Hokus Pokus by Fern Michaels Page B

For the second time in less than an hour his clenched fist shot in the air.
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    It was a relaxed luncheon as Isabelle brought out the salmon soufflé, an early garden salad and fresh yeast rolls with soft, golden butter. A pitcher of ice tea sat in the middle of the table. Yoko poured the amber liquid into frosted glasses that Alexis handed her on a silver tray.
    They chatted like the old and good friends they were as they served themselves and sipped the freshly brewed tea.
    Sensing food, a bevy of small birds settled themselves on the railing that surrounded the terrace, their anticipation obvious, their eyes bright. A brilliant golden-yellow butterfly flirted with the colorful blooms that lined the entire terrace. Within seconds a swarm settled down in the various clay pots. Murphy and Grady watched, their gaze keen, but they didn’t bark or attempt to chase the winged visitors away.
    The moment the golden sun was overhead, Charles got up to press the button that would roll out the retractable awning. The birds watched but didn’t move. Charles thought it remarkable that such small creatures trusted him.
    Thirty minutes later it seemed to Charles that he heard a collective sigh of relief when Annie entered the house to wheel out a serving cart with a silver coffee urn.
    In unison the women started to talk. “What? Tell us. Details, Charles.”
    Charles allowed himself a small smile. “For starters, Justice Barnes has disappeared. Her partner, Grant Conlon, contacted the FBI. We know this because Jack’s friend, who is privy to details at the Hoover Building, informed him of this less than an hour ago. My personal opinion is that Justice Barnes panicked and Nellie helped her escape. But, it’s just my feeling. Intuition, if you will.
    â€œNow, having said that, let’s get down to the details of your trip to the States. The padre will have someone take you to the airport in Barcelona. There you will board a private jet that belongs to the G-String Girls. It’s winging its way to Barcelona as we speak. The real G-String Girls are in, uh . . . concert, for lack of a better word, in Germany. Another concert has been scheduled five days from now in Washington, DC. It’s a benefit, with all proceeds going to AIDS Relief. It’s a sold-out performance. I’m told that the moment the news went out that the G-String Girls were willing to go Stateside the tickets sold out in three hours. You are the advance team, so to speak. Your trip, your arrival, your stint at the hotel have been choreographed down to the smallest detail. To add to your mysterious arrival there will be a cordon of security with you at all times, headed up by one Jack Emery and Harry Wong.” When Yoko squealed her pleasure and Nikki nearly swooned Charles allowed himself a big grin. “Neither Jack nor Harry know you are impersonating the real G-String Girls. If you can fool them, you can fool everyone.
    â€œYou will be giving no newspaper interviews unless it’s by phone. Television is definitely out. You are going to be in seclusion until the night of the concert when the real stars will perform and you will all be on your way to Big Pine Mountain in North Carolina. At best you will have ninety-six hours to accomplish your mission. I’m holding an extra day in case something goes wrong and we have to fall back and regroup. Any questions?”
    â€œTell us the downside,” Kathryn said.
    â€œYou might get caught! Jack thinks Ted Robinson has Maggie’s encrypted phone and Maggie says Ted is on her tail. By the way, she will be covering your arrival for the Post. ”
    â€œWhat about Ted? Where is he going to be? Do you know?” Nikki asked.
    â€œCovering the Russian delegation’s arrival. A job it seems no one wants,” Charles said. “Think about it. It’s the perfect cover for all of you. All of the agencies in Washington will be concentrating on the Russians.