“As I already told the police, I was in my office all evening, as the security logs show.”
“Truth.”
“And you didn’t leave your office at all during that time?”Gunnar asked.
“Only to use the restroom, which is just down the hall.Five minutes, maximum.”
“Truth again.”
“The missing dagger—had you worked with it before?Studied it?”
“Of course.I arranged for it to be included in our exhibition.Ottoman ceremonial daggers are a special interest of mine, especially those from the court of Mehmed II.”
“And its value?”
“Historically invaluable, monetarily around two million dollars.”Fanshaw sat up straighter.“It’s one of the finest examples of fifteenth century Ottoman craftsmanship in existence.It was a coup to have it on loan.”
“Truth.”
After twenty more minutes of questioning, Gunnar was satisfied that Forsyth hadn’t been involved in the theft.Giles escorted him out of the building and when he returned, he brought Anthony Cormino in with him.
Cormino was younger and had the pale skin of a vamp.He was also more defensive.“Mr.Delacourt, I hope we can clear this matter up quickly.My security team’s reputation is at stake.”
Giles made introductions and Gunnar started over with his questions while Bryn held Cormino’s wrist.
“Walk us through your movements on the night of the theft,” Gunnar said.
“I was at a security conference across town at the Westin hotel from around six until midnight.Security was tight and there will be multiple witnesses to my presence, including the police chief.”
“Truth.”
“Who do you think took the dagger?”
“I’m not paid to speculate.But if you’re asking for my professional assessment, it had to be someone with intimate knowledge of our security protocols.”
“Someone like you?”
“Or Mr.Fanshaw.Or Redman.Or a dozen other personnel.”He frowned.“But I didn’t take it.I’ve dedicated my career to protecting artifacts like this.”
“Truth.”The strength of Cormino’s belief in what he was saying came through loud and clear to Bryn.
After a few more questions, it was time to move on.Giles did his escort duties and when he returned, they relocated to the next room along the corridor, where Redman had been waiting.
The man was nervous, fidgeting with his hands, eyes darting around the room.Bryn didn’t let that influence him.Anyone would be nervous in the same situation.
“Mr.Redman,” Gunnar said.“I have a few questions about the night the dagger went missing.While we talk, the augur will be touching you.It won’t hurt.”
Bryn sat down.“I’m Bryn.There’s no need to be anxious.”
Redman was sweating.“I’ve answered a ton of questions already.I didn’t see anything unusual.”
Bryn laid his fingers across the pulse point in Redman’s wrist.
“You were on duty at the security station outside the exhibition hall, correct?”Gunnar asked.
“Yes, from six in the evening until four in the morning.”
“Truth.”
