"Hello, I'm calling to speak with Ms. Mora Lee," Aria said, and she kept her voice professional and cultured. "Philippe Durant suggested I contact you about authenticating a piece I'm considering purchasing."
There was a pause on the line. "Philippe gave you this number directly?"
"Yes," Aria confirmed. "I met him at a private viewing in New York two days ago. He said you're the best for Russian art authentication, and I'm looking at a piece that requires expert verification before I commit to the purchase."
Another pause, longer this time. "What is your name?"
"Isabelle Marchand," Aria said, using the same false identity she'd used with Durant. "I'm based in Paris but travel frequently for acquisitions. Philippe can vouch for my credentials if you'd like to verify with him before we meet."
"That won't be necessary," Mora Lee said, and her voice was careful and controlled. "When would you like to meet?"
