Ekaterina’s Story (cont.)
Marc Novak flashed her a broad smile. ‘Miss Romanova! What took you so long? Come on in! Join us for cocktails!’
Ekaterina blinked again, as if trying to dismiss what she was seeing and reboot visual reality with something – anything – that made sense. Because she should have been evaluating the inside of Europe’s most impregnable vault. Instead, through the metal doorway, she was looking at the American Bar, the world famous cocktail lounge of London’s Savoy Hotel.
She whispered, ‘This can’t be happening . . .’
‘I know what you’re thinking,’ Novak told her. ‘But don’t worry! The American Bar operates a no-reservations policy. So, come on! Slide your slingbacks over the threshold and name your poison.’
Ekaterina stepped into the cocktail bar.
‘What’s up, hen? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!’ Stacey Smith, dressed in a daring silk, Roberto Cavalli animalier-print dress, was taking a seat at one of the tables.
‘Actually, sugar,’ Reggie added, ‘you look like you’ve seen six.’ She wore a fifties-style polka dot swing dress.
‘Yes, come on in, comrade!’ Colonel Bulatov looked resplendent in his full military uniform.
Sophie Grace was wearing a green-tinged rabbit-print poplin midi dress. D&G. ‘But do close the door, dear heart. There’s a dreadful draught.’
Molly Stone, casually attired in jeans, black T-shirt and a Fred Perry jacket, called over her shoulder, ‘What would you recommend for Miss Romanova, Frank?’ She smiled. ‘He introduced me to the joys of gin and he’s my former husband, so I trust his taste in drinks and women implicitly!’
‘I can recommend a Hanky Panky Highball. Or the Pocket Rocket.’ Frank Harvey was crossing the art deco-themed room that seemed to perfectly show off his black Brioni three-piece suit. He paused. Rested his thumb in his waistcoat pocket. ‘Actually, I can recommend anything on the menu. God knows, I intend to give all of them a whirl!’
Novak said, ‘Actually, they do a rather wonderful vodka-champagne cocktail here. It’s called the New Beginning. Yes, Ekaterina. I really think you could do with a New Beginning.’