To say something now about the open seat would hint paranoia and roll back the layers of confidence the Swiss banker had stacked in his favor, so he remained shielded. Little did he know that this 'unexpected variable' was about to make his fortress feel like a house of cards.
The curve of a familiar smile in sensual red formed seemingly from thin air.
"My Paloma!" The man with the cigar switched his attention.
For a moment, the man in disguise froze.
Paloma Lucas, Dominic Geiser learned her name as they were introduced. The woman was a Portuguese entrepreneur; she was agonizingly beautiful; she was Carmen Sandiego. Of course, that last fact wasn't as obvious to everyone, especially least noted by Chuate, who represented her as a second business partner.
Infinitely, that bothered Chase Devineaux.
Rio de Janeiro was primarily known for three things: carnival, football, and violence. Barbas Chuate had his hands in the seediest of the three branches, and any 'business partner' was certain to be mixed in with the wrong crowd.
"Mr. Geiser," she was professional in tone, barely hiding the titillating, self-congratulating smile so signature to her persona.
"Dominic."
A formal handshake. No further contact. She nodded.
So they sat before the stage, the Swiss banker, the suspected drug lord, and the international thief. And the show was only starting.