"My property?—"
"Will be returned to you." I exit the women's restroom and scan the hall.
The low lighting makes it hard to make out details. Bidding continues in the main room. The doorman mans his post, focused on the people gathered rather than on me and Urakov.
Turning the other direction, I step toward the end of the hall, noting how it continues around a sharp bend. I gesture for Urakov to follow. Around the corner, the hall ends at another thick wooden door.
I try the latch.
Locked.
"Merde!"
Something is off, and I hate where my thoughts are headed.
"Come," I say to Urakov.
"Where?"
"I don't want to lose track of that painting." If what I fear has happened is true, I can't afford to letDr. Gachetout of my sight.
On our way back to the auction, heading past the restrooms, I kick a discarded bottle of water. It careens across the floor, hitting the far wall. Then I step on a piece of paper. I stoop to pick it up. The fold widens, giving me a glimpse inside.
"Merde!" My curse draws Urakov's attention.
"What?"
Unfolding the paper, I look upon a Merlin Falcon in flight. Many think Merlin's name derived from the court of King Arthur, but that isn't its origin. Merlins are fierce falcons, powerful fliers that use surprise attacks to bring down songbirds. Medieval falconers called them lady hawks, and noblewomen commonly used them to hunt. What better name for a thief?
My breathing hitches when I read the inscription.Tu as volé l'amour de ma vie. Maintenant, c'est à ton tour de souffrir.You stole the love of my life. Now, it's time for you to suffer.
It could only have been written by one man.
"He took her." The words grind through my teeth.
"Your Vivianne?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
I gesture back toward the auction. "The man who stole that painting. The one who stole the anthrax."
My brother took Vivianne and is playing a very dangerous game. Like a master strategist, Nicholas leaves me with few options. Without knowing where Vivianne is, I can't pursue, and withDr. Gachetpurchased, I can't leave the building until the end of the auction.
Nicholas backed me into the perfect dilemma. I've been effectively immobilized.
The auction is still in progress. For security purposes, none of the pieces will be removed from the room until the auction concludes.Dr. Gachethas returned to its spot on the wall. Fortunately, only a few paintings are left up for bid.
Once my funds clear, I'll receive text instructions for picking up the piece. After crating, the auction house will either freight ship the piece to a place designated by the buyer or release it immediately after the event.
I intend to oversee that entire process.
When the text arrives, I indicate my preference and confirm my identity with a unique code. I'm instructed to remain after the auction ends. Those who didn't purchase any items, along with those who opted to have them shipped, clear the room.
I, Urakov, and Bald Willy are the only people left.
"Hello." William Teniford approaches. "It seems we are the lucky ones."
