Paige MacKenzie Mysteries Box Set by Deborah Garner

Author:Deborah Garner [Garner, Deborah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780996044912
Publisher: Cranberry Cove Press
Published: 2018-04-02T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

“Where's the stash we found in the mining tunnel?” Jake left Hollister retracing the mark in the spilled sugar and turned to Clive.

“It's all at the gem gallery, being inventoried.” Clive said. “The deputies needed a place with good lighting to photograph and catalog everything. And they wanted to get the packages out of the tunnel so they could seal it off before anyone else tried to enter. It's not safe in there.”

“Probably not,” Paige muttered. Still groggy from the painkillers, every statement she made was edged with humor. She twisted sideways and rested her head on the couch.

Jake and Clive exchanged grins.

“Definitely not,” Jake added. He smiled at Paige before turning back to Clive.

“What do you say we see how the inventory is going?” Jake thrust a thumb toward the hotel's front door. “I have a feeling I know exactly what's in those packages.”

Paige wrinkled her brow as she listened. She'd had a clear look at the packages before her flashlight gave out, as well as at the printed numbers on each one.

“I'm coming with you.” Paige leaned forward and made an effort to stand, in spite of disapproval from both Jake and Clive. On the first try, she lost her balance and fell back onto the couch. She ignored another round of pleading for her to rest. Her second attempt at standing was more successful. She held up both hands, refusing help when Jake extended an arm for support.

“You are not leaving me behind. I slept for ten hours, remember?” Paige took a few steps without faltering to prove she was up for a short walk. “The doctor told me to take it easy. He didn’t say I had to remain motionless. Besides, I can't just sit around and listen to everyone discussing my 'adventure' as if I'm not even here.”

“You’re my stubborn girl. I guess there’s no sense in trying to change your mind,” Jake said.

Paige warmed to the words “my” and “girl.”

The scene at the gallery was calm compared to the hotel. Paige took a seat and looked around.

The paintings all had western themes, but the subject matter varied. In some, soft landscapes picked up intricate details of the local area. The essence of the Judith Basin scenery was so real it almost seemed an observer could step into the paintings and become part of the surroundings.

Still others portrayed specific subject matter – bison, horses, wagons and campfires or Native American tribes. Some reflected Russell’s style, while others were unique. Paige knew nothing about brush strokes, color tones and other technical details, but she was sure Lambert would have insight to give.

She turned her attention to a deputy taking notes as questions began to form. “There were numbers on the packages,” she said.

“Don't worry. I've noted them as I've opened each painting,” the deputy commented. “I don't know what they represent, but I've attached the number to the inside frame of each canvas.”

“I think I know what the numbers represent,” Paige said. “Each one has a meaning.

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