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She let out a breath. “Could be worth close to three or four million at the least.” She did the hand-to-the-chin pose. “Theo often talked about finding the other two. He even described them, based on some research he’d found on some old catalog notes from the original museum. And now that I think about it, the smaller rendition found on the balcony fits one of the descriptions he told me about. That’s why it seemed so familiar.”
Gabriel was beginning to see the whole picture. “And if someone has the other two and wants the one here, they could make a pretty penny on resale alone. Or possibly, they don’t have any of the paintings, but think you have all three. Either way, if they get their hands on all three, they could become wealthy in a big way. They’d sell cheap, however, to stay under the radar. The price wouldn’t be in the millions, but they could quite possibly ask for an easy three-hundred K.”
“But I don’t have the other two.”
Gabriel put his hands on her arms. “No, but they might be after the one you do have in order to own the whole set. And they might be trying to scare you away long enough to get in here and take it.”
“Or kill me and do whatever they want with all the art I’ve collected for the fundraiser.”
“How many pieces are planned for the upcoming reception and silent auction?”
She tilted her head. “The Benoit—that’s the main attraction, but of course, it’s for display only. Two sculpture pieces worth several thousand dollars and one of Esther’s that has been rising in value since her notoriety with the Levi-Lafitte Diamond and two more smaller paintings—a Van Gogh sketch and one of a Tahitian landscape, both valued at a quarter of a million.”
“Where are they stored?”
She gave him a thoughtful look, as if she was sizing him up. “In a Mardi Gras Krewe warehouse over in Algiers. But no one except my immediate staff knows that. They will be transported to the auction venue on the day of the event.”
“Which is?”
“Two weeks from now.”
“And you obviously have an alarm system to protect these masterpieces?”
“Of course. We have one at the warehouse and one here. It’s very discreet, but we had that installed when we moved in, after Theo gave me the Benoit. He also brought over some of his own treasured pieces. Between that and the guards, and now the police, I should think the Benoit is safe here until we get ready to move it. The sensor will go off if anyone dares touch the painting.”
“Nothing is ever really safe, Princess. Not when it involves money.”
“Not even me?”
“Especially not even you. You might be more valuable than you realize.” Dead or alive, he thought to himself.
She tilted her head again. “I’m only as valuable as the next public appearance or fundraiser. And now apparently because of my penchant for fine art.”
He stared down at her, amazed at how calm she seemed. “I think you should call off the fundraiser gala.”
“No,” she said. “I won’t allow whoever this is to scare me away. I’ll tell Malcolm to put extra security at the warehouse and here. Making money on art is one thing, but leaving this city in need is not on my agenda.”
“Even if your life is threatened?”
“I have security, and if this is the case, they will be alert and ready. Malcolm will bring in more people at the actual event, of course.”
Gabriel didn’t want to add to her burden, but he had to ask. “And what if someone close to you is in on this? Most art crimes occur because of an inside informant, someone who helps the thieves, makes things easy for them.”
She shook her head, but Gabriel caught a hint of apprehension in her eyes. “The Benoit is still here, and if anyone touches it, alarms will go off everywhere. I’m safe for now. I trust my entire team.”
“But that man last night made it all the way to an upstairs balcony. And no one heard or saw him until he’d almost entered the house.”
“Deidre is a light sleeper, thankfully.”
“What woke her?”
“She said she heard a noise out on the balcony. I’m sure the authorities have grilled her thoroughly. The poor girl was scared and confused, but she can’t go back to bed until they clear out of her room.”
“And you can’t be safe here. You need to think about that.”
Her eyes took on that princess mode. “As I told you, the Benoit will be protected and so will I. I won’t run from these people. I intend to see this through.”
Gabriel wondered about that and the staunch determination in her eyes. He turned to see what Deidre was doing, but the woman, usually so bustling and hyper he could hear her coming a mile away, had slipped unnoticed out of the kitchen. “You need to be completely sure about that, Princess.”
* * *
An hour later, Lara stood staring up at the Benoit, her thoughts a jumble of confusion that made her appreciate the dream aspects of the painting. Or rather, the lost dream that seemed to hang like a veiled curtain over the smiling, dancing people in the center.
When would her life ever settle down to a routine that might bring her a bit of contentment and harmony? After the gala, she reminded herself, her nerves jingling their own warning. The Benoit was the draw. Or at least she was counting on that.
Her cell rang. “Hello?”
A deep breathing. Well, that was original.
“Hello?” she repeated.
The connection went cold. And so did her heart. Him again? Did he think he’d win her over by breathing into the phone?
“Another wrong number?”
She whirled to find Gabriel standing just inside the door.
“You startled me. I thought you were with Malcolm.”
“We finished our discussion and I was allowed to get a couple of shots of the print you found. I didn’t mean to startle you.” He advanced into the room and brought the scents of spice and fresh soap with him. “If you’re receiving hang-up calls, you need to let Malcolm and the police know.”
She nodded, put her phone away, pushed her fears aside. “And you are here to watch and observe, not give me security advice.”
“I’m sorry again.” He glanced up at the painting. “But you’re right, of course.”
Lara shook her head. “Forgive me. I’m a little rattled. But I have to take this seriously since my entire staff could be in danger. I’d rather lose this painting than have something terrible happen to the people I love.”
“But you’re not willing to cancel this whole event?”
“I can’t at this late date. Too many variables.” And she didn’t know him well enough to explain those variables.
He came to stand beside her, and Lara immediately felt the warmth descending over her like a cloak of protection. “And the people who love you don’t want anything bad to happen to their princess.”
She turned, surprised at the generosity in that statement. “I thought you were cynical about such things.”
His smile was almost sad. “You guessed that about me already?”
“I read up on you. You’ve seen the worst the world has to offer, so I can certainly understand being cynical.”
He glanced at the painting, then back to her. “Ah, but I’ve also seen the best the world has to offer. So in spite of being somewhat cynical, I also have a strong sense of faith.”
“Really?” Lara was touched and surprised by his admission. “I’m relieved to hear that. My faith has guided me through the worst of times, too.”
He turned, his gaze solemn and full of secrets. “You’ll need that in the coming months, too. My gut tells me that these people trying to scare you are just getting started.” Then he leaned close, his hand touching her wrist. “And I’ve come to a decision about that.”
Lara held her breath while she watched the rich liquid brown of his eyes turn deadly serious. “You’re not backing out of your assignment, are you? I didn’t mean to be so rude—”
He got even closer, his mouth so close to her ear she felt her teardrop pearl earring dancing. “Oh, no, Princess, I’ve decided even though this is none of my business I’m staying close by your side until we find out who’s doing this.”
Lara swallowed her fear and shock. “You don’t need to—I mean, that’s not necessary. I have protection.”
“I’m not a security expert, but I’m good at observing people and I know human nature. I’ll be watching for anyone out of the ordinary.”
She glanced over at him then. “Are you implying that you truly believe what you stated earlier? That someone on my security detail or within my household could be involved in this?”
He whirled her around to face him. “I’m not implying, Lara. I’m pretty sure that Deidre planted both of those packages. Your assistant is trying to terrorize you. And me, being the curious-reporter type, well, I intend to catch her in the act next time she makes a move. That is, if I can find her.”
Lara wanted to slap him, but the dead-serious look in his dark eyes told her this was no joke. “You only came into my house last night and now you insult me by even suggesting such a thing as Deidre being involved?”
His next words sent a chill through Lara’s heart. “I just checked her room. Now that the police have left and your detail people are back at their duties, I wanted to talk to her alone.”
“And?”
“She’s not there and neither is her laptop or her tote bag. I checked her closet, too. It’s empty. Deidre has apparently left Kincade House.”
FOUR
Lara couldn’t believe this man’s audacity. She’d only met him last night and already he was bossing everyone around. Normally, she liked forceful personalities. But today had not been normal. “You snooped in Deidre’s room? Do you want me to end this assignment for you before we even begin?”
Gabriel checked the room, his expression full of concern and regret. “Look, Princess, I get these hunches about things.”
“So you just go on a hunch and assume that my assistant is involved in an attempted art theft?”
He held his hands on his hips. “I go on what I see, on things I can put together and figure out.” Tapping his temple with a finger, he added, “It’s called logic.”
Lara didn’t want to listen to him and the rebel in her fought against his logic. He’d waltzed in here like Mr. America, all gung ho and alpha male, and now he was acting like the CIA? Never mind that his words and his sincere determination made shivers of apprehension move down her scalp. Never mind that his presence here made everything different and difficult. What had she been thinking, allowing him to shadow her at a time when she needed a lot of privacy?
“You are in no position to assume that authority, Mr. Murdock. Do I need to call Malcolm in here to escort you out?”
“Is there a problem, Your Highness?”
They both whirled at the sound of Deidre’s voice.
Lara was as surprised as Gabriel. “Deidre, we were concerned about you. Where on earth did you go?”
She sent an accusing glare at Gabriel, then stepped toward her frazzled assistant. But when she came around the sofa, she saw Deidre’s suitcase near her sandaled feet.
Gabriel was right behind her. This time he gave her a telling stare. Obviously, he thought he was right.
But she knew he was wrong.
“Deidre, what’s going on?” Lara asked, wondering if she’d finally given in to that nervous breakdown the tabloids always claimed she was about to have.
Deidre started crying. “I wanted to leave, ma’am. I wanted to get out of this city.”
“And why would you want to do that?” Lara asked, another shiver going down her spine.
“I’ve made a mess of things,” Deidre replied. “I was almost to the corner, but Malcolm came and got me and forced me to return. He said even if you wanted me to leave, I couldn’t now. I’d compromise the...investigation.”
“The investigation?” Lara gave Gabriel a blaming glance, then went to Deidre. “Sit down and tell me what you mean.”
“Mr. Malcolm said there was a criminal investigation, since you’ve received two odd packages. He said it’s not safe to leave now. He told me if I left, I’d look guilty.”
“He’s correct,” Gabriel said, his eyes full of apology. “Deidre, it’s none of my business, but if you know something that can help you or the princess, you need to tell us now.”
“I don’t,” Deidre replied, pushing her dark glasses up on her nose, her gaze darting from Lara back to him. “I only know that I saw a man on the upstairs balcony last night. I didn’t even see the package.”
“That’s true,” Lara said, deciding she’d deal with Gabriel Murdock later. “I’m the one who alerted Malcolm and his team about the package.”
Deidre stopped sobbing and stilled, shock coloring her face. “You don’t think that I—”
“Of course not,” Lara replied, taking Deidre by the hand. She lifted her gaze toward Gabriel, daring him to voice what she knew he must be thinking. “But...Deidre, Mr. Murdock does have a point. Since no one witnessed the first delivery and Herbert is not answering his phone to verify what you told us last night and now you claim you saw a man—”
“I did see a man,” Deidre said, getting up to whirl around. “I don’t know anything else. I brought you the first package, but I found it. I didn’t plant it, if that’s what you’re implying. That’s the truth. I’d never do anything to harm you.”
Gabriel lifted his chin toward Lara. “May I say something else?”
Lara wanted to tell him no. She wanted to tell him to leave her house. But that little niggle of reality kept her from sending Gabriel away. That and the concern in his dark eyes.
“What?”
He gave her a nod of thanks. “Deidre, I’m the one who suspected you. Princess Lara was concerned for you, but I suggested that you might be involved. I apologize. It was very brave of you to come back and face her.”
“She’s brave because she has nothing to hide, right, Deidre?” Lara was determined to make him see that he was wrong. If she couldn’t trust Deidre, whom could she trust?
“I’m telling the truth,” Deidre replied. “Truly, ma’am, I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.”
“We believe you, don’t we, Gabriel?”
He stared at her a long minute before nodding. “I don’t want to get involved in this, but I’m here and it’s hard to avoid. It’s the nature of being an investigative photojournalist. Too curious for my own good.”
Deidre’s dark gaze probed him. Then she turned to Lara. “May I please go to my room now? I’ll unpack and we can finish what’s left of today’s schedule.”
Lara got up and hugged Deidre. “You go, but don’t worry about today’s schedule. Take a long nap. I’ll make sure Malcolm posts a guard by your door.”
Deidre nodded and grabbed her small suitcase. Lara waited until she heard the girl’s footsteps on the stairs. She turned to Gabriel, but Malcolm popped in the door.
“Ma’am, I hope the girl explained her absence and her return.”
