It's time you paid for your sins.
Anger boils up from deep within, churning in my gut, hungry for destruction. I haven't seen Nicholas in ten years, but the rage returns as hot and fiery as that fated night.
It's nearly too much to handle. I force myself to breathe before I react and regret what comes next.
Urakov glances over. "Everything all right?"
Hatred smolders within, and I narrow my eyes, weighing the pros and cons of all the creative ways I want to exact my revenge. But then I face an uncomfortable truth. Nicholas is already two steps ahead.
"Everything's fine."
Dr. Gachet is mine.
I have no further interest in that painting.
I think you do. Are you interested in a trade?
A long stretch passes without a response. Bald Willy and the men he follows take a sudden right turn, but those transportingDr. Gachetcontinue forward. Urakov scans the hall, his gaze darting to either side, forward, and back. His head is fixed on a swivel, tracking everywhere and everyone at once.
I should be doing the same. Instead, I grip the phone and wait for Nicholas's response. I tap Urakov's shoulder and gesture for him to hang back.
Go home, brother. I'll be in touch.
"Be prepared for trouble." I keep my voice low.
Urakov pats his chest. "Always."
My mind races, calculating the next moves in this dangerous game Nicholas initiated. He took Vivianne, and now he holds all the cards. The painting, once my primary concern, now seems inconsequential compared to her safety. But I can't let Nicholas know how much she means to me. That only gives him more leverage.
As we continue down the corridor, I'm acutely aware of every sound and shadow. Nicholas could have accomplices anywhere. I need to secureDr. Gachetand then focus all my resources on finding Vivianne.
But how?
Nicholas is a ghost, impossible to track unless he wants to be found.
"What's the plan?" Urakov's voice is low and gravelly.
I consider my options carefully before responding. "We secure the painting. Then we need to have a very private conversation."
Urakov nods, understanding the weight of my words. He knows something has gone terribly wrong, but he's smart enough not to ask for details.
At least, not here.
We reach a secure room whereDr. Gachetis to be crated. I watch every move the handlers make, ensuring nothing is slipped into the crate and no switches are made.
Paranoid?
Perhaps.
But with Nicholas in play, I can't afford to take any chances.
As the crate is sealed, my phone buzzes again. I tense, expecting another message from Nicholas, but it's the auction house confirming the transaction details. I breathe out slowly, trying to calm my nerves.
"Mr. de Gaulle, your purchase is ready for transport. How would you like to proceed?"
I lock eyes with Urakov before responding. "I'll be taking it with me now."
The handler nods. "Very well, sir. If you'll follow me to complete the final paperwork."
