The Mirror

Chapter 3: An Unexpected Valentine

The next several hours were spent revising the video with Mozzie making changes to the script on the fly as they worked. Several minor characters were voiced by Aidan, who manipulated his voice electronically to suit the role.

"Your technique has interesting possibilities," Mozzie said, with a speculative expression Neal knew well. "We should talk later."

"Happy to," Aidan said. "I'd also like to discuss the anti-malware I'm developing. We may be able to negotiate an exchange of consulting services, beneficial to both." They agreed to meet on Tuesday evening with Travis over dinner at the Flying Saucer Pizza Company. Afterward, Travis and Mozzie would attend the SETI meeting.

It was close to five o'clock by the time they called it quits. Neal and Mozzie headed to the closest tunnel entrance on the northern boundary of the main Columbia campus. Neal took advantage of the walk to tell him about the postcard he'd received.

"A tantalizing puzzle," Mozzie agreed. "No hidden messages?"

Neal shook his head. "I looked for invisible ink and didn't find anything. Would you mind checking it out?" He passed him the card and envelope which he'd placed in protective sleeves.

Mozzie studied them before secreting them in his jacket. "What's the significance of the hotel?"

"The Carlton Cannes has been the location of several spectacular jewelry heists. The thought occurred to me that Gordon Taylor might have sent it."

Mozzie considered his suggestion and shook his head. "Not his style. If Gordon wanted to recruit you for a job, he'd approach me about it. But you did a couple of jobs in Cannes, didn't you?"

Neal nodded. "Both with Klaus and with Keller."

"That time with Keller ... Was that when you wound up on the balcony overlooking the Boulevard de la Croisette wearing nothing but a gold tray to cover your—?"

"That's the one," Neal broke in with a chuckle, "but I don't imagine it was the princess who sent me this."

Mozzie stopped to give him a knowing look. "You realize that with Klaus dead, it could only be Keller."

"Yeah. I was hoping for some other meaning, but that's only wishful thinking."

"With no postmark on the envelope, he's making it look like he's in town, but he could have easily called a local to deliver it. He could simply be trying to rattle you." No need to reply. Mozzie was echoing Neal's own opinion.

They walked on in silence for a few minutes before Mozzie asked, "What are you going to do about it?"

"Wait for the next message. Nothing much else I can do."

"When was the last time you saw him?"

"In 2003 during the heyday with Adler."

"Oh, yeah. That was when Keller and Kate—"

"—Exactly." Neal didn't feel like reliving that time. Not now, not ever.

"So, you're all set for tonight?"

"What?"

"Neal, tonight. When is Fiona coming over?"

"At seven. I'm making Chantal's recipe for coquilles Saint Jacques."

"Enjoy your evening. Keller's just messing with your head. You know how he likes to play mind games. Maybe he's bored. He misses your chess games."

Neal attempted to lighten the mood himself. "You're right. It's probably nothing. Next thing I know, he'll be sending me a chess move."