Avenge:
Episode 20 of the June Murders
Stephan Likhodeyev’s father had taught him that regret was wasted energy. You made judgments and choices and you acted. Some things didn’t work out, but you moved on. The family had a reputation for ruthlessness.
Watching June Sommers in the movies, Stephan had liked what he saw. After meeting Tad Zeus, he had decided, as a rich man, to arrange to meet her and maybe, get her into bed. That proved a bad decision.
Getting the address of her French villa was easy enough, and when he was back in Cannes, he had arranged a party. Gilbert Villiére, the French director with whom Sommers had recently finished a movie, was in town, and there were other celebrities he could tap. He sent June an invitation, mentioning that Villiére would be there. She accepted.
It was a balmy evening with the sun glistening on the waters. His large yacht looked splendid. Villiére and Sommers arrived together, dressed as if for an award ceremony.
“Lovely to meet you,” Likhodeyev said to June. “I have to confess that I am one of your many fans. May I add that you look more wonderful in person.” He was proud of his English, and to underline his sophistication, he turned to Villiére and welcomed him in French, mentioning two of his films and saying how he loved them both. Turning back to June, Stephan…
