Page 124 of Caper Crush
As I say “the tree house photo,” William says “the photo he framed for Annabelle.”
A chill passes through me.That’s it.That’s where it is.
But the police checked it out that day.
“But he gave them to her at the party,” Uncle Tony says.
Takashi asks, “How would he have had time to remove the Kimimoto from its frame and put it in the back of her newly framed photo?”
“Plus, he needed it to make forgeries,” Uncle Tony says.
“He must have put it there after,” I say. “He’s been there a lot since David moved out.”
We turn onto the FDR Drive. The East River is choppy today. One sailboat tacks against the wind. I text Annabelle.
Me:Can we come back over?
Annabelle:I’m okay. You don’t have to worry about me.
I feel terrible saying that it’s not out of concern for her well-being.
Me:It’s related to the investigation.
Peter:Just arrived at JFK.
I’d forgotten he was arriving today. At least I’ve got my painting back. I’m not meeting him at the utter nadir of my career.
My phone rings. It’s Officer Johnson.
“We’ve arrested Edmund and Matt,” he says. “But … Edmund says he destroyed the Kimimoto.”
I gasp. “But why?”
“To hurt you.”
I look at William.How can I tell my uncles this?
He glances over, and his face falls.
“He destroyed it,” William says flatly.
“Yes,” I choke out.
The deflation in the car feels tangible. It’s like we were a buoyant balloon and all the air just escaped.
Chapter thirty-three
Iturnaroundtolook back at Uncle Tony and Takashi sitting in the back seat of the car. Uncle Tony holds Takashi’s hand.
“I’m so sorry,” I say.
“Should I head across town at Sixty-Sixth Street? Or do you still want to go to your sister’s?” William asks.
“Let’s still try the photos,” I say. “I can’t see Edmund destroying it. He’s a collector, and he needs the money. It doesn’t make sense to destroy that one. He would have destroyed mine first.”
Uncle Tony nods. “Yes, I don’t think he would have destroyed it. He just wants us to think that.”
William drives past Sixty-Sixth Street.
