Page 204 (1/2)

Abel then spent sixthe streets by day, and attending the opera at night, hoping it ht revive happy memories of Florentyna

He eventually left Paris and returned to A exile

As he descended the metal steps of an Air France 707 at Kennedy International Airport, his back hunched and his bald head covered with a black hat, nobody recognised hie, looking quite a bit older On the ride to the New York Baron, George, as always, brought hiroup news The profits, it see executives thrust forward in every major country in the world Seventy - two hotels run by twenty - two thousand staff Abel didn’t see He only wanted news of Florentyna

’She’s well,’ said George, ’and co to New York early next year’

’Why?’ said Abel, suddenly excited

’She’s opening one of her shops on Fifth Avenue!

Tifth Avenue?’

’The eleventh Florentyna,’ said George, ’Have you seen her?’

Tes,’ he admitted

’Is she well, is she happy?" ’Both of them are very well and happy, and so successful Abel, you should be very proud of thehter’s beautiful The ie’

’Will she see me?’ said Abel

’Will you see her husband?’

’No, George I can never meet that boy, not while his father is still alive’

’What if you die first?’