Page 86 of Burning Caine

“And what about her husband?” Lucy asked.

She gasped, putting a hand on her chest. “I don’t know what you’re implying, young woman, but—”

I leaned between Lucy and Kathy holding my hand up. “We didn’t mean to imply anything. It was a standard question. I think we’re done, though. Thanks, Kathy.”

I pulled a block down the road, so we weren’t lingering in front of Kathy’s house, then Lucy and I hopped to the back seat. I fired up the laptop and started a private note on the claim system, tagging Lucy so she’d have access to it.

“What did we learn?” I asked as I typed.

“She was either interested in or having an affair with Bobby.” Lucy began tentatively but grew more confident when I nodded. “I don’t think she and Olivia are as friendly as she said. And the comments about them arguing a lot, about money, specifically. That was interesting.”

“I agree. Remember Matt pointed out they’d sold several other paintings and jewelry? Sounds like they were having financial problems. And I’m betting what reminded her of a seagull was the Chagall; close to how Cliff pronounced it. Rhonda said they didn’t want to sell it, maybe that was because they knew it was a fake?” I paused, glaring at my phone for a moment, willing Antonio to call with some news. “Ifit’s a fake. We still haven’t proven it yet.”

“Why were we sneaking around the house like that?”

I typed while we continued. “I was looking for a line of sight for any cameras, but it was a no go out front and in back.”

Lucy nodded.

“Also, the Scotts’ house is still boarded up. We cut them a check last week for the repairs. Considering how insistent David Scott was about the claim, I would have expected repairs to start right away.”

“Are we getting anywhere with this claim, Sam?”

“We’re close, Lucy, I can feel it.” I checked my phone again. “When Antonio proves the painting’s a fake—”

“Or proves it’s authentic.”

I tapped a finger on my keyboard. Why hadn’t he called yet? Maybe he was too busy charming some other client to work on my—Stop, Sam.

“You’re blushing.”

“Lucy, zip it.”

Chapter 34

Antonio

Isatinmyoffice at the studio, hand on the three photos. It was enough evidence to justify calling her. Two days since the gallery, four days since the gala. I hadn’t heard from her. She would have said she was busy if I had asked, likely working. She would tell me to work on her burned painting. But the more distant she was, the surer I was that Victoria was behind it all.

She wanted to see the ultraviolet results, and I had them. So, I called, running a thumb across my lips, imagining so much more than a business meeting.

“Hi, Antonio, hold on a sec.” She became muffled. “Lucy, stay there. I’ll be up as soon as I’m off the phone.” And clear again. “Sorry. What’s up?”

“Ciao, bella. I have some news on your burned Chagall. Can you come to my office?”

“I’m working out of town all day. How about tomorrow morning?” She spoke quickly, clearly busy.

“No, no, today. I can bring everything to you.”

“Antonio, I’m an hour out of town.” She thought a little barrier would stop me?

“Perfetto, I need to go out and grab lunch anyway. It will be a nice drive. Have you eaten yet?”

“No.”

“I have the ultraviolet photos of the signature. I think you will want to see this. Do you have time?”

She gasped.