From The Grave

Chapter 28

Serge Vostad remained in his chair as Gretta and Arny were led out to the patio balcony by a suited, muscular aide who only grunted when spoken to. A warm breeze fluttered the long fringe on the umbrellas placed strategically about the patio and a faint snatch of music seeped from two wall mounted speakers that looked capable of fracturing concrete.

"I agreed to see you because I know of CONGA; I had dealings with a professor there."

"Professor Stilton." Gretta said.

"Yes, Stilton... I heard he died."

"He did." Gretta coughed and asked if she could sit. Serge waved a care less hand.

"So now you want to ask what exactly?"

"You had an arrangement with a Bryce Deadmarsh to purchase a stamp he was offering for sale."

"You know this how?"

"It's what I do, Mr. Vostad. And if you know CONGA, you know what else we do."

Serge took a painful amount of time to select, trim and light a foot long cigar. He puffed a cloud up under the umbrella and rolled it in his fingers, admiring the texture. Arny started to complain and Gretta shushed him.

"You want the stamp for the people of the island."

"It's theirs."

"It is also a very valuable commodity."

"All the more reason they should have it. It belongs where it can do the most good, Mr. Vostad, not hidden away in your private safe."

He nodded slowly, puffing again on his cigar. "Perhaps I agree."

"That's great, so uh... the stamp?"

"Alas, Miss Lawrence, I do not have it... yet." He took a phone from his pocket and pressed a key, holding to his ear. His expression went from curiosity to icy cold to a thunderous rage.

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"You think it was her?"

"They went to Gravestone's, I assume she was working for him too. We know she left Niue and returned to Toronto. Who else could it be?"

"You think she killed them?"

"Likely. Gravestone never did any of his own dirty work."

"Serge looked like he would explode."

"He lost two good men, he said. I was amazed he kept his word about forgetting the stamp."

"I wasn't. He expects you to exact revenge for him in exchange."

"He didn't say that, Arny."

"He didn't have to."

The rest of the ride went in silence until they arrived outside the Gravestone mansion and Gretta stepped out of the car and stared through the iron gates up the long drive. The car parked just up the road was a black sedan that looked like just the vehicle a Russian mobster would drive.

She was tempted to just push the button and announce herself but discretion kicked in and she went back to the car and drove around the area until she found a spot that allowed access to the rear of the Gravestone estate where she got out and walked around.

"What are you planning, Gretta?"

"I'm playing by ear. First I want to see what has happened in there and then decide on the next step."

"This is just like all your operations; you wind up walking into some kind of potential killing zone. You aren't even supposed to be here without reporting in to whatshisface... Trask."