The Musicians

Chapter 6: On the Edge

Anya was one of the first to arrive at the workshop in Oakfield Manor. The Royal Herpetological Society was her favorite charity. She'd attended its events for years under her alias of Joanna Abbot. She was friends with many of the attendees, none of whom knew her real name.

The city of Chester with its ancient walls and black-and-white timbered structures was a charming location. She was glad she'd suggested it to the organizers. Where else would you find a modern zoo built around a Victorian manor house? The blend of old and new appealed to her, just like mixing firearms sales with old masterpieces.

She'd decided to attend the workshop before they advanced the timetable on Caffrey, and she saw no reason to switch her plans. Rolf could easily manage without her. Marta was accompanying her on the trip. She was scheduled to meet a Russian arms dealer in Liverpool while Anya was in Chester.

This was a timeout for Anya to relax. As she surveyed the room filled with cages of snakes, she was eager to indulge in private pleasures. The zoo veterinarian conducted a fascinating discussion on the dietary requirements of pythons. She'd need to speak with her chef when she returned home.

An hour into the workshop, a late arrival joined their group. Anya kept any hint of surprise from showing on her face when Henry Winslow strolled into the room. She'd just made friends with a lovely banana python. Would she soon acquire a new species? What did Henry resemble? An African rock python, perhaps. Anya felt her lips curl upward as she pictured placing him in a cage next to his cousin.

How had he tracked her? How much did he know about her? Huber and Kramer probably squealed to authorities after their capture the previous month, but the damage they could inflict was minimal. Neither one was aware of the fortress in Hungary. They'd been left in the dark about Bianka and they only knew Anya by her code name. Had Henry been searching the world for Python? He had the wealth to do so. The thought was intoxicating.

Rolf had expressed an interest in Neal's cousin. Although she was skeptical of the plan, she'd read his profile. Peter and Henry were vipers and not to be trusted. But once they were reprogrammed into being her pet pythons, they could be useful.

She stroked the python's sinuous coils as she reviewed her options. Henry had buttonholed the workshop instructor, a veterinarian from the Chester Zoo. He hadn't attempted to approach her, allowing her to take the lead.

Klaus had argued against Rolf's attempts to include Henry. He viewed Henry as a threat to the close relationship he wanted to reestablish with Neal. Anya often wondered if there were anything sexual in Klaus's attachment, but he denied it vociferously. Psychologists would have a field day with his deep-rooted desire to have Neal as his younger brother. It verged on dependent personality disorder and was a vulnerability she'd continue to exploit.

Penfold could brainwash Henry into attempting to kill his cousin. That would allow Klaus to play the hero. Klaus's gratitude would be an additional hook to control him.

Anya returned the python to the cage and pulled out her cell phone. Marta was only a few hours away. By the end of the workshop, she could be in position. After texting her the details, Anya approached Henry.

"I don't believe we've met," she said. "My name's Joanna Abbot."

* * * * *

Henry was gaining new respect for Neal by the second. It wasn't that girls had never hit on him, but Joanna's level of seduction was on a different plane. And now it was rapidly spiraling out of control.

He'd checked in with Neal and Peter's art crimes contact in London before heading to Chester. John Hobhouse offered to alert the local police, and Henry had agreed but he refused to allow anyone to accompany him. Instead, he agreed to check in at regular intervals. It wasn't necessary but might keep Peter from stewing so much.