Murder in Focus by Medora Sale Page A

neatly cut the dialogue short. “But we must let you speak to more of your admirers, Fräulein Strelitsch. Herr Andersson, of the Swedish embassy, has been waiting far too long.” When the business of introductions was over, he turned back to his friend. “Glad to see you, Karl. Isn’t she extraordinary? Isn’t she amazing? And she can play the violin.”
    â€œStunning. She makes that dress look superb. Do you think we could get her to a photographer’s in it before she leaves? No, I suppose not.” He shook his head and scrutinized her again. She had plunged into animated conversation with Herr Andersson, apparently indicating with her hands the size of some giant structure. Her hair fell across her face as she spoke, and the Swede moved it back with the tips of his fingers. Lang frowned. “When is she leaving?” he asked, turning back to Bleibtreu.
    â€œShe’s staying until after the conference this week. Seems she has a friend in the Austrian delegation. They’re planning to travel around after it’s over, see Niagara Falls, I suppose, and all that sort of thing.” He shook his head ruefully.
    â€œAh, well, Toni, my boy,” said Herr Lang cheerfully, “anyone that lovely is bound to have a friend. It can’t be helped.”
    â€œAnd I have until Thursday afternoon when the delegates arrive to make an impression. Think of what can happen in seventy-two hours. Except that I shall be frantically busy every second of that time, of course.” Gloom settled over Bleibtreu’s features. The prospect of hard work never failed to depress him.
    â€œYou’ll have more time than that,” the man from External Affairs said as he drifted between them. “Because we’re keeping them all locked up until it’s over and they won’t be our responsibility anymore. Did it just for you, Toni.”
    â€œHal, very kind of you to come,” said the attaché, switching smoothly into English. “Karl Lang, Hal Metcalfe. Mr. Metcalfe is with External Affairs. Herr Lang is a trade representative from Vienna. Have you met our musical beauty yet? And by the way, I didn’t realize your grasp of the language was sufficient for eavesdropping. I must remember to be more careful when you’re around.”
    â€œYou forget that my first posting was in Vienna. And the prettiest girls always seemed to speak the most impenetrable dialect. I was intensely motivated to pick it up.” Metcalfe winked and captured a drink from a passing tray. “Have I met the blonde bombshell of the classical circuit? Indeed I have. And speaking of motivation, I am about to become intensely interested in the violin myself, I think. She’s breathtaking, isn’t she?”
    â€œAre you tied up in this conference as well?” asked Lang. Hal Metcalfe nodded. “How are the preparations going for it?”
    â€œWell, you know how these things are. Total chaos, nothing ready as planned, and yet it all manages to happen somehow. I hope.” He traded in his empty glass for a full one with the dexterity of long practice.
    â€œThe ambassador’s wife dreamt last night that the entire German-speaking contingent descended unexpectedly on us for dinner,” said Toni glumly, “and there was nothing in the kitchen but stale bread, Canadian hot dogs, and frozen pizza. We all spent the day shopping, just in case.”
    â€œYou can tell her that she needn’t worry, absolutely nothing unexpected is going to be done by anyone.” Metcalfe spoke with a little too much emphasis. “It won’t be allowed. I have scheduled everyone and everything for every minute of the day. They won’t even be able to buy a bottle of perfume for their mistresses without it going on the sheet ahead of time.”
    â€œYou mean you’re in charge of security for this operation?” said Lang with a low whistle. “I wouldn’t like