“How’s everything going with Zander?” Bashful interest shone in the older woman’s eyes. Britt knew she was really asking—“Is your romance with mynephew blissful? Yes? I hope?”
Without exception, Britt’s friends and relatives had been thrilled to learn that she was dating Zander. They’d said things like, “Finally!” and “It’s about time!” and “You two are meant to be together.”
Carolyn had been among the happiest when greeted with the news. Britt supposed this was because she understood better than most the solitary state of Zander’s heart.
“Everything’s going great,” Britt answered honestly. If there was one thing that was less than ideal about dating Zander, it was the fact that she couldn’t be with him twenty-four hours a day. “How are you?” she asked Carolyn.
“I’m hanging in there.”
Sorrow shrouded Carolyn. However, she no longer had the drawn, pale look of a person who had a knife pressing against her ribs.
“Has Zander’s friend been able to find out anything about Frank’s keys or phone?” Carolyn asked.
Britt wrinkled her brow. “I’m afraid I don’t know anything about that.”
“No?”
“No.”
Carolyn’s hands made a fluttery movement just anxious enough to reveal that she believed she’d told Britt something she shouldn’t have. “Oh well. It’s no big deal. I’m sure he just forgot to mention it.”
“Zander delivered Frank’s keys and phone to a friend of his?”
“Yes, two days ago. I guess his friend is knowledgeable about phones ... and keys. I’ve been hoping something good might come out of it.”
“Wonderful,” Britt said brightly. “I’m hopeful, too. Fingers crossed!” She headed to the door, explaining as she went that she had to get back to Sweet Art, but that she’d see Carolyn again soon.
Once out of sight of The Giftery’s windows, she came to a halt. Placing her hands on her hips, she frowned at the sidewalk.
Two days ago Zander had taken Frank’s keys and cell phone. He’d said nothing about it to her. Unfortunately, she didn’t believe he’d said nothing because he’d forgotten to mention it, as Carolyn had suggested.
He’d deliberately remained silent on the subject.
For the past two days, he’d been distracted. Every time she’d asked him why, he’d said he was worried about the painting. She’d accepted that answer because he was her boyfriend and because concern wasn’t out of character for him. Also because she trusted him.
Her thoughts ticked like a clock.
Zander definitely didnothave a friend with supernatural knowledge about keys and phones. If he had, he would have told her so. He would have taken Frank’s keys and phone to his friend weeks ago.
Had Zander figured out the passcode to Frank’s cell phone?
Surely,surely, he would have told her if he had.
But if he still didn’t know the passcode, why did he have a sudden need of Frank’s keys? He’d only need the keys if he’d learned of a house or a storage locker or an apartment that needed opening.
The most likely possibility...Let this not be true. The most likely possibility was that he’d figured out the passcode, searched the information on Frank’s phone, and learned of a potential location for the painting.
Her stomach give a sickening lurch. She didn’t want to believe that Zander would cut her out of something that had been their joint project.
Except he himself had admitted to her that he was overly protective of her. It wasn’t much of a stretch to imagine that he’d cut her out in an attempt to keep her safe.
He’d also admitted to her that he loved her. But now he wastreating her as if she wasn’t worthy of so much as adiscussionabout the painting’s location. As if he couldn’t rely on her to protect sensitive information. As if she were a child he had to make decisions for.
She pulled her phone from her pocket and speed-dialed his number.
Phone call from Britt to Zander:
