Page 11 of The Scarab's Game
“Yeah, I did. I mean, I do.”
I followed Jean-Philippe, keeping close to the wall so I could watch the conversation unseen.
Jenn approached Dante. “I ran a couple of tests to verify which solvents to use. They need to develop overnight, so I can be sure.”
“Any progress is excellent.” Dante held up a white bag and a to-go cup. “I bought you some coffee and couldn’t resist a few macarons.”
She paused. Her back was to me, but I saw enough of her profile to read the hesitation. Brows and lips down. Confused?
Considering how often Scarlett complained about the jerks Jenn dated—I’d only met two and could confirm they were both assholes—she probably wasn’t sure how to accept the kindness. Or she was trying to figure out how to turn down his overt flirtation because she was in a relationship.
She accepted the bag, peered inside, and let out a tiny laugh. “Thanks.”
Shit. She was buying it.
“Monsieur?” said Jean-Philippe, jarring me back to my job. He was halfway to the next flight of stairs.
How long had I been staring at Jenn and Mr. Coffee?
Andwhywas I staring at them? Why did it matter when I had a job to do?
Because the scarab upstairs isn’t the one you’re looking for.We’d seen our target on display at a gala two months ago in Washington, DC. It wasn’t hidden somewhere, waiting for a cleaning.
Which meant it was at Massimo’s home, one of his other locations, or stored away from prying eyes. Our source told us it was in Monaco, though. If it wasn’t at the gallery, Dante was a better bet than Jean-Philippe to gain me access to their home or offices. I had to take my opportunity before he left.
I dodged Jean-Philippe and returned down the stairs. “Dante, what luck!” I looked at Jenn, feigning surprise, as though I hadn’t been spying on them. “And Jenn! I didn’t realize you’d be here. Twice in as many days. What are the odds!”
Her cheeks reddened as our gazes met, the bag hanging open in front of her.
“Emmett Stone.” I shook Dante’s hand, squeezing more than I should have, which he did right back. “Jenn introduced us last night?”
“Sì, I remember.” His pretty little smile for Jenn had vanished. No surprise there. “Is Jean-Philippe helping you?”
“I am, sir,” said the gallery staffer.
“We were on our way to the third floor. I’m eager to see what you have.” I winked at him, letting go of his hand and the testosterone game while playing up our level of familiarity. “My client is looking for a piece of Egyptian jewelry or something small in gold. Jean-Philippe mentioned a blue scarab, whichisn’t the right material. I don’t suppose you have anything in the back like that?”
“This is my father’s gallery. I know more about his profit margins than his inventory.” Dante gestured to Jean-Philippe. “Our staff are the best people to answer questions for our clients.”
Jenn hadn’t closed the bag yet. She’d barely moved other than her gaze flicking back and forth to follow my conversation with Dante. “I’m going to pack up.”
Dante touched her upper arm. The gesture was too intimate for a work relationship. “Are we still on for dinner?”
Jenn’s gaze darted to me, then back to Dante. “I have some research to do. I think I’ll grab my laptop and sit somewhere by myself. Maybe tomorrow?”
Dante nodded at her, then addressed me. “If you don’t find anything your client is interested in, Jean-Philippe can show you the digital inventory.”
Two more people entered the gallery, a middle-aged man and woman, walking close enough they were obviously a couple. They detoured directly to the Greek statue in the front window.
“That sounds perfect.” I’d have to call my younger sister before seeing the digital inventory. Brie was our team’s hacker, and if I could get my phone next to that tablet while Jean-Philippe was calling up the inventory, she might be able to gather additional intel. I turned to Jean-Philippe. “It appears you have some new customers, so why don’t I stop in tomorrow?”
Jean-Philippe nodded.
I stepped closer to Jenn, placing a hand on her back. “Scar said you’re staying at the Hôtel de Paris?”
“I am.”
“I’m going back there now, so why don’t I walk with you?”