The hunting methods of Jackals

'Lo!

One of the thing I love the most about this film is Gelnne Headly. Or more specifically; her character, 'the jackal', though there is absolutely no other actress (save possibly Lesley Ann Warren) who could've played her so wonderfully.

What an operator she was - and just how good is revealed right at the end; just before she shows up with the Greeks. The two con men are sitting and looking at the sea, and clearly licking their metaphorical wounds. After a few moments, Benson says "Thanks for letting me stay here an extra week."

Which means that since he's leaving, at that moment her departure with the money is only a week past.

So here's the thing: She had to fly back to Florida (where she was setting up the BIG scam), get the Greek investors back to the Med, onto the mega-yacht and down to Beaumont-sur-Mer in one week.

A $16 million scam doesn't happen overnight - she would have been planning it for months. So why take time off for a quick vacation in the French Riviera?

Simple: she was hunting. Specifically; she was hunting a partner - Jaimeson. She's no small-time crook like Freddy, she's a major player - she would be able to get information on other high-level con artists that could help her. And who would be better than the best con man in Europe - who owns a palatial mansion and can pass himself off as a Price with the flip of a hand?
She had to test him, and bring him into the plan. So, with everything lined up; with sheep ready to be fleeced, plans in the works, she went off and led Freddy and Lawrence by the nose until she got what she wanted - the money was merely an incidental sting on the side.

Heh heh heh...like Lawrence said: "Isn't she wonderful!"