Casanova by Mark Arundel Read Free Book Online Page A

right, Hoagy?’
    ‘Oh, yes, sir,’ replied Hoagy from around a mouthful of cake.
    I stood up and grasped the handle of the bag Hoagy had supposedly packed for me.
    ‘Just one thing more,’ Meriwether said. ‘When you do catch up with Casanova be sure to tell him we’d like our money back.’

 
     
    6
     
    SUNDAY, 15:30—24:00
     
    Outside the club, the air was thick with snowflakes. I took a cab from St. James’s to the airport. It gave me some time to think. The money Meriwether spoke about was the hole found in the books at Casanova’s bank. I wondered exactly how much it was and where it had gone. Meriwether seemed certain that Casanova knew the answer. When I found him, I’d have to ask him. It seemed likely there were others who thought Casanova was to blame for the missing money, too, if the sanctioned termination was any guide. I hadn’t told Meriwether about that yet and I hadn’t been in contact with Bradshaw. I wouldn’t be at home to receive the equipment he was sending me in the post. Anyway, the first thing to do was find Casanova. Once I’d done that, I could worry about the money and the ST. My thoughts moved to Charlotte and I wondered how much of this she knew and how much I was actually going to tell her. I checked my new wristwatch. The cab was approaching the terminal building. It was time to go skiing in Switzerland; not a bad way to spend Christmas, I decided. I had the feeling though, it was going to be more work than play.
    I checked-in my bags and went through security into the departure lounge. I walked slowly and scanned the other passengers. Charlotte and her grandfather were sitting at a table sharing a pot of tea. I kept my distance but even so, she looked up and saw me. After saying something to her grandfather, she stood and headed in my direction. She was wearing a long faux fur coat that made her look like a wealthy Russian. I moved over against the wall and waited for her to reach me.
    ‘Did you know I was on this flight?’
    I nodded my reply.
    ‘Where are you staying?’
    I told her the name of the hotel.
    ‘That’s close to me,’ she said.
    ‘...and a friend of yours,’ I told her.
    ‘Oh, what’s the latest?’ she asked.
    Before I could answer, the loud speaker called our flight.
    ‘I’ll talk to you on the plane,’ I said and walked away.
    We took-off in a snow blizzard and were probably lucky to get away as the runway was quickly disappearing under a rapidly deepening white layer that showed no sign of letting up. I sat by the window and looked out as we climbed through the dense cloud. The jet engines seemed to be roaring with annoyance at the extra effort needed due to the heavy snow. We broke through the cloud and the roar settled and became a contented hum.
    Charlotte abruptly appeared next to me and sat down. She’d removed her coat and was wearing a tight woollen top that showed off her breasts.
    ‘What’s the latest then?’
    ‘Does your grandfather ski?’
    Charlotte smiled and said, ‘Yes, a little.’
    ‘That’s good for eighty-one.’
    ‘He doesn’t go up for long; just a couple of easy runs in the mornings and then back down for a long lunch and a nap.’
    ‘What’s your skiing like?’
    ‘You’ll soon find out,’ she said. ‘Now tell me the latest.’
    ‘You probably know everything already.’
    ‘Well tell me anyway. I like listening to your voice.’
    A pretty stewardess appeared beside us and asked if we would like anything.
    ‘Nothing for me, thank-you,’ Charlotte said.
    I ordered tea and biscuits. We sat silently while the stewardess served me. Once she had moved away Charlotte said, ‘Did you have to order something?’
    ‘I’m thirsty and the biscuits will help keep my strength up.’
    She ignored me and said, ‘So tell me the latest.’
    I sipped at my hot tea and ate a biscuit.
    ‘You’re not going to tell me, are you?’
    ‘Yes, I am, give me a chance.’
    There was silence while I sipped more tea. Charlotte