Eddie nodded as did Lyn. The other two guys nodded rather enthusiastically. They were clearly terrified.
“We’re okay,” Eddie said, “but we can hear Lany yelling. He’s pissed, man.”
I figured as much from his phone call.
“Did he sound hurt at all?” My gut clenched as I waited for the answer.
Eddie shook his head. “No, but he’s doing a lot of yelling.”
“Report, Lyn,” I said as I looked at the man.
“We finished getting all the paintings hung just about the time Lany’s mother dropped by for a few minutes,” Lyn started. “After she left, I was sitting back here with Eddie and the others when five men entered the gallery. Lany tried to tell them the place was closed, but the one guy kept demanding to see the paintings. When Lany refused, he ordered one of his guys to start destroying the art on the walls.”
I raised an eyebrow as I glanced at Eddie. “Could this have anything to do with your uncle or father?”
Eddie shrugged, which did not reassure me in the least. “Anything is possible, but most know I’m off limits.”
“That’s not very reassuring, Eddie.”
“I can call my father and uncle and ask if they have anybody in the area, but that might bring their wrath down on whoever those idiots are out there in the main room.” Eddie raised one eyebrow at me. “Do you want that?”
“I want Lany safe.”
And he wasn’t right now.
That was unacceptable.
“Have they searched the gallery yet?”
“No,” Lyn replied, “and you’d think they would have.”
It would make sense.
“I need to be honest here, sir,” Lyn continued. “This feels like a shakedown.”
“A shakedown?”
Seriously?
“How so?”
“All they are doing is causing damage. If they were trying to rob the place, they would have done it and left, but they haven’t. They’re still here. I think they want something. They’re trying to intimidate Lany.”
“Lany can’t be intimidated.”
He was too stubborn.
Lyn snickered. “I know, right?”
“Okay, the car is in the alley. I want you to get Eddie back there and then put in an earpiece. If the shit hits the fan, I need you to call in the others.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Follow us out, and then get to the car.” I nodded toward Lyn. “Give him the keys, Clarke. If this thing goes south, I want them to be able to get away.”
“Oh, but—” Lyn started.
I just stared at him.
