"Of course," said Mallory. "Perhaps we can get back into the subject later, M'sieu' Larreau. There are some other ramifications I believe you're overlooking…"

"Later," the little czar replied bluntly. "Come, ma chere." He held to her hand and led her across the room toward the archway into the central hall, then addressed her in French: "There's something I want to discuss with you, my pet."

"Oh…?" said Madeleine, surprised. "What is it, Uncle?"

He retained her hand within his own and escorted her to his large, paneled study. There, he let free of her, closed the double doors, flicking the locking catch on the knob, then walked toward his private bar to make them a drink. As yet, he had not answered her and Madeleine watched his broad expensively covered back move away from her; she glanced behind her at the closed, locked door, then back at the squat, powerful man who now mixed casually behind the bar. Occasionally, his colorless little eyes raised from what he was doing and dwelled upon her face, then, openly raked the length of her curvaceous body with an almost lecherous gleam lighting them. He smiled, his gold teeth flashing in the indirect lumination of the room. She felt a little catch in her breathing and a certain clamminess moved along her spine as he continued to smile… almost leer while his eyes all but stripped her naked.

Whatever it was all about, Madeleine had no idea. She had never seen him like this, and he coldly frightened her.

"Are you happy with Antoine, dear?" he questioned in their native tongue, his vicious small eyes never ceasing their lewd undressing of her person.

"O-Of course… why do you ask, Uncle?"

"I'm concerned. After all, besides Annette, I have no one else… with the exception of you, now… and I regard you of the greatest importance, Madeleine." His near-twisted smile seemed affixed to his round face as he came from behind the bar carrying two drinks. His eyes held her own exotic dark ones levelly, almost hypnotically, as he moved toward her, one hand bearing the glass, extended. "I wouldn't want you unhappy, my pet."