21
Chilikov opened a bottle of Merlot. Wine was not something she knew or had much experience with. Tequila, vodka, or beer was another matter. The fridge was on the empty side. They found some cheese and crackers in one of the cupboards.
“Your friend wasn’t expecting you, was he?” Alice asked while she watched Chilikov hunt for food in the empty cupboards.
“We have an understanding. I may use this house when I am in the city, but this is the first time I have been here. I prefer the Sheraton Hotel,” Chilikov said, pausing his search. “The hotel is closer to my business interests.”
“We could get pizza?”
His face told her that pizza was not an option.
“Ah!” he said holding up a packet of spaghetti and a tin of sliced and diced tomatoes. “I believe there were some olives in the refrige
