21 A Viper’s NestMichael White sat facing Brian De Palma in his secluded cottage deep in the New Forest. Ricard was due at any moment and the two men had decided to enjoy the last of the peaceful ambience before she arrived.
‘Another Guinness, Brian?’ White asked.
‘Something stronger I think – it’ll dull the pain when the ice woman gets here. I suppose she’s pissed that I didn’t come straight into the office today.’
‘No, she was fine, believe it or not. I explained that having you around the office was probably not a good idea and it made sense to keep you away from prying eyes. Anyway, she was tied up with Tim Hanson all day. Whisky do you?’ White asked, wandering over to the drinks cabinet.
‘Malt whisky, I hope, Mickey.’
‘How did you deal with cleansing the scene in Venezuela - I he
