ask.
“You’re going to a party.”
“Because the guy who owes you a favor—”
“Will be there, yes,” says Nikolov.
“How do you know?”
“Because it’s his fucking party.”
“So you’re invited?”
“No, actually, I’m not. So we’re both not. But with the right dress, you won’t need an invitation. Do you know what I mean?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” I say. “I do.”
“And do you already own a dress like that?”
“No. Not exactly.”
