Chapter Thirty
By the time Donovan and Phoebe finished breakfast the van had arrived. While Donovan left to fetch the canister, the three security guards who had volunteered to act as moving men appeared wearing overalls Jane had found in a basement.
“You certainly look the part,” Peter remarked approvingly. “Please know I really am very grateful for your help.”
“It’s our pleasure, sir,” one of them said, stepping forward. “I’m Brian, and that’s Ron and Chris. We’d like to express our appreciation for your hospitality. It’s only been a short time but your staff has been very kind. And you have an amazing cook.”
“Ah, yes, we do.”
“Time to head out,” Donovan exclaimed, walking towards them holding the large, cumbersome canister. “This darn thing is awkward and surprisingly heavy. I suggest two of you carry it. We don’t want it hitting the ground and getting damaged.”
“We’ll be waiting in the van,” Brian said as the other two each took an end and moved it outside.
“I’ll be right there,” Donovan called after them. “So, this is it,” he continued, lowering his voice and turning to Peter. “Just to reiterate, once the frame is in the van Phoebe and I will follow it back here, and Sam has arranged eyes in the sky. If anyone is on our tail we’ll know and take evasive maneuvers. But I’ll stay in touch, and if you need me don’t hesitate to call.”
“Thank you, Donovan, thank you very much indeed. And thank you, Phoebe,” he added, placing his hand on her shoulder. “You’re a remarkable pair. Good luck, not that you need it.”
Phoebe suddenly stepped forward and hugged him.
“You’re such a sweet man, Peter. I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you.”
“Heavens, thank you. The feeling’s mutual. You’re a remarkable young woman.”
Not sure how to respond she just smiled, then headed outside with Donovan.
“I have to ask you something,” she said as they moved towards the Mercedes. “Why are you letting me come with you? Aren’t you worried something might happen when we arrive at Alexi’s house?”
“Yes, but I’d be more worried if I left you here. I don’t want you out of my sight for one minute.”
“That’s so lovely,” she purred, tilting her head to the side and smiling at him. “You just made me all gooey inside.”
“Good grief, come on, get in the car or you’ll make us late,” he ordered, but as she climbed in he felt his heart swell. He was truly in love for the first time in his life.
* * *
Though the drive to London was uneventful, Donovan talked about Alexi Koslov, and what a truly diabolical man he was. Nothing was certain until they were safely back at Hawthorne Hall with the frame.
“That’s why I had to call in a security team,” he said with a frown. “He could send men like that Oleg character there. This isn’t over until he’s left London.”
“What’s to stop him from going back and stealing another painting.”
“He rarely returns to his previous sites. Maybe he’s superstitious about it.”
As they followed the van off the motorway and through the busy city streets, Donovan felt his pulse tick up. What he was doing carried a certain amount of risk, but he was confident he could pull it off. When they passed The Bridgerton Hotel they shared a glance, then smiled. “We have to do what you said,” Phoebe said softly.
“Which was?”
“Stay there just for fun.”
“We will, and that’s a promise,” he replied with a wink, then turned down Alexi’s street and called Brian in the van. “It’s that white house on the left. The one with the pillars.”
“Yes, sir.”
As the van rolled to a stop, Donovan pulled up behind it.
“Phoebe, stay here no matter what,” he ordered. “If for some reason you need to move the car shoot me a text.”
“Okay. And Donovan—please be careful.”
“I always am.”
Stepping into the road, he waited as she climbed into the driver’s seat, then marched up to the front door.
* * *
Alexi was watching the street from an upstairs window. He still hadn’t heard from Giles Cavendish so he assumed the man had no interest in the antique frame. Seeing the van and Mercedes stop outside the house he immediately alerted Ari, then trotted down the stairs and strode into the greeting room.
His heart started to race.
It always did at such times.
To the victor go the spoils.
He’d loved the adage the moment he’d heard it, and it echoed through his head at the conclusion of every deal.
“Alexi,” Donovan exclaimed, walking through the door with Ari behind him. “My movers are bringing in the canister. It’s heavy and awkward.”
“I’m sure it is.”
“If it’s okay with you, I’ll stay while you examine the portrait, and they’ll load the frame into the van.”
“So you’ll be my hostage,” Alexi said with a chuckle.
“Apparently, and here they are,” he declared as Brian and Chris placed the thick cardboard tube on the floor. “The end unscrews, but be careful when you pull it out. Remember it’s very old and worth a great deal of money.”
“Wait!” Alexi said sharply. “Will it be difficult to roll back up?”
“I’m not sure. It wasn’t me who put it in there. It was done by a former curator of a museum. Lord Hawthorne called him in.”
“Can I see the painting without taking it all the way out?”
“I believe you could if you have a flashlight. Sorry, that’s called a torch here in England.”
“Ari!”
“Right away, Mr. Koslov.”
“Hey, boys, you can load the frame,” Donovan declared, turning to face them.
“Right away, Mr. Blake.”
As they lifted the frame and started to carry it from the room, Ari returned and handed Alexi the torch.
“I can probably pull it out a bit” Donovan suggested. “That will help you see it properly.”
“Ari, help Donovan, but be cautious.”
“Yes, Mr. Kozlov.”
Alexi waited until they’d managed to slide out almost six inches, but worried the portrait might be damaged if they continued, he told them to stop. Crouching down, he shone the bright light into the hollow. The portrait was easy to see.
“I’m not a sentimental man,” he said briskly as he straightened up, “but I can understand why it might be difficult for Lord Hawthorne to part with this. I’m glad I was able to return the frame. Goodbye, Donovan. I’m leaving London so we won’t be meeting again. Be sure to give Phoebe my regards.”