Deadly Little Secrets Page 0,36

the time,” she answered his grin.

Much as she was enjoying herself, she decided she’d better set the tone for the meeting. “So, we should get to business. First, thanks for agreeing to meet with me. I had already told Gates that we are going over old case files, trying to determine if newer technologies can help us solve them. Now,” she said, pulling files from her bag, “there wasn’t any DNA or trace evidence in this case, however, I’ve begun to piece together some information that may turn into a lead.”

“Excellent.” Dav betrayed no hint of concern.

That was good. This had been an inside job, she had no doubt, but she was nearly certain that none of the collectors were in on it. Most had lost significant money, and none had shown any increase in holdings or any shift in their wealth that would indicate a trade or an added bolus of viable art.

“So, first things first. Have you had any further contact about any of these paintings since they were stolen nine years ago?” She laid out the glossy photos of the real art he’d put up for sale and been duped out of, through Prometheus and the gallery in New York, Moroni.

Dav leaned back, steepled his fingers. “And if I have?”

Ana felt the twitch in her shoulders that meant she was on to something. “I’d like to know what it is. It might lead me to finding the original thieves, and assist me in solving the murders of Colleen St. John, Nathan Rikes, Keith Griffin, Kelly Dodd, and Rod Atwell.” She named the victims, hoping that the emphasis on them as real people would encourage even more cooperation.

“Interesting. And how much of my information would be entered into the record, and how much would be kept confidential?” Dav inquired. The twitch of Ana’s instincts grew stronger.

“Dav…” Gates injected a world of caution into the use of his boss’s name.

“I know, Gates. This has been a thorn for me though, you know it,” Dav said. Was the statement an oblique apology to Gates? Or a cue to her?

She opted for cue. “I like pulling thorns.”

Dav laughed, a rich, rolling sound. “Good. Good for you. Off the record, however,” he cautioned with a nod to Gates. “No notes about this. Nor do I wish to be quoted or called to testify. Are we clear?” The calm but flat surety in his voice let her know he wouldn’t be moved from his position. His body language was pretty clear on that point as well, so she agreed.

“Excellent. So, let us speak plainly.” He leaned in and tapped one of the pictures. “One of the paintings was recovered. I made sure it was given to the collector who purchased the fraud. Neither of us had deceived the other; both of us lost our money. I felt it unfair to leave this individual…hanging, shall we say.” His smile was catlike in its satisfaction and faintly predatory in the same catlike way.

“So Fraulein Messer has the real painting, even though the world believes it a fraud, correct?”

Once again, Dav laughed, and Gates grinned. “Very quick, this one.” Dav directed the comment to Gates. “You said it, you told me. You should hire her when you start that security company of yours, one day. Obviously, she is good at it.” He turned back to Ana. “Yes, Liza has the painting, the original work. However, neither she nor I wish to advertise the fact since our insurances paid in full, and the work was returned to me through less than legal channels, you might say.” He closed his eyes briefly. “It is safer for all concerned that everyone believes this painting lost. If you dig into this case and find these items, I would consider it a favor if you would alert me. I would be sure to alert Liza, and we would deal with the situation from there.”

“Considering that five people are dead, Dav, I agree with your desire to keep the details quiet. Was the painting recovered in the United States or somewhere else?” She wasn’t going to mention her suspicion that Luke Gideon might be a sixth victim.

“Elsewhere,” Gates interjected, directing her attention his way. “Since Dav is determined to cooperate,” he shot Dav a resigned look. “and we’re off the record, I’ll tell you I recovered it in Russia.”

“Russia?” That was a surprise. Nothing else had pointed to…wait…the torture.

“See, Gates?” Dav leaped in, gleefully watching her. “The wheels are turning. I like