Page 132 of The Prize
“Who keeps a Bengal tiger as a pet?” asked Abby. “Haven’t they watched those TV shows where the bloody thing turns on them?”
Agent Pearson agreed with a nod. “Eli Burell has received a $25,000 fine and will be getting jail time.”
I let out a slow steady breath. “Noodle.”
“I’m sorry?” Adley gave me an inquisitive look.
“That’s what he calls his tiger,” I said remembering it had been a gift for Paige though I left that detail out.
“And don’t forget that assault charge on Ms. Leighton,” said Abby. “I witnessed Eli Burell’s attack on her and I’m ready to testify. Add a few more years to his sentence.”
Tobias’s hand became rigid in mine and he stared at me in horror.
“Abby was right,” I told him. “She stopped him from hurting me.”
Tobias’s grip tightened on my hand. “I hear the Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum also got its paintings back?”
“Also?” Abby narrowed her gaze on Tobias.
“Didn’t you hear? The Wilder Museum received a shipment of paintings just this morning and they are from the Romanov collection. My experts confirm the provenance rests with Ms. Leighton. If anyone has questions, please address them through Reynard. The Wilder will not be making a statement. The issue is over.”
“Weren’t these the paintings discovered at the Burells’ house in Arizona?” asked Abby.
I sat up straight. “Elliot Burell denied his paintings were connected to the Romanov collection. I believe you’ll hear that in his transcript.”
“Where did they come from, then?” asked Abby.
“I’m looking into it,” said Tobias.
“And of course, I will be paying back the entire insurance payout as the paintings were not destroyed in a fire as first thought.”
“Ms. Leighton,” said Reynard, “with your permission?” On my nod he continued. “We wish to discuss the subject of Icon.”
“I was wondering when we were getting to that.” Abby’s tone was sarcastic.
“My client Icon,” said Reynard with a controlled cadence, “who will continue to remain anonymous, has a gift for you. Mr. Huntly, as an act of good faith thisgiftwill be proof he was at all times working for a higher purpose.”
“This is going to be good.” Abby flashed a glance at Agent Pearson. “It doesn’t work like that. Right?”
“Actually,” said Adley, “it does appear that Icon was restoring art to those who it was stolen from. These are our findings back at Huntly Pierre.”
Abby looked exasperated. “Still, these were crimes and any illegal act must be prosecuted.”
Adley reached over and rested his hand on Abby’s. “All the paintings are with their owners who hold full provenance.”
“What about the families who believed they were theirs?” she added.
“They were in possession of stolen property,” said Agent Pearson. “No charges will be pressed as it appears many of them had no idea of the illegal holding. Not in the States, anyway.”
“Are you even a bit curious?” Adley used his chin to point to the painting behind the veil upon the stand.
Abby rolled her eyes. “Go on, then. I know Adley’s itching to see what this is.”
Tobias pushed himself to his feet. “I’m honored to have worked with Ms. Leighton. Here is what her expertise uncovered.” He whisked off the veil—
It was theotherMona Lisa.
The same one we’d rescued from Burell’s hands.
