It was on the flight back from Johannesburg to London as he was browsing the ArtNews magazine that Nicholas became aware of the upcoming sale of two of Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” series.<em>Yesss!</em>He could barely contain his excitement as he reread the details. Not one but two, yes two paintings in a collection were being auctioned at Sotheby’s; one on the 21st of the month and one, to close off the auction two days later, on the 23rd.  The 21st was only four days away! This was going to cost him a packet, probably not much change out of a hundred million, but he had been waiting for this opportunity for years. These exquisite works would soon be his!<br/><br/>(http://www.allforthegreatergood.com/Claude_Monet--Water_Lilies_1916.jpg)     (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Claude_Monet_-_Water_Lilies.JPG)<br/><br/>Nicholas wanted to share his joy with Kelly and he imagined her fragrance, nestled beside him, eyes closed feigning sleep with that sly smile across those sensuous lips; flirting by showing off her silky legs to the maximum for his personal amusement. Unfortunately for him, the seat next to his was empty. Kelly, who he called Frances sometimes just to ruffle her cute feathers, had a full-time ‘work of love’ as curator at the St Louis Art Museum, which kept her schedule more than busy. He made special visits at least once a month to the States with various excuses, some real and some lame, but primarily just to see her. However, the great news was that she was coming over to London, staying with him for a whole two weeks and…she was scheduled to arrive less than an hour after his plane touched down in Heathrow.<br/><br/>He breathed deeply, savouring the moment as these wonderful events collided in his life. He picked up the phone in his armrest and made two calls. One to his personal secretary to ensure that nothing had crept into his diary for the next two weeks and the second was to a direct number within Sotheby’s.  This was a number he used when he needed an insurance policy to secure a piece of art. The person on the other end was one who would ensure that money was slipped into appropriate pockets when needed. This same person now had another small device that he could use if all else failed; this one would, in a millisecond, black out all mobile phone connections within a radius of a hundred metres.<br/><br/>In time, Nicholas would know who the potential bidders were; those who had to disclose their real identity to authenticate their bona-fide for the auction. As well, he also knew many of the secret buyer IDs for those organisations that fronted for the more discrete investors.  It was difficult, but still possible for him at least, to discover the names of the real buyers behind those proxy agents who purchased on a real buyer’s behalf. Everything was possible when you had money and connections.<br/><br/>His jet was due to land in two hours; he smiled the smile of a contented man. He considered life a blessing and he often thought of how terrible it must be for others at times. Take his friend James Ford for example. His life was ruined by that ex wife of his, Gianna. She was a beautiful woman there is no doubt, and James seemed to have a great life for, what was it? Around ten years? But then he must have dallied with another woman, Nicholas suspected, because it all fell apart. Gianna had threatened to drag the case through the courts with appeal after appeal, publicly airing all of his dirty laundry, claiming that it would decimate his business credibility, so he eventually capitulated and relinquished over half his estate to her.<em>A smart woman…perhaps a worthy adversary</em>…Nicholas mused.<br/><br/><em>No, I’m fortunate alright</em>he concluded. And tonight, he and Kelly would celebrate; firstly with food and champagne and then…well, a little taste de femme for him…his mouth began to salivate at the thought...and perhaps she would savour his own liquor? The flaps extended and the wings of his personal Lear jet gently banked in preparation for its final approach into Heathrow where the soft light of a new morning bathed the countryside.<br/>