Art Heist by Leigh Macfarlane

Author:Leigh Macfarlane
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, romantic suspense, art theft, romance book, romance love, single mother romance, canadian novel, impressionist painters, readymade family romance
Publisher: Leigh Macfarlane

Chapter Twenty-Two

The first step was the hardest.

Raewyn felt the looming panic cloying at the back of her throat growing stronger the nearer she got to the gallery doors. Beside her, Liz’s heels clicked a staccato rhythm against the smooth tiles.

The woman really did love her footwear, Rae thought. Today’s shoes were pointed toe mules with chunky heels in brown velvet with golden flowers embroidered all over the material. In a word, smashing. Liz had style, no doubt. Even though today’s shoes were likely not the most expensive in Liz’s closet, Raewyn had to wonder how the woman afforded her wardrobe.

Then again, she thought, as Liz held open the gallery door for her, the older woman had worked here awhile. Possibly their salaries weren’t the same.

She took that first step past the threshold of the gallery with her heartbeat thundering in her ears. Not even the distraction provided by staring at Liz’s shoes kept her from faltering slightly at the wall where the would-be robber had shoved her head-first into the drywall.

“You okay?”

“I…” It took an effort to put the fake smile on her face, but Raewyn managed to make it look convincing. “Yeah, of course. I’m fine. When did they say the exhibit was going to open back up?”

“They aren’t saying. To be honest, I think it’s more an if than a when.”

“Really? But the robbery was stopped. It would be awful if the show was cancelled. In a way, like the burglars had won, after all.”

“Well, as amazing as you and Kurt were that day,” Liz said, touching Rae’s sleeve lightly, “It’s not up to us. That decision isn’t even up to Priscilla.”

“It’s the call of… what did you say her name was?”

“Wendy Van Doren. The Hart Gallery sent her to do an inspection. They want to be sure the painting really wasn’t damaged before they decide whether they plan to recall the show or not.”

“There are less than two weeks left in the exhibit as it is,” Rae said. Her eyes darted around the room in protest, landing on one masterpiece after another. When she got to the bare spot on the wall where the Picasso used to hang, her stomach gave a queasy flip. “It would just be such a shame.”

“Well, maybe you’ll get a chance to tell Wendy you feel that way. You’re kind of the star of the moment. Who knows? Maybe your opinion will have an impact.”

Rae glanced at Liz quickly. There was something about the way her co-worker spoke that was just… off. Too formal, or something. Raewyn couldn’t quite put her finger on what she was sensing, and Liz’s expression was neutral enough. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was an undertone she was missing.

“You about done in here?”

“Mmm.” Rae glanced at Liz again, and this time it was easy enough to read what she was feeling. Impatience. Opening the gallery for Raewyn had been sweet of Liz. Now, clearly, Rae was keeping Liz from her work. Her co-worker was ready to lock the doors up and get back to work.

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