A black Cadillac zoomed down the busy streets of New York City, headed for the medical center.
When Zoe arrived at the hospital two men were waiting for her. They towered over the petite girl, a wall of well-toned muscle.
She was always reminded of the old song "Ebony and Ivory" when she saw these two long-time 'associates' of her father.
Nikolai was ex-Spetznaz and spoke with a heavy Russian accent, he was fair-skinned, blond haired and blue-eyed. The other giant, James, grew up in the projects and did most of the talking for the pair.
For reasons that were unclear, the odd pair had struck up a close working relationship, even more surprising they were good friends.
"Hullo, James, Nikolai. Is uncle inside?" asked Zoe
"He's not here yet, Zoe," the African American replied in his cultured voice as his partner nodded in greeting to her.
Zoe rushed inside the hospital and asked the woman at the reception where she could find David Ruster.
