addiction as his drug habit. Though it could be that he just wants to stick it to his father and all those other people who don’t recognize how superior he is.”
Joe’s gaze narrowed on his face. “But you don’t believe that.”
“No, but I’m giving you both sides of the coin. Though it could be a little of both. He was exposed to fine art and antiquities from childhood, so the appreciation has to be bred into him. But he’s shown himself to be vengeful and selfish all of his adult life. I’m certain that adds to the pleasure enormously. Hence, the addiction.”
Sharp. Very sharp, Joe thought. Gideon was impressive. “Two addictions. Drugs and his art collection. Which can we use?”
“That’s up to you,” Gideon said solemnly. “Novak said that I’m to let you lead the way. I gave you possible weapons, so now I’ll meekly let you take charge.”
“Meekly?” Joe’s brows rose. “Is that supposed to be amusing? You’re like a chameleon adapting to your surroundings to get what you want. That’s a dangerous talent.”
“Only if you don’t want the same thing.” He handed his phone to Joe. “Check out the photos of Dobran and Sebak. You’ll want to know them on sight.”
“That goes without saying.” Joe glanced at the two photos. Dobran was in his early forties, hollow-cheeked, thick, dark eyebrows. Sebak, older, receding hairline, a little plump. “What else do you have?”
“Shots of his estate, Asarti, outside Cairo. It’s a château he bought from a French businessman five years ago and had renovated. You’ll notice the placement of his exterior sentries are clearly indicated.” He gave Joe a glance. “Just in case you don’t want to rely on Hassan Sebak to get us in to see Dobran. I dangled the money, and he snapped at it, but he’s a little too comfortable with Dobran. He tends to be nervous. He’s still tempted, but it’s possible he could change his mind before the deal is struck. He might decide that trapping us is a safer option for him.”
Joe flipped through the photos. “No interior shots?”
“No, but you’ll find a copy of the original renovation plans filed by his architect when he bought the château. That should do it.”
Joe examined the plans. “Yes, that should do it.”
“So do we ignore Sebak and go for his boss?”
Joe thought about it. “Not immediately. There are things Sebak can tell us that might help us. And you’ve already proved that he can be tapped.” He held up his hand as Gideon opened his lips to protest. “You haven’t set the deal in place, so he won’t have a decision to make that will impact us. Where are Sebak’s quarters? Is he in the house?”
Gideon nodded. “Dobran assigned him quarters near the gallery. I told you that was his main duty to Dobran. Care and security for his treasures.”
“Yes, you did.” His gaze was raking the house plans. “And yet there’s something missing…”
“What?”
Joe didn’t answer, his gaze still on the plans. “You can get us to the house, but after that, we’re on our own?”
“I can do better than that. I hijacked the Internet info of the company who installed his security system and got one of Novak’s experts to figure out the codes to both the exterior and interior. I can disable the alarms, video cameras, and the motion sensors to everything but the gallery. That’s on a separate circuit and code. The security there is foolproof against fire, theft, earthquake, and acts of God or Satan. Dobran doesn’t want anyone touching his treasures.”
“But we can get to Sebak’s quarters?”
“If we can get past the guard stationed near the French doors in the library.” Gideon’s eyes were narrowed with interest on Joe’s face. “Look, we can have Herb Nassem, the operator Novak set up as backup, drop us off and pick us up at the château. And I can manage to get us into the place. But all this would be difficult. If you still want Sebak, why not let me set up a meeting with him in the city instead?”
“I don’t want to waste the time,” Joe said curtly. “I want it all. I want Sebak. I want Dobran. I want answers. And I want it all to go down tonight.” His lips tightened. “And since you’ve done such good prep work, we might be able to pull it off.”
Gideon blinked. “If we don’t get killed. You were right, I don’t understand the word impatience as you define it.” Then he smiled