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“WILL SYLVESTER BE JOINING us?” Sue Lee asked Yvette when she sat down across from her and Jane.
“Oui, he is the radio room, but I'm sure he will be here soon. He would never miss out on Mario’s formulations.” Yvette said smiling at Mario, busily working on the other side of the ship's highly polished teak bar. “I need something stronger than wine after what we learned at the Abbey and after reading his book.” Yvette said holding up a copy of Sophie. “If you wish to read it, I'm finished.”
“No, we both did back in London. How did you come by it,” Jane asked?
Yvette shrugged and nodded towards Mario.
No more explanation was needed, both Sue Lee and Jane knew Mario’s reputation for finding whatever pleased you, including perfectly mixed drinks being passed to everyone.
“What's your thoughts after meeting the Abbess and reading Lance’s book Yvette?” Sue Lee said before sipping a lemon martini in a delicately carved glass with the ship's name, La Vie.
“I'm still uncertain about his reasons for concealment, but without seeing him in that condition. It's hard to judge his physical pain and mental anguish, but it must have been horrible! Nevertheless, the book itself is an excellent poetic love story. Les affairs de l'amour I would say!”
Sue Lee smiled knowing how much Clara was loved by Lance. Her thoughts were interrupted.
“I say our trip to Nice will have to be delayed, ladies. I just received a message from Sir Jonathan. We are all needed in Milan.” Sylvester said, walking onto the aft deck.
“Did my uncle come up with a new assignment for us,” Jane asked?
“No, it seems Alex uncovered a stash of artworks hastily left by Hitler's thugs during the Allied advance. Sir Jonathan has made the arrangements for a plane to fly the articles back to England and suggested Sue Lee and Jane can catch a ride. They need me to evaluate the jewelry. How extraordinary, we found Clara’s lost husband, and now we're off on another treasure hunt. I think this calls for one of Mario’s newest concoctions.” He said, pouring from the pitcher of martinis. “I will call it, La Dolce Vita!” Sylvester said, holding up his glass.
“To the Sweet Life," Sue Lee, Jane, and Yvette chorused together!