by Marie Astor
Chapter 13
Janet and Dennis were about to enter their building when they noticed a slouched figure lurking behind them. The two of them didn’t need to look twice to know that it was Leonard.
“Hello, Lenny,” Dennis said without turning around. “Care to join us?”
There was a sound of rushing footsteps and a few moments later Leonard caught up with them. “What took you so long?” he complained. “My arms are about to fall off.” He held up the garment bags he had in his hands.
“What’s this?” Dennis asked. “More horrible suits for me to wear? Wasn’t last time enough?”
“You can’t go wearing the same suit twice,” Leonard pointed out. “Not if you want Bassand to take you seriously.”
“I wasn’t going to,” Dennis shot back. “I have very nice suits hanging in my closet, thank you very much.”
“Come on, you two,” Janet interrupted. “Let’s go inside already.”
Luckily the lobby was empty and so was the elevator. A few minutes later they were standing in front of Janet and Dennis’s apartment door.
“I’ll go in first,” Janet said, “so that Baxter doesn’t get upset.”
“Fine by me,” Leonard agreed. “Keep that dog away from me and my trousers.”
Dennis smirked. “See, even Baxter knows that your choice in fashion is no good.”
Janet shook her head and opened the door. “Baxter, buddy, we’re home!”
There was a sound of scurrying paws as Baxter burst down the hall to greet them. His joyful bark turned into an alarming one at the sight of Leonard, as Baxter growled and bared his front teeth.
“For such a small dog, he has very impressive canine teeth,” Leonard observed, his back pressed against the front door.
“Jack Russells are hunting dogs,” Dennis said proudly. “They may be small, but their jaws are very powerful. They can hold their grip for a very long time.”
“I see,” Leonard squeaked, noticeably paler.
“Don’t be scared, Leonard,” Janet tried to reassure him. “Baxter doesn’t bite. Well, not unless he thinks there’s a threat to his home or his family. He knows you’re with us now—he’s just showing off.”
“Well tell him I’m impressed and that he can stop,” Leonard squeaked.
Janet laughed. “I think he knows that already. Come on buddy,” she said firmly, gently nudging Baxter, “on you go.” Baxter obediently trotted into the living room where he lay down on the floor by the sofa.
Janet led the way into the living room and took a seat. “Come on you two,” she called over to Dennis and Leonard. “We have lots to discuss.”
“After you.” Dennis ushered Leonard inside with a sweeping gesture.
“Thanks.” Leonard hurried over to where Janet was sitting. He was about to take a seat next to her when Baxter raised his head and barked sharply. “See?” Leonard nearly jumped. “This dog hates my guts.”
“Well, maybe if you addressed him by his name instead of ‘this dog’, Baxter might change his opinion,” Dennis said, as he scratched Baxter behind his ear. “I know buddy—he gets on my nerves too,” he whispered theatrically to Baxter.
“I heard that!” Leonard exclaimed. “And if you think that your sentiment isn’t reciprocated, you’re sorely mistaken. Why do I even bother with this nonsense? I should just let you both bomb.”
“Leonard, calm down—” Janet tried to calm him down.
“Let us bomb? And where would the deal you have with the feds be then?” Dennis cut in. “Don’t forget that we all have a stake in this.”
“Then act like it,” Leonard huffed, his arms crossed on his chest.
“Stop acting like school boys, both of you!” Janet said loudly. “Dennis, why don’t you get Leonard a drink? I think he could use one to relax. In fact, why don’t you pour us all drinks?”
“I thought you said we shouldn’t drink on the job,” Dennis pointed out.
“That’s right, but a little cognac is just what we need to settle our nerves. Now, Leonard what is it that you wanted to tell us?” Janet asked while Dennis went over to the bar to get their drinks.
“Oh, only that Bassand wants you to meet Nicole,” Leonard answered.
“You already mentioned that,” Janet reminded him. “What’s the big deal?”
“What’s the big deal? Only that nothing ever gets past Nicole. She’s the shrewdest woman I’ve ever met and the meanest one too,” Leonard added. “At fifteen she ran away from a foster home and was living off the streets. That’s when Bassand took her in and taught her the trade. He saw her swipe a Cartier watch right off some foolish woman’s wrist in a bakery shop while the stupid cow was buying Nicole an éclair. As if Nicole was some poor waif that needed saving! He still has a soft spot for her—calls her his little dove. And she is very devoted to him—she thinks of him as her father.”
“This is all very touching,” said Dennis as he placed their drinks on the table. “I didn’t know Bassand was capable of taking in street orphans. But then he did turn her into a thief, so I guess it fits the bill. Here, drink up.” He handed Leonard a glass.
Leonard lifted the snifter to his lips, took a tentative sip, and made a face.
“It’s not as good as Bassand’s scotch, but it’s not all that bad,” Dennis said defensively.
“It’s not that,” Leonard apologized, “I’m just not much of a drinker. But I can certainly use some of it now.” He finished the rest of his glass and shivered. “It seems to be doing the trick—I feel better already.”
“I’m glad.” Janet smiled. “Should we get going?”
Leonard nodded. “Yes. Just change into the outfits I brought you and we’ll be ready to go.”
Dennis groaned. “Not that again.”
Janet gave him a sharp look. “Don’t even start—you’ll be fighting a losing battle.”
“Look before you speak,” Leonard said, as he unzipped one of the garment bags and pulled out a metallic gray suit. “Now don’t tell me this isn’t a stylish suit.”
Dennis waved his hand in resignation. “I’m not even going to dignify that with an answer.”
“Good,” Janet cut in. “Now go and change.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Dennis got off the couch, grabbed the suit, and shuffled into the bedroom.
“Do you have anything for me?” Janet asked. “I loved the last outfit you picked,” she added to bolster Leonard’s self-esteem—with all the putdowns coming his way from Dennis and from Bassand, he could certainly use it.
“Thanks!” Leonard’s eyes twinkled. “I thought you would look great in this.” He opened the other garment bag and pulled out a fitted black shift dress. “Just pair it with black heels and you’ll be good to go.”
“I love it,” Janet said honestly. The dress was simple, but it was very elegant and the fabric looked very expensive. “But Leonard, how on earth are you able to afford all of this?”
“Don’t worry.” He grinned. “I’m sending the bill to the feds.”
“I hope they’ll pay.”
“Oh, they will. Believe you me, after we hand them Bassand on a platter, they’ll pay.”
Janet smiled at the newly confident Leonard—what a difference a few words of encouragement could make. “That’s the spirit, Leonard. Keep it up. Now, I’m going to go and change.” Janet got up from her seat about to leave—a move that wasn’t lost on Baxter who’d been observing everything keenly and barked instantly, his eyes fixed on Leonard.
“You’re not going to leave me here with him, are you?” Leonard’s flash of bravery had instantly evaporated.
“Why don’t you try to make friends with him,” Janet said. “I think once you get to know one another, your opinion might change.”
Before Leonard could say another word, Janet grabbed her outfit and headed for the bedroom to change. As she walked away, she heard Baxter’s bark, followed by a feeble sound that had to belong to Leonard, but she kept on walking. If they were going
to entrap Bassand, Leonard was going to have to become a whole lot tougher.
On her way into the bedroom she nearly collided with Dennis. “You’re looking spiffy,” she observed.
Dennis held up his hand in a gesture of annoyance. “Don’t even try it. These pants are riding up my butt and this jacket is pinching me in the shoulders. I feel the whole thing will burst at the seams if I take too deep a breath.”
Janet giggled. “For what’s it’s worth, you look very handsome,” she whispered.
“Coming from my wife that’s worth a lot,” Dennis said quietly. He leaned in, his lips brushing over hers. “I’m feeling better already.”
“I’m glad,” Janet said playfully. “Now I need to get dressed or we’ll be late.”
“Dammit. That’s so not what I had in mind.”
“The night is still young.” Janet winked at him. “Now go and try to be civil to Leonard. He needs all the encouragement he can get.”
With that Janet quickly closed the bedroom door and placed the dress she was going to wear on the bed. She slipped out of her clothes and put on the dress—it fit her perfectly. She was starting to like the idea of having Leonard as her personal stylist. She reached inside her closet and pulled out a pair of black stilettos—what the heck—she was feeling adventurous. Then she grabbed a clutch in dark purple patented leather and hurried into the living room, hoping that Dennis and Baxter hadn’t scared poor Leonard to death.
“Wowwee!” Dennis howled as Janet emerged down the hall.
“Well, thank you.” Janet twirled around slowly to show off. She nearly twisted her ankle when she saw that Leonard had Baxter sitting on his lap and was scratching his ear. “I see you two made friends.”
Leonard nodded. “We did. Turns out old Baxter here isn’t all that bad—he just wanted some attention. Janet, you look marvelous,” Leonard added.
“Leonard, I gotta give it to you—when it comes to dressing women, you know your stuff,” Dennis said. “Maybe you should consider it as your next career move once this whole thing with Bassand is over.”
“I’ll take it under advisement,” Leonard conceded. “It might be a nice career change. From the looks of it, the feds could use a stylist.”
“I don’t know about that,” Dennis said. “You might want to focus on the fashion world instead.”
“Gentlemen,” Janet reminded them. “It’s time for us to get going.”
Chapter 14
Half an hour later, Janet, Dennis, and Leonard were standing on the marble front steps of Bassand’s mansion.
“Here we go.” Dennis pressed the doorbell.
Minutes later Bassand’s butler opened the door. “Mr. Bassand is expecting you,” he said promptly, bowing slightly. “Please follow me.”
“At least the butler recognized us,” Dennis whispered into Janet’s ear, “so it can’t be all that bad.”
As the butler escorted them down the hallway, Janet noticed that he was leading them to a different room from the one where Bassand had met them before.
Finally, the butler swung open a set of doors. “Mr. Bassand is already waiting for you,” he said and stood aside respectfully.
As the three of them walked inside, Janet saw Bassand seated in a leather armchair in the center of the room. Next to him, halfway reclined on a settee was a striking brunette Janet assumed to be Nicole Sheridan. Janet quickly scanned the rest of the room, which consisted of a long leather couch, a coffee table, and a large mahogany bar in the far corner of the room.
“Janet, Dennis, how kind of you to join me on such a short notice.” Bassand rose from his seat to greet them. He merely nodded at Leonard to acknowledge his presence. “Come, there is a very dear friend of mine I’d like you to meet.” As he said so, the young woman sat up and directed her gaze at them. “Please meet Nicole Sheridan,” Bassand said, a glimmer of pride in his voice.
“A pleasure.” Nicole’s large, dark brown eyes took them in from beneath her long lashes. Her black, perfectly straight hair was parted down the middle and fell straight to her shoulders. She had a delicate, perfectly straight nose, sensual lips, oval chin, and a very long neck. Slowly, she got up to her feet, clearly aware of her good looks, as she showcased her long, shapely legs. She brushed past Leonard without as much as a nod, her attention focused on Janet. “Armand has told me so much about you,” she purred, as she took Janet’s hand, squeezing it firmly. “I can’t wait for us to become great friends.”
“As do I,” Janet muttered, thinking that perhaps she should’ve paid better attention to Leonard’s warning. Being under Nicole’s gaze felt as though she was being subjected to a set of X-rays.
“And you must be Dennis.” Nicole dropped Janet’s hand. “It is so wonderful to meet you at last.” She extended her slender arm, as though expecting him to kiss it.
“The pleasure, I assure you, is all mine,” Dennis said slowly as he pressed Nicole’s hand to his lips.
Janet bristled inwardly. No one, and she meant no one flirted with her man. Sure, this was a work assignment, but if that Nicole character knew what was good for her, she’d better stay away from Dennis Walker because he was already spoken for.
“Shall we?” Bassand pointed at the couch. “Please, let’s all get comfortable.” He led the way, resuming his seat in the armchair in the center.
Janet expected Nicole to take her old seat, but instead she perched herself on the couch and patted the space next to her. “Don’t be shy now,” she said, looking at Dennis.
“I assure you that shyness is not among my qualities.” Dennis took a seat next to Nicole, without giving Janet as much as a look.
“Yes, I gathered as much. That was one ballsy move you pulled snatching the Monet right from under my nose. You cost me a lot of money.” This time Nicole’s voice was icy cold, not a hint of flirtation in it, as her eyes turned into two narrow slits.
Janet felt a chill, barely resisting the urge to clutch her shoulders—there was a lot more to Nicole Sheridan than met the eye. They were going to have to watch their step around her.
“Nicole,” Bassand sounded like a father appeasing a petulant child. “We’ve been through this already. You’ll recover your commission and then some.”
“Yes, Armand.” Nicole smiled pleasantly, her voice purring again. “I can’t wait to hear about this venture that Janet and Dennis have in mind.”
“And you shall, my dear,” Bassand said soothingly, “you shall.” He turned his attention to Janet and Dennis. “I gave Nicole a brief overview of your proposal, but she’d like to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. So if you could indulge us both and go through your plan one more time.”
“Of course.” Janet made herself comfortable on the settee that Nicole had occupied previously. Still being completely ignored by Nicole and Bassand, Leonard timidly sat down next to Janet.
“Here’s the gist of it, Nicole.” Janet proceeded to give an overview of their plan to steal the Eternal Light diamond. “And as I have mentioned before, I have three invitations to Garrett’s gala, which will give us ample opportunity to scope out the place—”
“Make it four invitations,” Nicole cut Janet off.
“Excuse me?” Janet asked, although she’d heard Nicole perfectly.
“There has been a change of plans,” Bassand interjected. “It is my opinion that our chances of success will be enhanced by Nicole’s presence. After all, Nicole and I go way back, but you and I have only just met,” he added, his gaze burrowing into Janet and Dennis in turn.
“It’s not as easy as it sounds,” Dennis began, “We have an invitation from Garrett for a private pre-gala viewing of the Eternal Light—we can’t just snap our fingers and bring whomever we want.”
“Oh, no?” Nicole’s lips curved in a leering smile. “I thought you were all pretty chummy with Garrett, so a small thing like that shouldn’t be a problem.”
“We have a way in, but no one, and I mean no one can claim to be ‘chummy’ with Gar
rett,” Dennis shot back. “The man’s net worth is the size of a small country, for crying out loud—he’s incredibly cautious with allowing people into his inner circle. Janet has the inside connection and you’ll just have to take our word for it. Not to point fingers, but even your boss here couldn’t get near Garrett.”
“It looks like you somehow managed to make the cut,” Nicole pressed on. “So what’s the problem? Unless you’re not telling us the truth.” She looked at Bassand. “Armand, I told you these two couldn’t be trusted. How can we be sure they won’t cut us out of the deal, just like they did with the Monet?”
Bassand was about to speak, but Janet stepped in. “I can get another invitation,” she said calmly. “And since we’re all going to be working together, there’s no sense in keeping secrets. My connection with Garrett is through his fiancée—” Janet broke off and paused for emphasis. “The engagement is secret—Garrett is going to announce it at the gala. His fiancée comes from a wealthy family and has a passion for art, just like Garrett. I had the privilege of advising her on expanding her collection. She also asked me to help her find a suitable wedding gift for Garrett. In fact, that was how I obtained an invitation for Armand—I explained that he’s a renowned art collector and said that he might be of help to find exactly the kind of gift she’s looking for.”
“Sounds lovely,” Nicole said acidly. “The more the merrier. You can tell your dear friend that I’m Armand’s significant other,” she added, casting a playful glance at Bassand.
“It should be manageable,” Janet said matter-of-factly. “But I suggest that no further changes be made to our plan. Garrett is known for his reclusiveness and we don’t want to spook him.”
“Agreed.” Bassand nodded. “I think we can put this matter to rest now.”
“Gladly.” Janet put a pleasant smile on her face. “Now, there’s something else we’d like to discuss—” She paused, fixing her gaze on Bassand to gauge his reaction. “I have with me the schematics for Garrett’s display case for the Eternal Light.”
Nicole parted her lips to no doubt make another snide remark, but Bassand flicked his hand in a warning gesture. “Now we’re talking, Janet. Let’s have a look.” Bassand rubbed his palms excitedly, a greedy light in his eyes.
