Will crouched down to my level, his movements graceful and controlled. “The car crash that killed Howard Wilson was quite tragic, really. Brake lines gave out, they said. He should’ve been more careful.”
Rage bloomed in my chest. This man had killed Allie’s father. Had pursued her across the country, destroying her sense of safety, forcing her to live in constant fear. I pulled against the ropes, no longer caring if anyone noticed.
“Did she tell you why I’ve been looking for her?” Will seemed genuinely curious.
“Something about art-artwork.” I kept working on the ropes, ignoring the burn as they cut into my wrists.
“Not just any artwork. A collection worth millions.” Will stood up, pacing in front of me. “Howard Wilson was a thief. He and his partner, Simon Blackstone, stole fourteen pieces from me, paintings that had been in my family for generations.” He stopped, turning to face me. “Do you know what happened to Simon?”
I stayed silent, already guessing the answer.
“So odd. He had an accident as well.” Will shrugged. “I want my property back. Allie knows where it is.”
“She doesn’t,” I said. “She would’ve t-t-told me.”
“Oh, I think she does.” Will smiled again, that same empty expression. “And if she doesn’t, she’ll lead me to it eventually. People reveal what they know when properly motivated.”
The casual threat in his words made my blood boil. I redoubled my efforts with the ropes, feeling them loosen slightly.
“You won’t touch-touch-touch her.” My words came out as a growl.
Will laughed. “You’re in no position to make threats. In fact, your current situation is entirely dependent on Allie’s cooperation. If she arrives alone, as instructed, and finally cooperates, you might both survive this encounter.”
One of the men who’d taken me from the pottery barn appeared from around a building, gesturing to Will. “Boss, perimeter’s set. No sign of company yet.”
“Good.” Will checked his watch. “She should be here soon. Keep an eye out.”
“What if she brings the cops?” the man asked.
“Then our orc friend here won’t survive to see her arrival.” Will said it matter-of-factly, as if discussing the weather. “We made that very clear in the note.”
So they’d left instructions, confirming my fears. Allie would come alone, walking into their trap to save me.
“Yourmatehas led me on quite a chase,” Will said, turning back to me. “Two years of watching, waiting, following only tiny clues. She was quite good at hiding. But I’ll never give up. It’s nothing personal, you understand. Just business.”
“Killing people is business to you?” I couldn’t keep the disgust from my voice.
“Did I admit to killing anyone?” Will shrugged. “Howard knew the risks when he stole from me. So did Simon.”
“And Allie? What risks did she take?”
“Being the daughter of a thief.” Will’s expression hardened. “If she’d simply given me what I wanted when I first approached her, none of this would’ve been necessary.”
I worked my right hand against the rope, feeling it give. A little more, and I might be able to slip free. I’d rip them apart. For myself. For Allie.
“What do you plan to do-do-do with us afterward?” I asked to keep him talking.
Will’s smile chilled through me. “I haven’t decided yet. It depends on how eager she is to talk.”
The implications of his words hit me. This man had no intention of letting us walk away. He’d killed twice without hesitation, perhaps other times. He wouldn’t want us sharing what he’d done.
“I don’t typically waste time explaining myself,” Will said. “But since you won’t be sharing this information with anyone, I’ll tell you something about your Allie’s father. Howard Wilson wasn’t just a thief, he was a clever one. He replaced my originals with forgeries so good they fooled even expert appraisers for months. By the time I discovered the switch, he and Simon had disappeared with my collection.”
Will paced as he spoke, his agitation growing visible. “Two years of searching. Two years of watching Howard’s daughter, hoping she’d lead me to the paintings. They weren’t in his house or his studio. His partner claimed to not know where they were hidden. Now Allie is my last link to those paintings. She knows something, even if she doesn’t realize it.”
The sound of an approaching vehicle drew Will’s attention. He glanced toward the path leading to the camp, a smile spreading across his face.
“Right on time.” He straightened his jacket. “And alone, it seems. Smart girl.”
