East End (Hear No Evil Trilogy #1) - Nana Malone Page 0,43
A first-hand account maybe. If you could walk me through the process and how you were tipped off, that would be ideal. There are similarities between what happened at the Royal Museum and a case I’m working on.”
"Interesting. Do you think it’s the work of copycats? Or perhaps all the thieves weren’t caught?"
"I don’t know. Which is why I’d love your firsthand account. Anything you can think of, no matter how small. I would love the opportunity to examine the collection and authentication procedures."
“I can make that happen. We shared the bulk of the responsibility with the Monaco Art Trust. We were lucky the forgeries were discovered within the day."
“Who was responsible for authentication?”
“Since all of our pieces are on loan with the caveat that my sister be named curator, we are responsible. One of us is in constant oversight of the care of the collection, obviously. The challenge was with the loan of the Tillson collection. They were supposed to be showcasing a set of jewelry they had that was a sister set to something in my grandmother’s collection as well as several paintings."
“Is there any possibility that the procedures were suspect in any way? No disrespect, but if the forgers were indeed caught, it would be unlikely that I’d have another piece with the same signature.”
He crossed his arms then. “No, it's not possible. The Royal Museum of Monaco is one of the most well-guarded and respected institutions. There's no way."
"Is it possible to speak to your sister, just to confirm any staffing changes, background checks, anything like that?"
His brow furrowed. "You think we missed something?”
“I’m just following all avenues right now.”
“Fine. I can give you her number, but it’s probably better to meet her in person."
"So I would have to go to Monaco?"
He grinned. "Well, that's how it works if you want to see the paintings and jewelry up close and personal."
I closed my notebook and plastered on a polite smile. "I'm sure your family has done everything that they can, and I understand that this is an inconvenience for you, but it would be very helpful if I could look at your authentication paperwork."
“I’ll make it happen.”
"It's much appreciated, Mr. Hale."
The smile widened into a grin. "There is something about the way you say that. Anything for my favorite Interpol agent."
"Mr. Hale, flattery will get you nowhere."
Lies. If we play our cards right flattery will get him in our knickers.
"Well, I find flattery is useful to bring women around to the idea of having dinner with me.”
I bit back my chuckle. “Never going to happen.”
“If you say so. I'll be in touch to let you know about the collection."
"Thank you very much. I’ll get in touch with your sister.”
His wolfish grin broke free again. “Oh, perhaps you misunderstood, Agent Kincade. Not only will I arrange for you to see it, but you’ll also have the pleasure of my company."
My eyes flared wide as I nearly choked on my next breath. Speaking rapidly I said, "Well, that's highly unnecessary. I'm sure it'll go faster if I can work on my own."
He shrugged. "My family, my collections. If you want to see it, I come with you."
"Mr. Hale, I'm an Interpol agent. I have a partner. I don't need you."
"Well then, maybe you don't want to see that collection nearly as badly as you say."
I rolled my eyes. "Fantastic. It looks like we're going to be heading to Monaco together."
His grin was broad. "I knew you'd see it my way."
9
Nyla
When I returned to work, I went straight for Amelia's office. She had her own case. A run-of-the-mill murder. Since when had murders become run-of-the-mill? She greeted me with a, "Hey where'd you go this morning?"
I plopped into one of her chairs and then grabbed a handful of Skittles off of her desk. "Are they fresh?"
She squinted her eyes at me. “Yes, they're fresh. I put a new fresh bag in there daily. Between you and me, we eat a whole bag every day."
I frowned. "We've eaten that much sugar?"
"Yes, you have a habit, and now I have a habit."
"Okay, fair enough. I popped two Skittles in my mouth. "So, I am going to Monaco."
She lifted a brow. "What, for the weekend?"
"No, apparently tomorrow. I'm chasing a lead on the jewelry thing."
She leaned forward. "What lead?"
"Same MO on a three-year-old case. I’m trying to identify if it’s a copycat or if we missed something. Don't worry about me. You have your hands full with catching a murderer. It's fine.”