Chapter Thirty-One
The moment Alexi had mentioned Phoebe, Donovan wanted to punch him between the eyes. Managing to push aside the burning temptation he’d walked out with Brian and Chris, then watched as the frame was loaded.
“How was it?” Phoebe asked as he climbed back into the Mercedes.
“Tense, but that’s to be expected. I must let Peter know we’re on our way back,” he declared, quickly placing the call.
“Donovan! How did it go?” Peter asked anxiously as he answered.
“No problems and we’re on way home.”
“That’s wonderful news. Did Alexi look at the portrait closely?”
“As closely as he could. It was still rolled up and he used a flashlight. But it doesn’t matter. All he really cares about is the money. It’s just fortunate you had that Gilcee print stashed away.”
“I had a feeling it might come in handy one day, but I never thought it would be for something like this,” Peter remarked with a relieved sigh. “As for Giles—I can’t believe he would do something so heinous! I’m not sure I’ll be able to control myself next time I see him.”
“You got the better of him, that’s the important thing. Even if he finds out it’s a print he wouldn’t dare challenge Alexi. But I need to make another call. I just wanted to let you know everything went as planned.”
“Drive safely, and thank you, Donovan.”
“Hey, putting one over on Alexi Koslov was very satisfying! I’ll see you shortly.”
“Do you think Giles will find out the painting he spent a fortune on is a copy?” Phoebe asked as he ended the call.
“He will if he tries to sell it, but as I just said to Peter, he’ll be too scared to confront Alexi. Now I must update Sam.”
“Give me good news,” Sam said, answering on the first ring.
“No problems, and I’m fairly certain Alexi was the man behind the string of art thefts.”
“Was? Past tense? What makes you think he’s stopped?”
“This one was a nightmare. I don’t know why, but he was forced to use two local hoods, Craig Carson and Bob Lacey, and as you know they totally screwed up. Then there was that dreadful scene in the woods with his man Oleg who’s now in custody. Bottom line, Alexi’s luck has run out and he knows it. He’s leaving London as we speak. No doubt he’s found another nefarious way to victimize people and make more millions. Now my focus is on David Weiss and finding out what’s in that frame. He’ll be arriving tomorrow.”
“Let me know right away. I’m just as intrigued as you are. Good work, Donovan. I’ll speak to you later.”
“Bye, Sam.”
“I’m suddenly exhausted,” Phoebe said with a yawn. “I can’t imagine why. It’s the middle of the day.”
“It’s because the case is over. It will probably hit me tonight.”
“What will happen to Jimmy Pike and all the others who were involved?”
“That’s not my department, but I’m sure they’ll be prosecuted. I just wish I could have nailed Alexi.”
“I’ve been wondering about that. Why didn’t you use the real portrait and trap him somehow?”
“Trust me, Phoebe, this wasn’t the case,” Donovan said solemnly. “But our paths will cross again, and I have faith an opportunity will present itself. When it does I’ll be ready.”
* * *
Wearing raincoats and sitting on top of the hillock, Trevor and Jane were huddled together watching the dramatic sheets of rain sweep across the valley. Resting her head on his shoulder, she closed her eyes and said a silent prayer of thanks. Over the last couple of days they had fervently kissed and he had playfully swatted her more than once. She’d loved it. But he hadn’t pushed for more.
“I assume you’ll be heading off to university soon,” he remarked. “Where will you be going?”
“Um, actually, I’m not, and daddy keeps badgering me. I suppose I’ll have to tell him. I’m out of time.”
“Do you have a career in mind?”
“Definitely.”
“May I ask…?”
“As long as you promise not to laugh.”
“I would never laugh at you, Jane. With you, yes, but never at you.”
“Okay. I want to be a mother. A real mother. A mother who’s always there for her children no matter what. And I want lots of them. Maybe six.”
“Wow. That is a career.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” she demanded, jerking her head up.
“Don’t be so defensive. I’m serious. That’s the most important career a woman can have, and I think it’s fantastic.”
“You do?”
“Absolutely, and those six children will be blessed to have you as their mum.”
“I hope so,” she mumbled, fighting unexpected tears. “I’ll be a whole lot better than mine, that’s for sure.”
“Is she that bad?”
“She’s not mean or anything, she’s just never around. And when I say never, I mean never. She’s too busy with all her charities and she has been for years. I think she just likes being a social queen.”
“Have you ever told her how you feel?”
“How can I talk to someone who’s permanently absent?”
“There’s this amazing device called a phone. All you have to do is tap the numbers, and bingo, the person answers and you can speak to them.”
“Maybe you’re right,” she mumbled thoughtfully.
“Jane, no-one knows how you feel until you tell them. She may not understand, but at least you can get it out, and it will help you. I promise.”
“You’re right! I’ve wanted to say something for ages but I wasn’t brave enough. I am now. Wow. Yes. I am, I really am. I’m also starting to get cold, but before we leave can I ask you something? It’s kind of personal.”
“Go ahead.”
“You don’t have to answer.”
“What is it, Jane?”
“Why haven’t you tried to do more than just kiss and hold me?”
“You don’t want me to.”
“How do you know that?”
“I’m not sure,” he replied with a frown. “I guess I can just feel it. In fact, would I be right if I said you want to hold back until your wedding night?”
“Oh, my gosh. I can’t believe you knew. Do you think that’s silly?”
“Not at all. I think it’s awesome, and I really respect you for it, though may I ask why?”
“I’m not sure. I think it’s growing up at Hawthorne Hall. I can feel the past, the way things used to be. I admit I went off the rails for a little while, but that’s over. Trevor…don’t think I’m crazy, but I feel as if I’ve lived here before.”
“That’s interesting. Whenever I’m here in the country I do too. I think I used to be a farmer. I love animals. Now my stint in the army is over I plan on being a vet.”
“You are? That’s wonderful. I keep hounding dad for a dog and he’s finally agreed. Of course I want six of them too.”
“Of course! Come on, let’s get back. I think the rain is picking up and we’re already drenched.”
“Trevor? Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Being here and being you.”
* * *
Back in London, at precisely 11:45, Giles Cavendish had finally dragged himself out of bed. After taking a hot shower to clear his foggy head, he brewed a fresh pot of coffee and settled down to await the arrival of the portrait. A few minutes past noon the doorbell chimed. Barely able to contain his excitement he hurried down the hall and opened the door.
“Sign here, please,” a man gruffly ordered, handing him a tablet.
“Where is it?” Giles asked, seeing only a sedan double-parked on the street.
“Please stand aside. It’s heavy and awkward, I’ll push it in.”
“Why the hell is that?” Giles demanded as the messenger managed to shove it through the door.
“Hey, I just deliver.”
As the courier strode away, Giles sat on the floor and managed to unscrew one of the caps.
“Who the hell sent me this thing,” he grunted, reaching inside and gripping the edge of what felt like thick paper. As he tugged, the end of Gilcee print slid out, exposing the head of Lord Percival Hawthorne.
“No, no, no,” Giles cried, dropping it as he jumped to his feet.
Leaning against the wall, his fingers shaking, he pulled his phone from his pocket only to see a voicemail from Alexi. Hastily tapping the icon, he heard…
Giles, Alexi here. I received the transfer of funds and the painting is yours, but if you also want the antique picture frame you need to call me right away. It will be picked up when the painting is dropped off in the morning. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, and so am I. The painting is much safer in a canister and it will be delivered to your home around noon. I’m leaving London for a while and I won’t be reachable, so as I said, if you want that frame you need to get back to me.