section7mfu | The Twelve Days of UNCLE: Chapter 7

The next morning Justin and Napoleon met at his car for the trip to the Hotel Mercure Nice Marche’ Aux Fleurs on the Quai Des Etats Unis in Nice. Illya was no where to be seen nor was Denise. Jordan was anxious to go insisted they leave without them. Napoleon was concerned. Illya had risen early to go for a walk prior to their trip, the fact that he was not at the car nor even answering his communicator was troubling. However with a schedule to keep Napoleon was left with no alternative but to leave without him and hope for the best.

Justin and Napoleon arrived at the small white hotel and proceeded through the lobby to the stairs to room 3445. Knocking at the door Napoleon smiled as it was opened by a lovely auburn haired woman. “Good afternoon, Mr. Solo. Marcel asked me to meet with you as he was busy contacting other buyers, in case you found his price too steep.” They entered the elegant room, all decorated in white, gold and blue. Sitting at a table near the balcony they were able to see the blue of the ocean and the gold of the sand which perfectly mirrored the decor.

Napoleon indicated Justin who leaned forward. “If what I am paying for is indeed the Queen Marie Antoinette Pearl, the exorbitant sum is justified”

The woman reached inside her sweater pocket and took out a small velvet bag. Opening it she took out a large drop shaped pearl pendant, hanging from a diamond clasp. Justin drew in his breath with a hiss. “Where did you get this?” he demanded. The woman smiled. “It’s best not to ask, Marcel doesn’t like to answer questions. If you want the item just hand over the money.” Justin reached into his jacket and pulled out his pistol. “I’m not paying for something if it is stolen and you won’t be getting the money. I don’t want the authorities to become involved in my collection.”

Napoleon interrupted. “Let’s take it easy, I can’t have you doing this or my contacts won’t work with me! You want the other pieces don’t you?” It was obvious that Justin was beginning to feel the financial cost of his desires. Luckily his desires won out over his caution.

“Alright I must have it, but I’m getting tired of these games Mr. Solo. I’m tired of you and Mr. Kuryakin doling out one item a day.” He handed over the large brown envelope full of money to the woman, who looked inside counting the bills. “All here, pleasure doing business with you.” She handed the velvet bag with the pendant to Depardieu who grasped it and quickly tucked it in his jacket.

Napoleon and Justin left the room and walked down the stairs to the lobby. They passed a large man in a business suite on the stairs. Napoleon distracted by his worry over Illya didn’t notice that Justin gave the man a slight nod as they passed. The two men continued outside and climbed into Justin's car. Napoleon driving they headed back to the Depaardieu compound.

The large man quietly crept up to room 3445 and listened at the door. Glancing to make sure there was no one observing he quickly opened the door with a lock pick. Rushing inside he startled the auburn haired woman on the phone. “Code Red!” she cried as the man knocked her down, the phone falling with a crash to the floor. He bent down and grabbed her by the throat and tightened his grip. The woman fought back as hard as she could but soon darkness took her and she passed out. The man saw the envelope of money on the table which he pocketed. Taking the young woman he drug her to the balcony. Lifting her he dropped her over the edge. As he left the room he could hear screams from below.

On the hotel grounds below a blond haired man crouched by the body of the young woman. Staring up at what he knew was her room Mark Slate was in shock. “Bloody hell…..”