Page 80 of When Fashion Turns Deadly

“I had a feeling you would say that,” Isabelle said.

They reached the pharmacy, where Lars and Marit were still standing outside.

“Lars and I will wait here,” Cole said.

Marit stepped inside. “I’ll help you find them.”

“Thanks,” Isabelle said as they headed toward the correct aisle. Isabelle took a box off the shelf. She looked down at her feet and then at Marit. “I should probably get two boxes, shouldn’t I?’

“I’m afraid so.”

Chapter 26

Cole secured his laptop inhis bag and slipped the strap over his shoulder. He and Isabelle had yet to receive any updates on the identity of the thief from yesterday’s show or the financial records Isabelle had requested from CIA headquarters.

Isabelle, Marit, and Lars waited by the door.

“Are you ready?” Isabelle asked him.

“I think the more important question is, Areyouready?” Cole asked.

“I’ve already bandaged my blisters, so I’m probably as ready as I’m going to get.”

Cole’s phone rang. He pulled it out, intending to silence it, but when he saw Jasmine’s name on his screen, he hit the Talk button. “Anything new?”

“Yes. The fake security guard popped up in Interpol’s database.”

“Who is he?” Cole asked.

“Jemond Mercier. He was arrested six years ago in Paris for forgery.”

“That would explain how he came up with fake credentials to get into the Louvre.” Cole glanced at the others, who were still waiting for him at the door. “We’re heading out now to the next fashion show, but let me know if you find anything else.”

“There’s more,” Jasmine said. “I just emailed you and Isabelle the financials for the top six designers on your suspect list. If you need me to have headquarters pull any more, let me know.”

“Thanks, Jazz. I will.” Cole ended the call.

“What did she say?” Isabelle asked.

“She found the ID of our purse thief. He’s a forger who was arrested in Paris a few years ago,” Cole said. “She also emailed me some new information.”

“Are you ready?” Marit asked. “We really need to get going.”

Cole didn’t like the idea of sending them on alone. Even though Marit’s purse had been stolen, whoever was behind the theft hadn’t gotten what he wanted. If the thief still believed Marit had the flash drive, she was in just as much danger now as before they had set their trap.

“Do you want me to escort Marit and Isabelle to the show while you look at your new information?” Lars asked.

Cole debated briefly. Then he caught the expression on Isabelle’s face, the one that indicated that she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, blisters or not.

“Maybe I will stay and check out the new intel,” Cole said. “I’ll catch up with you as soon as I can.”

“Sounds good.” Lars opened the door.

“Hey, Lars?” Cole called after him. “Since I won’t be there, make sure you set up near the front of the runway, where you can see the whole crowd.”

“What about the backstage area?” Lars asked.

“Isabelle will be with Marit,” Cole said. “And the police have people standing by.”

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