The Disappearance of Anna Popov; Chapter11; Rose Cottage, 21 February

  ‘Pagliacci and Bald Archy? What on earth was all that about?’ asked Rebecca, climbing stiffly off the chopper. She pulled off her helmet and gave it to Jack. ‘Here, I won’t be needing this again.’ ‘Just because he told me to come alone next time? You’re sulking, admit it.’‘Rubbish.’   ‘Come inside and I’ll […]

The Disappearance of Anna Popov; Chapter 8; Kuragin Chateau near Paris; 16 January

  8 Kuragin chateau near Paris, 16 JanuaryBy the time they crossed the moat it was already dark. Jack had insisted on renting a car at Paris airport and was driving.‘There it is,’ he said excitedly, pointing to the ivy-covered tower rising out of the mist ahead. ‘I told you I’d find it!’‘Taking the freeway wasn’t […]

The Disappearance of Anna Popov; Chapter 7; London, 14 January

London, 14 JanuaryBarely awake, Jack reached for the mobile ringing on his bedside table. ‘What time did you get in last night?’ Rebecca asked. ‘I was looking for you.’‘I had to put my flight back …’‘Any luck with Popov?’‘More than you can imagine. I’ll tell you at breakfast. What time is it?’‘Time to go shopping, […]

The Disappearance of Anna Popov; Chapter 6; Vienna, 13 January

  6Vienna, 13 JanuaryJack hurried out of the BBC studio after his early morning TV interview. It was his only engagement that day and the hire car Rebecca had arranged to take him to the airport was already waiting outside.     Contacting Professor Popov personally had been impossible. The Nobel laureate’s schedule was almost […]