It was possible, of course, that he’d never intended to kill anyone.
But somewhere along the way, when his plan had been put in jeopardy, he’d taken the huge leap from black market dealer of stolen goods to murderer.
A leap only someone without the merest shred of a conscience could have made.
Meaning it was impossible to dredge up the tiniest scrap of empathy for the man.
Brad took the bag of jewels, the inventory, and the letter back to the living room.
“Did you find any answers?” Natalie wadded the tissue tighter in her hand as he entered.
“Yes.” He gave them a recap of his search, then handed Natalie the letter and inventory.
As she scanned it, he opened the bag of jewels and spread them on the coffee table.
Cara gaped at the glittering array. “Those must be worth a fortune.”
“Indeed—and they must be returned to the rightful owner. The paintings too, just as my uncle directed.” Natalie passedthe letter and inventory back. “Can you make that happen, Brad?”
“Yes. I’ll contact the FBI Art Crime Team. They’ll know the correct procedure to follow.” The doorbell rang, and he rose. “I’ll get that.”
Thirty seconds later, he opened the door to find Father Johnson on the other side.
The priest from the historic church where locals had worshipped for almost two centuries must have dropped everything and driven faster than was prudent after their phone chat.
“Thank you for coming so fast, Father.” He stepped back and ushered the man in. “Like I told you on the phone, I thought it would comfort Natalie to speak with you.”
“I’m always happy to tend the flock, and Natalie’s been a faithful parishioner for decades. Thankyoufor thinking of calling me.”
Brad led him into the living room.
“Natalie, you have a visitor.”
The older woman shifted sideways on the couch. “Father Johnson!” She started to stand.
“Don’t get up.” He waved her back.
Cara rose from beside Natalie. “Why don’t you take my seat? I’d like to go freshen up.”
“I’ll walk back to the cottage with you.” Brad waited for her in the doorway. “Natalie, I’ll stop by again before I leave. And I’ll be back later with dinner for you and Cara and me. Father, you’re welcome to join us.”
“Thank you, but I have a sick call later this afternoon.” He sat beside Natalie.
Cara slipped into the hall and Brad fell in beside her, the murmur of conversation following them until they exited through the back door.
“Did you call the priest?” Cara looked up at him as they crossed the galérie and descended the steps.
“Yes.”
“That was kind of you. As was the offer to provide dinner.”
He took her hand. “I hope you don’t mind one more deferral of our date, but I didn’t think Natalie should be alone this evening. I know it won’t be much of a date, and certainly nothing like the one I had planned. I’m sorry if—”
“Brad.” She stopped. Tightened her grip on his fingers. “Don’t apologize. Our dinner for two can wait. There’s a more pressing need here tonight. If you hadn’t suggested this, I would have.” She smiled up at him, the warmth in her gaze seeping deep into his heart. “No fancy restaurant date would have impressed me half as much as your thoughtfulness and compassion.”
“And here I was afraid you might be upset.”
“Then you have a lot to learn about me.”
