Page 15 of No Artful Refusal
Chapter 7
Devyn glanced aroundJanice Willoughby’s studio apartment, relieved she’d been allowed inside so easily.The young woman had been unable to hide her surprise or the brief wariness that followed, but Devyn quickly put her at ease.
She’d learned much from Marlene through the years, including how to read people and reflect what they most wanted to hear.
A quick internet search had given her enough background on Janice’s undergraduate education, including the fact that she was the daughter of a professor.Once she had a few key details, Devyn was able to craft enough of a backstory to get in the door.
With part of her mind on the topic of art history, she wondered where the Sorenson was hiding.And how she might recover it for Marlene.
So far nothing about the young doctorate student screamed thief, and yet everything inside Devyn told her the painting was here.The source of her psychic gifts assured her she needed to stay here as long as possible to ensure Marlene didn’t suffer an irreversible loss.
A bit reserved at first, as soon as Devyn asked her about her thesis, Janice warmed up and chatted openly.
Devyn was confident that if she could steer Janice toward the topics of restoration or impressionism, she might find the clue she needed to recover the Sorenson outright.
Unfortunately, a knock on the door interrupted her progress.
“I’m so sorry,” Janice said, rising from the small table.“I never get company.”
Devyn smiled.Either the younger woman was an excellent actress, or she was confident she would get away with the theft.“No worries.I have plenty of time,” she said.
The door opened and Devyn knew who was on the other side by the abrupt tension snapping across Janice’s shoulders.Detective Hoffman’s voice solidified it.
“Janice Willoughby?”
“That’s right.”
“Chicago P.D.Detectives Hoffman and Laurier,” she said.“May we have a word?”
“Can it wait?I-I have company.”
“We’ll only be a minute,” Hoffman said too easily.
Hearing the stammer, Devyn almost smiled.The police were here.One of Marlene’s precious treasures would be saved.But her spark of relief was tempered as soon as Cade crossed the threshold.
Seeing her, he glared.
