Chapter Eight
A Fresh Start
The limousine rumbled along the icy road in the good hands of Dr. Khachaturian. I searched my memory for details about Dr. Zhivago. “Lara didn’t kill Strelnikov.”
“No, but she was so lovely he couldn’t resist her, and the sub-zero temperatures killed him.”
“Irresistible, just like you.”
“I’m impatient. I wouldn’t wait for the elements to finish off my Strelnikov.”
“Do you plan to kill him?”
“If necessary. When he comes to see me at the Ice Palace—and he will—his visit will not be a social call.”
“Jack Smith said you killed a man.”
“How would he know?”
“Did you?”
“No, I didn’t kill a man.” The Countess kissed me boldly and fervently. “Enough talking.”
I pulled free. “What about Richard? Weren’t you callous with him?”
“He was supposed to greet you and
