Chapter 12ALTHOUGH HIS MEAL was superb, he ate in small bites. Declercq listened for an indication of what his companions were thinking. He wanted most to remain inconspicuous. But, when discussion turned to the Middle East, all eyes focused on him.
“So Florian, tell us what happened to your ship,” said Jeff Hammersley, his words slurred.
“Yes, Mr. Declercq, please do,” said Isaac Martin, who had introduced himself unnecessarily. Renowned as a risk-taking investment banker and a financial superstar, Martin had made far more than he had lost investing in new technologies.
Declercq sipped his wine, taking just enough time to form a reply. “We aren't yet sure if sabotage, a mine in the channel, or something unnoticed in the hold caused the explosion.” A man he had not spoken with asked, “H
