The Lock Box, page 20
Although Zhilkin remained stone-faced, his Adam’s apple bobbed above his collar. “Mr. Glebov is engaged at the moment. Let me see if he will excuse himself.”
“Thank you.”
Zhilkin stood, adjusted his jacket, and departed as efficiently as he’d entered.
Once the door closed, Huang pocketed the box before standing and turning around. His smile let Locke exhale.
Jack whispered something to Huang in Mandarin—a wisecrack, from the way he snickered.
Huang silenced him with a stare. He tugged on his ear, then glanced around the room.
After two minutes that seemed more like ten, the door reopened. Zhilkin entered, followed by a shorter, heavier-set man clad in shorts and a resort shirt. From the way his bronze skin glistened and the faint scent of coconut that followed him into the room, it seemed he’d been retrieved from sunbathing by the pool. Much like his clothing, the shorter man’s movements were more relaxed than Zhilkin’s except for his shoulders, which he carried thrown back in rigid fashion.
Zhilkin withdrew the chair for his boss, then tucked it underneath him as he sat.
Huang took his own seat and bowed his head deeply. “Mr. Glebov, I thank you for welcoming us aboard.”
“Of course.” Glebov’s mouth remained downturned even when he smiled; his cheeks merely pulled his lips to either side, exposing some teeth.
“I was in Malta for business several years ago,” Huang said, “and saw the Helios docked. Among all the fine yachts, it shone like a diamond. I wondered if I would ever set foot aboard it. Now that I have, it is even more impressive.”
Glebov nodded once. “We have never opened Helios to the public. But what is going on in the world, this plague … very dangerous. Every week, each day, the news seemingly grows worse. That is the reason, two weeks ago, I decided we would wait no longer. I sent word to friends and contacts, announcing our plan to anchor off the United States. I meant for people to join us. Assuming they were healthy and could contribute to our little community, of course.”
“Your generosity is inspiring,” Huang said. “As consideration for this favor, I have an offering.”
Huang produced the wooden box again, only this time he opened the lid. From inside he withdrew a small figurine.
Glebov blinked several times. “I assume that is—”
“Oh, yes. Yes, it is.”
CHAPTER
25
UPON FINALLY SEEING the box’s contents, Locke felt acid creep up her throat.
The figurine was cast from pale-green stone, the same color as a jade pin her mother had worn on special occasions, and showed a rabbit resting on its haunches. With a surface more smoothed than polished, the statue didn’t shine as Huang spun it slowly in his hand.
To Locke’s untrained eye, the carving looked simple and unimpressive. Had her neighbor and friend Constance really died over a stupid lump of stone?
Glebov showed no such reservations. The way his eyes narrowed on the little statue, he looked positively smitten. “May I?”
Huang passed the figurine across the table.
“At last,” Glebov said, “the Rabbit raises its head. You know the story, I assume.”
Huang nodded. “Yuanmingyuan is legendary.”
“Zhilkin, have I explained the significance of these jade pieces?”
The security chief shook his head.
“It is quite ironic, actually, that we have just departed the United States. You studied their Revolution while at Georgetown, yes?”
“Of course,” Zhilkin said. “Seventeen seventy-six.”
“And yet this statue’s carving preceded George Washington.” Glebov lifted the figurine up to the light and gazed through it. “In 1707, the Qing Dynasty’s third emperor ordered the creation of a grand garden outside Beijing as a gift to his son. He called it Yuanmingyuan, the Garden of Perfection and Light.
“Over one hundred and fifty years, the garden was expanded into one of the great wonders of the world. In 1747, extensive fountains were added to the Yuanmingyuan. The most famous of these was a water clock called the Haiyantang. Twelve bronze animal heads, each representing a sign of the Chinese zodiac, were arranged around a large pool. Depending on the hour, water would spout from a different head.
“Then, in 1860, the British destroyed Yuanmingyuan. Four thousand troops required three days to burn it completely. But the soldiers also looted countless pieces of artwork, including the bronze fountainheads. Treasure hunters and archaeologists have sought them ever since. Seven heads have been recovered and now reside in Chinese museums. Five remain missing. The Chinese effort to locate them has been quite extensive.”
Zhilkin nodded at the Rabbit. “How does this piece relate to the fountain?”
“That,” Glebov said, “is the interesting part. The bronze pieces are legendary, as Mr. Huang indicated. The emperor commissioned them from an Italian artist who created many works for Chinese royalty. But few know he based them on a series of jade figurines that date back even further.”
“How far back?”
“The Han Dynasty,” Glebov said. “Approximately 200 BC to 200 AD.”
Zhilkin’s eyes widened. “So that statue—”
“Dates from the time of Jesus Christ, yes. Holding this statue is a look back through two millennia.” Glebov raised the figurine to his eyes, his hand flat like a platter. “Can you imagine? The artisan who carved this statue likely earned only a small wage for his trouble. Yet through it, he achieved what we all seek: immortality.”
After a long, silent moment admiring the Rabbit, Glebov trained his gaze back on Huang. “I must admit, Mr. Huang, given the way Chinese artifacts have been forcibly reclaimed over the past few years, I am surprised you are delivering this to me. If anything, I expected your government to come demanding the return of its brothers at some point.”
“If you are referring to the objects taken from certain English museums, those were robberies—”
“Not just England.” Glebov began counting on his fingers. “Drottningholm Palace in Sweden, six pieces stolen. The Château de Fontainebleau in Paris, fifteen pieces taken in seven minutes. The Oriental Museum at Durham University; the Fitzwilliam Museum at Cambridge; the Kode Museum, twice …”
Huang shook his head. “The Western media suspects my country is behind everything that happens in the world. None of those crimes were tied to the Chinese government.”
“Yet only Chinese artifacts were taken from large collections including countless other masterpieces. Curious, no?”
“Not everything Chinese implicates the Chinese government.” Huang grunted. “And I do not work for the government, as you are aware.”
Glebov gestured to the security chief, who was still standing to his right. “When you first arrived, Mr. Zhilkin worried you might be here to try to talk me out of the statues I have located. Or to take them from me straightaway.”
A jolt of electricity flashed across Locke’s skin.
They know.
Locke had never met a billionaire, but she figured they hadn’t accumulated all that money by letting people steal from them. For all of Glebov’s easy-breezy talk and relaxed clothing, he radiated power and control. And while Zhilkin looked like some kind of professor in his suit and glasses, she saw the same hardness in his eyes as she’d seen in Big Bo and other gangsters around LA.
A chill settled into her bones.
They were on a boat. In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
If Glebov wanted them to disappear, tossing them over the side would be about as easy as it got. She flashed back to the Malibu swimming pool, struggling for breath. And that hadn’t been teeming with sharks.
Huang interrupted her thoughts with an awkward, high-pitched laugh. “Me, a thief?”
Locke had to hand it to him: it sounded authentic.
“I am flattered,” he said, “but I am merely a businessman. Granted, far less successful than yourself. But what success I have enjoyed puts me in a position to be able to ask for your assistance at this difficult time. And to show my appreciation with this gift.”
Glebov squinted as he rubbed his chin. “Does it not trouble you to see pieces of your homeland’s history in others’ hands?”
“If artifacts cannot be in their ancestral home, there is still value in knowing they are well looked after.”
Glebov stared at Huang for a long moment.
Although Locke couldn’t see his eyes, she imagined Huang staring right back.
“Then …”
Locke’s heart climbed into her throat. A quick glance down the line showed the others leaning forward.
“… welcome!” Glebov raised open arms.
Locke exhaled, and thought she heard others do the same.
Glebov replaced the Rabbit in its wooden box before standing. “I hope you find our accommodations comfortable. I will leave you in Mr. Zhilkin’s capable hands.”
Huang rose to his feet. “Mr. Glebov—”
“Please, call me Stepan.”
“Stepan, at some point I would love to see the other members of your collection.”
Glebov smiled broadly, his cheeks straining. “A wonderful idea. Now that the statues are reunited, we should find time to display them together. I will have someone see to it.”
Although Locke had only the last ten minutes to judge by, she figured Glebov’s offer was utter bullshit. No way he was ever letting that Rabbit out of his sight. And even less chance he’d let Huang near the other figurines.
Locke also realized something else: if Glebov was allowing them to stay despite his suspicions, that meant his security detail had already fortified the boat enough that they considered it impregnable.
Glebov clapped his palms together and left the room. As he exited, a pair of armed guards stepped in to replace him. Worse, Locke could see more uniformed men stationed outside the door. An odd way to greet honored guests.
Zhilkin remained standing. “Welcome to Helios. A few words of explanation to assist you with your stay.
“Everyone aboard has tested negative for the novel virus, as have you via the rapid tests we administered upon your arrival. Thus, while we are equipped with a doctor and state-of-the-art medical equipment, there is no need for masks or other PPE.”
Locke tried not to let her mouth hang open. She didn’t know a single person who’d been tested. News reports talked about results taking weeks, not minutes.
“Based on expert projections, we may need to remain at sea for six months.”
“And you foresee no problems with that schedule?” Huang asked.
Zhilkin raised an eyebrow. “We can sail indefinitely thanks to our ability to resupply via helicopter. We have ample supplies of water, food, and other … necessities, but we will receive regular deliveries while observing proper contact protocols. Our chefs will provide three meals per day at standard times, but there is à la carte service between meals. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please alert our staff.”
Locke thought back to her grocery runs at home, her visits to the pharmacy for Constance’s prescriptions. Donning masks and gloves, sanitizing a cart, then wiping down her purchases when she returned home. Must be nice to have everything airlifted.
She also wondered what Zhilkin meant by “other necessities.” The tone in his voice didn’t suggest sunscreen or pool floaties.
Huang pointed at Jack. “I can offer additional hands for cooking.”
“Running our kitchen continuously is a challenge, so your offer is appreciated.” Zhilkin turned to the guards. “Please show Mr. Huang’s man to the kitchen. I am sure Chef Nikolai can find a place for him.”
Without a word, Jack followed the guards from the room.
Zhilkin now moved to a framed diagram of the ship on the wall behind him. He pointed with a bony finger. “Helios has six decks. Guests generally have run of the ship, but we have installed certain restrictions that we would ask you to observe. This uppermost deck houses the bridge, security, and certain functions like the helicopter pad that render it off-limits. Please do not visit this deck unless your presence is specifically requested.”
“I have brought my own security,” Huang said, jerking a thumb back at King. “I am also willing to share his services.”
Zhilkin gave a narrow smile. “Thank you. My team does not require outside assistance. I will need to collect any firearms, however.”
King withdrew a gun from inside his jacket and laid it on the table. Huang followed suit.
Zhilkin gestured at the next level down on the map. “Deck five is reserved for wives and children. It is completely self-contained, so a single man such as yourself should have no need to interact with them. Deck four contains the balance of our staterooms. One is being prepared for you as we speak.
“I expect deck three is where you will spend the bulk of your time. Meals are served in the indoor/outdoor dining space. Forward of the dining area is the theater, while in the stern you have likely already seen the pool and sun deck.
“Finally”—Zhilkin pointed to the rear of the ship—“our lowest deck holds our dive locker, spa, and gymnasium. A full range of equipment is available in each one, and professionals are available to assist you.”
Locke recalled her trip through the wooden model and tried to determine how it aligned with the layout Zhilkin had described.
Huang pointed at the chart. “You skipped deck two …”
“You will not need to visit the second deck,” Zhilkin said. “It merely houses the crew quarters and office space for Mr. Glebov’s business ventures. Like this level, deck two is restricted to authorized personnel only.”
Huang nodded.
“Elevators connect the decks fore and aft, as do interior and exterior stairs at midship. Which brings us to the women. I assume they are not your wives?”
Huang chuckled. “No. Like my security man and my chef, they provide … professional services.”
Locke blinked several times. Queen had said distraction, not prostitute.
Zhilkin’s face spread into an openmouthed grin that bared his teeth. “Several passengers have agreed to pool the services of such professionals to … diversify their choices. You may of course decide whether to join that group or keep your assets private.”
Huang splayed his hands out to this side. “As you have seen, I am grateful to be included among the distinguished guests aboard. I would, of course, be more than happy to share what is mine.”
Zhilkin looked at Locke in a way that turned her blood to ice.
And while his eyes shifted quickly to Queen, all the power and ferocity Locke had felt back at the warehouse evaporated. Everything she was wearing—the dress, the makeup, all of it—irritated her skin. She wanted to claw at it, to scratch it all away and replace it with her coveralls and boots.
“I did not mean to suggest earlier that my gratitude extended only to Mr. Glebov,” said Huang. “I appreciate your consideration as well, Mr. Zhilkin.”
Without warning, Queen stepped out of line and strutted around the table toward the opposite side.
“From the functions we have attended together,” Huang said, “it appears you prefer redheaded companionship?”
Zhilkin didn’t answer. His eyes were locked on the auburn-wigged Queen the whole time.
To Locke’s surprise, the Pink Punker was smirking back at Zhilkin. Encouraging the skinny prick. Once she stood before him, Queen had to look up to make eye contact despite the heels. She poked his chest with her index finger.
Zhilkin flashed a quick glance across the table. Huang waved back with an open palm.
Wrapping his bony fingers around Queen’s arm, Zhilkin squeezed into her flesh in a way that turned Locke’s stomach.
“If you’re trying to search me, Mr. Chief of Security, that’s not really the dangerous part.” Without breaking eye contact, Queen grabbed his hand and moved it to her breast.
Other than swallowing noticeably, Zhilkin froze.
“You can squeeze harder than that,” she cooed. “I’m not gonna break.”
Zhilkin’s fingers flexed. The knuckles grew whiter as he applied increasing pressure until Queen gasped.
“Don’t leave me lopsided.” She grabbed his other hand and slapped it onto her other breast.
Locke couldn’t believe what she was seeing. After what Queen had said she’d been through … how could she let him manhandle her like this?
Finally, Queen grabbed his wrists. Her eyes flicked open and stared up at him. “More later?”
Zhilkin nodded. Then he turned back to Huang. “We have separate accommodations on deck one for employees such as these.”
Huang hesitated. “I … I expected they would remain in my stateroom. With the wives upstairs—”
“You may certainly bring them to your stateroom whenever you like, but we prefer to have them separately quartered. Allowing the women to roam freely can lead to problems—jealousies and misunderstandings. Plus, our guests tend to desire female companionship for certain activities more than others. The ocean, the spa, that sort of thing. For that reason, we have located them on deck one, close to the gym, the dive locker, and so forth. We ask that you return them there when you are finished.”
“So …” Huang hesitated a moment. “I have no choice in this matter?”
“I am afraid not.” With that, Zhilkin stepped to the conference room door. He yanked it open and motioned for the additional guards.
“Take these two below,” he said, pointing at Queen and Locke. “You know where.”
CHAPTER
26
THE FOUR GUARDS were bulky guys, imposing enough that taking on any one of them would have been a challenge, even without the pistols on their waistbands. They paired up, bracketing the women front and back as they escorted them to the elevator.
When the door slid open with an electronic chime, it revealed a posh, wood-paneled interior with a brass rail and thick carpeting. But the car was tiny, barely five by five.
