Page 109 of The Prize
I gave a confident nod. “Istole her.”
He glanced over at his burly bodyguard. “Do you believe her?”
I sucked in a nervous breath. “Where is he, please?”
“Have breakfast with me.” He gestured to the hallway. “I had invited Icon but as he stood me up it will have to be you.”
“I did what you asked.”
“What I asked for was for you to inform Icon he was expected here.” He stomped a foot and yelled, “Now.”
“I’m sorry, I did the best I could.” I pointed to the painting. “I brought you that. Doesn’t she count for something? She’s priceless.”
“Let’s talk about Arizona.” He smirked. “What did you make of my mousetrap?”
Terrifying.
“You handled it magnificently.” He came closer. “A true inspiration. Though just before you became my guest in my art piece, Wilder placed a GPS tracker on the frame ofThe Storm on the Sea of Galilee.”He glanced at theMona Lisa’s frame.
“We fell through the trapdoor—”
“Let’s talk aboutSt. Joan.”
My gasp revealed my connection.
“My dad gifted her to Paige. Some fucker stole it from her home in Switzerland and somehow it ended up in London at Christie’s. Icon was the thief. I’m sure about that. Didn’t your father own that one?”
“Maybe it’s not the same one.”
“Something tells me it is.”
My thoughts shoved me back to that day at Christie’s when I’d been escorted into the room whereSt. Joanwas awaiting. This was how she’d made her way there. And this was how Tobias knew of her location. Icon stole her from Paige. Icon placed her at Christie’s.
And now I knew for sure Icon had stolen her.
Eli shrugged. “Dad wants his Titian back. Paige wants herSt. Joanback.” He shortened the distance between us. “Know what I want?”
I shook my head as panic rose.
“Icon.”
“I can get a message—”
“Where is he?” Eli’s eyes filled with disbelief. “I mean, we’re talking about the otherMona Lisahere. How the fuck did he steal her?”
“I just...”
“This is the work of Icon. Who is he? I want a meeting.”
“I risked my life getting that for you. Please, where’s Tobias?” I bolted toward the back of the suite and searched the other rooms. “Tobias?”
“In here.” Eli’s voice carried from another room.
Warily, I made my way in that direction with my thoughts scattered like fireflies in the blackest night—
The door slammed behind me and Eli stood between me and the exit. There was a bed in here and the sheets were ruffled, and the wardrobe open and empty.
“Come here. I’m hankering for some entertainment.”
