Page 148 of The Chase
Sarah Louise Ramirez would be in her seventies now, if she was still alive. She’d no doubt remember that night and might even be able to shed more light on her family. Maybe even remember them owning the Titian.
Melancholy shattered me; I knew all about the suffering that followed surviving a house fire.
I wanted to say something to reassure Danny that we didn’t know anything sinister had happened for sure but motive was key in a case like this. That legal battle of ownership over a Titian suggested foul play was a possibility. And the Burells’ lawyers had dusted away the annoying rumors that followed.
Why did each revelation bring more questions?
My thoughts carried me back toSt. Joanand her strange disappearance. I’d managed to keep my paranoia at bay but this sense of invasion prickled beneath my skin.
“What can we do about it?” said Danny.
“It’s such a long time ago,” I said.
“But surely there should be an investigation? Something done?”
“I know. Let’s gather all the evidence on the other cases and maybe something can be done.”
“When I first came into this job I knew there were some greedy cunts, but this is unspeakable.”
I waved him back from the ledge. “The truth always rises, Danny. Maybe that’s why you and I were chosen for this. Because we have the skills to know what we’re looking at. And the determination to look deeper. We aren’t willing to be silenced.”
“Promise me you’ll see this righted.”
“I promise.” That vow felt like an arrow to my heart.
I followed his gaze toward the conference door and saw a striking mirage—
Tobias was leaning casually on the doorjamb, his blue shirt and ripped jeans playing down the fact he ruled one of the most advanced tech empires. It was as though he’d purposefully dressed down to lessen his intimidation.
I always needed a few seconds to catch my breath with every new encounter. That kind face catching me off guard with its ethereal beauty, those refined masculine edges, the way his smile reached his eyes.
After this afternoon he felt like a goddamn miracle.
“Elena told me it was okay?” he said. “Hope I’m not disturbing you?”
“Of course not.” I rounded the desk and made my way toward him.
Danny’s inquisitive stare bounced to Tobias and back to me again.
“We were just finishing up.” I reached for Tobias’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
He came in farther and slipped his hand down to the small of my back and tipped me backward in one continuous movement to dip me, and I let out a gasp of surprise. I was powerless to resist as I hung completely off balance. All I could do was grin up at him.
He leaned in and kissed me, crushing those soft lips to mine, and the day slipped away... Tobias peered up at Danny. “This is how Zara greets all of Huntly Pierre’s clients. Quite the service.”
He lifted me up, and I sprang to steady my feet and tipped forward, leaning conveniently against his biceps. “You’re incorrigible.”
He peered across the room. “Where did the Pollock go?” He laughed and brought his arms up, shielding himself from a possible thump.
“I’ve been put through more than enough trials, mister.”
He studied my face. “How was your day?”
“Challenging.” I wrapped my arms around him and squeezed him tight and my entire body tingled.
Danny gathered his files and came over. “Good to see you again, Mr. Wilder.” His eyes found mine and widened in a questioning way as he walked toward the door. “I’ll let you continue with your consultation.”
“Danny!” I chastised him playfully.
