<<  -- 7 --  Elizabeth Dobbs    MUSIC

Anton pulled over to the curb. The elderly Russian gentleman, wearing a crisply tailored dark suit and burgundy tie, walked slowly, with the help of his cane, from under the opulent awning of his residence hotel. Theresa helped Nikolai into the front seat and climbed into the back, drawing in her long dress and arranging her mink coat. She knew Nikolai well after so many years; it was much easier to defer to his Old World ideas than to insist on riding in the front seat, or, God forbid, driving the car.

'So,' he said, 'tonight we hear the famous Stradivarius.' He turned his head slightly to indicate that he was now about to talk to Theresa. 'How is the boy? He is taking care of himself?'

'He's fine,' Theresa said. 'As far as I know he takes care of himself.'

'As far as you know,' Nikolai said.

'He's coming home with us tonight,' Anton said, quickly. 'He'll be staying a few days, then flying to Vienna.'

Nikolai nodded. 'How was your concert?'

'It went well. I played a Kapsberger piece. The audience seemed to enjoy it.'

'Who is this Kapsberger? I have never heard of him.'

Continue >>