Page 79 of When Fashion Turns Deadly

“Someone must have found it, because it went offline not long after the purse was stolen,” Cole said.

Lars slid his arm around Marit’s shoulders. “We’re really sorry, Marit.”

“Did you see who took it?” Marit asked.

“Yes, but it wasn’t the person who ended up with it,” Cole said. He explained the progression of events.

“Did you ever identify the guard?” Isabelle asked.

“No. He came in with fake credentials, but the security cameras caught a decent image of him, so police are running his image through facial ID.”

The police would hopefully find out who the culprit was, but if the Paris police department was anything like the ones in the large cities in the States, it could take days to get results.

Isabelle’s gaze met Cole’s. “Maybe you should have your friends run the image too.”

“I already forwarded it over.” Cole retrieved Isabelle’s borrowed Molenaar bag and handed it to her. “My guess is he’s another hired hand.”

“Whoever’s behind this is spending a lot of money trying to get these designs,” Marit said. “That’s at least three people they’ve sent after my purse.”

“Maybe we need to start looking for large withdrawals from LaRue’s bank accounts,” Isabelle said. “That could help tie him to the attempted muggings.”

Lars put his hand on Marit’s waist as they all started toward the exit. “I don’t suppose he’s one of the designers who banks with Bankhaus Steiner, is he?”

“I’m afraid not, but I know some people who might be able to check out his transactions,” Isabelle said.

“Between Cole’s friends and your friends, you two really do make a great team,” Lars said.

Cole took her hand and brought it to his lips. “Yes, we do.”

Goose bumps formed along her arm and up her neck at the simple gesture. Cole really could be charming at times. And completely clueless at others. Perhaps it was the unpredictability that kept her on her toes and left her always enjoying the question of what he would do next.

She stopped when they reached the main hallway to slip her shoes on and winced when one rubbed against her heel.

“You okay?” Cole asked.

“I will be as soon as I put on some fresh Band-Aids, or plasters, or whatever you want to call them.”

“Do we need to pick up some more at the pharmacy?” Cole asked.

“I have plenty in my—” Marit broke off. “Purse... or I did.”

“Looks like we need to make a stop on the way back to the flat,” Cole said.

They reached the exit, Isabelle only limping slightly as she went.

As soon as they were outside, Lars said, “What’s our plan for tonight? Find someplace to eat and commiserate over Marit’s lost bag, or stop at the pharmacy first so Isabelle can find some relief?”

“Pharmacy first,” Isabelle insisted. “After that, anywhere you want to go is fine.”

“There’s a pharmacy right down the street,” Marit said.

Cole and Isabelle fell into step behind Lars and Marit. The way he deliberately kept Marit and Lars in front of them suggested that Cole either had something to say that he didn’t want them to hear, or he wanted to make sure he could block any threat that might approach them from behind.

Cole leaned close. “How long will it take you to pull the financials on LaRue?”

“If I send the request to headquarters, I could have them as early as tomorrow,” Isabelle said. “I think we need to request that finance runs the same search on our other suspects, too, just to be safe.”

“As long as I don’t have to stare at spreadsheets, you can request as many reports as you want.”

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