0 Prologue

Prologue Mr White's eyes narrowed as the curtain began to fall. On the stage, Swan Lake's prima ballerina looked exhausted as she took in the enthusiastic applause of the audience. Playing the dual roles of Odette, the beautiful swan princess, and Odile, the scheming black swan, was a huge undertaking. It had, no doubt, required incredible amounts of concentration and focus. White knew how the dancer felt. He had been playing two different parts for parts a long

time; keeping them separate had been diffcult and, at times, draining. Oh well. At least he wouldn't have to do it for much longer. The endgame was in sight. White looked at his two companions and shook his head. Fools, he thought. They're totally oblivious to the real reason we've come to see this ridiculous performance. He smiled. Not long now, though, until it all becomes painfully clear. It's only a matter of time until SHE turns up, with her simpering littlefriends in tow. Then, at last, the final stages of my plan can play out, and these two imbeciles will have served their purpose. He reached up and adjusted his hat. The blonde lady turned to face him. 'Wasn't that FANTASTIC?' she said, her eyes still wide with excitement. 'I'm not going to lie to you, I absolutely loved it,' replied the Welsh woman, the enthusiasm in her voice taking White by surprise. 'But we'd best get back to the hotel sharpish. We have an early start in the morning. I've booked us a private view of da Vinci's The Last Supper at that little church around the corner, but we need to be there before the crowds turn up. It's cost you a lot more than thirty pieces of silver, Mr Stone, so we should make sure you get your money's worth. He grunted and nodded his approval. Right then, let's go, lovelies,' continued Nerys. 'I've got a feeling that tomorrow is going to be a busy day.