Chapter 1 #2
Dad was obsessed with it, and I’ve researched the hell out of it.
I have theories about what may have happened to it when the Nazis invaded Austria, but nothing’s ever panned out.
It seems to have disappeared into thin air.
Lost forever. To make things even more complicated, there are at least half a dozen fakes circulating, but no clues were left anywhere leading to where the real one may have ended up.
In the mass of detailed documents the Nazis created of the artwork and antiquities they stole, the Phantom Orchid seems to have evaporated from the pages.
If it was ever stolen to begin with.
“A very old, extremely interesting map came into my possession.” He opens a desk drawer and removes a large, yellowed sheet of paper that’s crumbling at the edges. After carefully unfolding it, he smooths it out against the leather top desk.
Hmm. I wonder which thief retrieved that little gem for him?
He crooks a finger for me to come closer. “Take a look.”
Standing up, I brace my hands against the desk’s edge and lean forward to study the map. My breath catches in my throat.
“It’s Heidenreichstein Castle in Austria,” he says. I can feel him studying me, but I don’t comment. Yet.
My heartbeat, however, goes into double-time when I see the underground tunnels. That isn’t public information, and it’s a clue that could lead to the ultimate purple prize.
“At the time of the German invasion in 1938, the owner of the castle, Prince Pálffy had a guest—”
“Empress Sophie,” I finish, tracing a finger over the tunnels.
“I know the story. She was staying at the castle and had the Phantom Orchid in her possession at the time of the invasion. The Nazis took every valuable they could get their hands on, so people hid their jewels, money and anything worth stealing. If this map is accurate then the Phantom Orchid may never have left Austria.”
He grins. “Correct. It could be hidden away in these tunnels.”
I finally look up, still playing it cool even though I’m brimming over with excitement.
Finding the Phantom Orchid meant the world to my father.
If I can carry on his legacy and discover the lost gemstone, it would be my crowning achievement.
My last heist. I could comfortably ride off into the sunset with the Phantom Orchid in my pocket. For my dad.
Because screw this guy, I think, giving Voss an easy, mega-watt smile as I promise, “If it’s there, I’ll find it.”
“Excellent. I’ll have Percy make a copy of the map for you and prepare the jet for Vienna. It will be ready tonight for your departure. Percy will be in touch with further details.”
“Sounds good.”
“I’ll expect to hear from you within two days. Hopefully with news that you’re bringing my diamond back.”
“Here’s to hoping.” I cross my fingers. “And a little luck.”
It turns out, I’m going to need a helluva lot more than a little luck.
Once I’m back home in my downtown apartment, I let out a frustrated groan.
There’s a reason Heidenreichstein Castle was never taken or destroyed by enemies.
The damn thing is impossible to breach. It’s in a remote location on a steep hill, surrounded by two moats, and reinforced with thick walls and multiple layers of defense including an outer wall, inner wall and keep.
It also possesses elaborate gatehouses which are practically independent fortresses by themselves.
Rubbing my temples, I rack my brain for answers. And I keep coming back to the same thing—I’m going to need a partner. I normally always work alone because I don’t trust anyone. But after further research, pulling off this heist by myself is going to be flipping impossible.
Never mind the standard safeguards for a damn medieval castle, they also have some extensive modern security which includes guards, alarms and cameras.
Not my area of expertise. I need someone who’s tech savvy.
I’m more of a charm-my-way-in kinda gal who bats her lashes and relies on her powers of persuasion and seduction.
Or her stun gun, and I can’t exactly stun every castle guard.
I’m also not a gems expert. And since it’s a well-known fact there are numerous fakes floating around, my biggest fear is finding a knockoff instead of the real thing. I’m going to need someone to verify its authenticity and then keep their mouth shut about its discovery.
A name quickly surfaces in my mind—Ryder McKay—along with an image of the man. Thick, wavy brown hair. Chocolate-brown eyes. Large hands I’ve daydreamed about on more than one occasion.
The problem is he works for my rival—A-Squared Enterprises, a team run by Addison Mills. Pulling him in means also pulling in the others, and I refuse to turn this into a three-ring circus where everyone wants a cut of my diamond.
No, I just need him. But how can I convince him to help me? And can I trust a thief?
Yeah, that would be a no. I don’t trust anyone. Besides, there’s no way he’d ever agree.
Guess I’ll just have to force—I mean, convince him.
Whether he likes it or not, Ryder McKay is going to help me find the Phantom Orchid. All I have to do is strike when he’s most vulnerable and least expects it.