“And we had a great date. To Orcas Island.” Her chin wobbled. “I can’t believe he’s gone, Zander. I keep waiting for it to sink in, and it still hasn’t.”
“I’m so sorry. We don’t have to talk about this now.”
“No, I asked you to discover what happened to Frank, and you’re doing just that. The least I can do is answer your questions.” She fidgeted with the ring again. “Where was I?”
“Your first date with Frank. To Orcas Island.”
“That’s right. After that, he started coming to the museum on his lunch break every day. We’d sit together in the courtyard garden and eat our packed lunches at one of the little tables.”
“Did he dress like he’d come from a construction site?”
“He did.”
Carolyn’s redheaded coworker bustled into the store. “I’m here to relieve you so that you can take your lunch break! Ah, your handsome nephew’s here.” She grinned. “It’s good to see you, Zander.”
“Thanks. It’s good to see you, too.”
Carolyn retrieved her purse, then he and his aunt walked down Main in the direction of the restaurant she’d chosen for today’s lunch, the Soup and Sandwich Company.
An enormous white cloud blocked the sun, giving the light a muted feel. Spring breeze scented with cut grass rippled American flags and awnings.
As soon as the Historical Village came into view, he instinctively sought out Sweet Art and strained for a glimpse of Britt. One glimpse.
But no. None of the people walking around the village or sitting on its benches was her.
After their visit to the library on Friday, Britt had spent Saturday with her sisters. He’d spent the day accomplishing tasks that the publicity department at his publishing house had arranged for him. Two interviews and a Q&A session followed by a book signing.
When he’d told his publisher about his return to US soil, they’d jumped at the chance to schedule media events. He was glad that his publisher was working hard to promote his book, glad thatGeniusessurprising popularity made events like the interviews and book signing possible. It’s just that parting from Britt in order tospend a day surrounded by strangers made him feel more lonely than he did when he was actually alone.
Sunday, he and Britt had gone hiking at Olympic National Park and last night, Monday, he’d brought a to-go order of chips and tacos to her house, and they’d eaten them while watching episodes ofOnce Upon a Time. Britt had tossed a chip at the TV every time a character had done or said something she didn’t approve of.
“I’m trying to think back to the Triple Play robbery,” Carolyn said. “I remember that the museum held all kinds of activities the day before because it was the Fourth of July. That night we hosted a catered dinner for our benefactors. I was exhausted by the time I got home. The next morning a friend of mine who worked at the museum called to tell me about the heist. I turned on the TV and watched a story on the morning news. I was stunned. The museum had cameras, a security guard or two on duty at all times, an alarm system. I couldn’t imagine how anyone had been able to get away with those paintings. Plus, I felt terrible for Annette Pascal. She was and is wonderful. Did you know that she and I still keep in touch?” She looked across her shoulder at him as they walked.
Gently, he steered her around a puddle. “No, I didn’t.”
“I started looking for a job when I was twenty and had a hard time finding one. I only had an associate’s degree, and I wasn’t exactly in high demand on the job market. Annette interviewed me personally and we got along well. Do you know much about her?”
“Very little. Only what I’ve read in articles.”
“She’s stylish and intelligent and articulate. Very self-controlled. I wouldn’t say that I’m any of those things.” She huffed wryly. “Even so, she took me under her wing and gave me a job at the museum which, at the time, was like a dream come true for me.” She laced her hand around his arm, and he crooked his elbow. Her shoulder rested against his as they made their way forward. “Annette and I stay in contact through cards and lunches when I’m in Seattle or when she comes this direction. There’s no telling how much money she’s personally spent trying to find the painting that’s still missing.”
“Young Woman at Rest.”
“Yes. Of the three that were stolen, that’s the one she always wanted back the most.”
“Do you remember it from when it was hanging in the gallery?”
“I do. It was beautiful. So much so that it almost glowed from inside, as if a lantern was shining out from behind the canvas. It had a whole wall to itself because it was just that special.”
They passed a bookshop and a bar.
“I can’t stand to think that Frank might have been one of the men who took those paintings from Annette. He was good.” She spoke in a way that made him think she was trying to convince herself, to shore up her cracked trust in her husband.
“Yes, he was.”
“If Frank had been one of the robbers, he would’ve brought a lot of money to our marriage.”
“Yes.”
