by Marie Astor
***
“I think that went well,” Janet said as they were driven away from Bassand’s mansion in an executive chauffeured car, courtesy of the FBI. It certainly beat hunting around for cabs in New York City. It was well after midnight. Bassand had kept them talking late, refreshing their glasses with expensive scotch, his enthusiasm reignited by seeing the blueprints for the Eternal Light display case. He’d been like a schoolboy, his eyes alight with anticipation, and for a moment Janet almost felt guilty about entrapping him. But that was the thing with successful thieves—they could be very charming when they wanted to be, and the trick was to remember who the bad and the good guys were.
“Yes,” Leonard agreed. “Much better than I expected. But Nicole has it in for both of you now—watch your backs. She doesn’t like to be outshined, and once you pulled out those specs, Bassand didn’t pay her any mind. How did you get those by the way?”
“Internal sources—need to know basis only,” Dennis said dryly.
“Have it your way,” Leonard grumbled. “But be prepared for Nicole snooping around—she won’t rest until she finds out how you got it.”
Dennis grinned. “She’ll be looking for a while. But for once I agree with you Lenny—Nicole has got it in for us. And I can’t blame her. Janet, remember that little argument we had right after we’d bought the painting in Antibes?”
Janet wrinkled her forehead. “I don’t think so.”
“When you caught me looking at another woman?” Dennis reminded her.
“Yes,” Janet replied, the details coming back to her. “You said she was wearing the same outfit as the one I had on, but I didn’t believe you—” she broke off. “Are you telling me that was Nicole Sheridan?”
“That’s right.” Dennis grinned. “I never forget a face. She was in such a rush to get to the gallery, she nearly bumped into me. I wonder what she would’ve done had she known we had the very painting she was after. And I’m pretty sure she recognized us tonight.”
“So that explains why she kept glaring at us,” Janet said.
“That and the fact that you outsmarted her,” Leonard pointed out. “Even if it was by accident, which she of course doesn’t know. And let’s not forget her reputation. I’m pretty sure this is the first time Nicole Sheridan has been outplayed and she doesn’t like to be outplayed.”
“No one does,” Janet pointed out.
“She’ll just have to get used to it,” Dennis added. “We’re only getting started.”
Chapter 15
The next morning, before going into the office, Janet and Dennis met with Agent Norris in a rundown diner a few blocks away from their office. The diner looked like its décor had not been updated since the 1970’s and not in the fashionable, retro way that’s recently become all the rage in New York. The rundown furniture and brisk service were authentic, but the coffee and the Danish pastries were excellent. Plus the shady, spacious booths provided an excellent spot to talk without being listened to or noticed.
“So how did the meeting go with Bassand last night?” asked Agent Norris, as he bit into his Danish and took a gulp of his coffee. “Wow, you weren’t kidding when you said this coffee was strong—my eyeballs nearly popped out.”
“After the night we had, Janet and I might need a refill.” Dennis took a long swallow of his black coffee. “Hits the spot.”
“So how did the meeting go?” repeated Agent Norris, clearly unimpressed by Dennis’s coffee bravado.
“It went well,” Janet hurried to explain. “Bassand was very excited about the blueprints—kept us talking past midnight. I’d say at this point he’s not going to back down.”
“And Nicole Sheridan?” asked Agent Norris.
“She’s a tough cookie,” Dennis admitted. “Made us run through our paces. But she’ll come around. Bassand calls the shots.”
“Don’t underestimate her,” Agent Norris warned them. “She’s Bassand’s best lieutenant. I got a list of thefts the length of this table with her name on them.”
“Good.” Dennis smiled. “Now she’ll answer for all of them.”
“I certainly hope so. Keep your guard up,” Agent Norris warned them. “The fact that Bassand called her in shows that he doesn’t trust you. He brought in Nicole to keep an extra eye on you and to take the fall if things go South. That’s how he operates—always has someone there to take the fall for him.”
“We’ll be careful around Nicole,” Janet assured him.
Agent Norris took a long swallow of his coffee. “Man, this stuff wakes you up. I’ve been working this case long enough—time for me to move to another assignment. Well, if you don’t have anything else for me, I’m going to head to the office,” he added, getting up to his feet.
“So how did your strategy meeting with Tina and Garrett go last night?” Janet asked. “Any additional insights for us?”
Agent Norris sat back down. “Strategy meeting? I wasn’t aware of any strategy meeting.”
“That’s funny. I’m pretty sure Tina said that the meeting was last night,” said Janet.
“Did she say what it was about?” asked Agent Norris, frowning. “That son of a— He thinks the rules don’t apply to him. I’m going to talk to my boss about this,” he muttered.
“Excuse me?” Janet asked.
“I was just thinking about another case. It’s nothing, nothing at all,” Agent Norris said hurriedly. “Sorry, but I really have to go now. I have a meeting in thirty minutes. I’m sure there’s been some kind of misunderstanding. I’ll check with my secretary. Keep me posted if anything else comes up,” he threw over his shoulder as he headed for the exit.
“We should be getting back too,” Dennis said, shoving the rest of his Danish into his mouth. “I bet Ham will want a full report.”
“That was funny,” said Janet, finishing her coffee. She noticed that Agent Norris had left half his Danish on his plate.
“What’s funny?” asked Dennis.
“Agent Norris rushing off like that.”
Dennis shrugged. “I’m sure the poor guy is swamped at work.”
“But don’t you think it’s strange that he had no idea about the strategy meeting Tina mentioned?”
Dennis sighed. “Would you stop playing chaperon? Tina can take care of herself.”
“Yes, but why would she lie to us?” Janet asked. “This case is too important—we need complete trust in our team. We can’t afford for Tina and Garrett to sneak around when there are much bigger things at stake here.”
Dennis shook his head. “Janet, give it a rest. If you want, you can talk to Tina. She’s a big girl and I’m sure she knows what she’s doing.”
***
Tina was the first one to arrive in the office, which figured since she hadn’t been able to catch a wink of sleep all night. Instead she tossed and turned, thinking about Daniel Garrett.
“I can’t believe I let him play me like a fool,” Tina muttered, her face buried in her hands, her elbows propped on her desk. “What an idiot!”
“Good morning to you too, Tina,” Laskin said cheerfully. “I hope it’s not me you’re upset with.”
Tina jumped up from her chair. “Peter! I’m sorry—I didn’t hear you come in. I was just thinking—”
“It’s okay—you don’t have to tell me.” He smiled happily as he made his way to his desk. “We’re all human here.”
“How did Aileen’s appointment go?” Tina asked, remembering that Laskin had taken a day off yesterday for his wife’s doctor’s appointment.
Laskin beamed. “The babies are doing great. Everything’s on track. I can’t believe that in a few months I’m going to be a father.”
“I’m sure you’re going to be a wonderful dad.” Tina smiled. She’d met Aileen briefly when she stopped by the office to meet Laskin after work, and she could tell that the two of them were very much in love.
“I’m going to do my absolute best. A boy and girl—one couldn’t possibly wish for more,” Laskin
went on excitedly. “I’m going to talk to Ham about taking a few weeks off once the babies are born. I want to be there to help Aileen—”
Tina smiled politely and pretended to listen. She was happy for Laskin, but in her present state of mind the last thing she wanted to hear was him carrying on about domestic bliss.
Laskin must’ve read her expression, cutting himself short. “I’m sorry, I got carried away. How were things at the office yesterday? They’re not working you too hard, are they?”
“Oh, no.” Tina shook her head. “I love it here.”
Laskin looked at her briefly, as though not buying it. “Okay. Let me know if I can be of any help.” He started logging into his computer. “Tina, could you be a pal and get us some coffee? I’m in dire need of caffeine this morning and the machine in the kitchen broke.”
“Sure,” Tina said happily. “I was just going to run out and get a cup.”
“Great. Thanks a bunch. See you in a bit.” Laskin swiveled in his chair and turned his attention back to his computer.
Tina hurried to leave and closed the door behind her. She walked away too quickly to see Laskin pick up his phone and dial Janet’s extension. “Janet, I don’t know what’s going on with that case of yours, but you’d better check on Tina. She looks frazzled. I just sent her to get some coffee—a perfect opportunity for you to run into her in the hallway.”
Tina was on her way to the elevator bank when she heard her name being called. She looked over her shoulder and saw Janet waving at her.
“Good morning,” Tina said pleasantly, raking her mind how to account for last night. As much as she wanted to believe that Janet was being friendly, she knew better.
“Good morning.” Janet smiled back. “The coffee machine is broken, so I’m making coffee rounds.”
“Me too.” Tina nodded and pressed the elevator button again. “The elevator is taking forever.”
“I know what you mean. Anything that comes between me and my morning coffee is a nuisance. Finally—there’s one.” Janet pointed at the opening elevator door.
Tina pressed the ground floor button, wishing Janet would just get to the point and ask her about last night. Or maybe she should just get it over with and confess.
“Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts?” Janet asked once they were in the lobby.
“Dunkin’ Donuts,” Tina chose. “This way I’ll have an excuse to grab a doughnut.”
“Now you’re talking.” Janet smiled.
They went outside and around the corner. At Dunkin’ Donuts they bought coffee and a pack of doughnuts, figuring the office could use a treat.
“So how was the meeting last night?” Janet asked once they were back at the office, unpacking everything in the kitchen.
“It was fine,” Tina said quickly. “There’s still a lot to go over, but I’m starting to feel more comfortable around Daniel, I mean, Garrett.” She lowered her head, cursing inwardly. She might as well plaster a ‘guilty’ sign on her forehead.
“I’m glad to hear it.” Janet rearranged the doughnut carton. “Garrett seemed intimidating at first, but I’m sure you can handle him,” she added with certainty. “Well, if you need Dennis or me, you know where to find us.”
“Actually, Janet,” Tina’s voice cracked as she spoke up, “I could use your help.”
“Sure, what is it?”
“Can we go somewhere we can talk privately?” Tina asked.
“Let’s go into the conference room.”
“Okay. I’m just going to drop off Peter’s coffee and I’ll meet you there.”
“Sounds good. I’ll wait for you there.”
A few minutes later Tina hurried down the hall and into the conference room where Janet was waiting for her as agreed.
“What’s going on?” Janet asked, once they were both seated comfortably.
“It’s Garrett,” Tina confessed. “I don’t have him under control—not one bit.”
“Did he try something?” Janet asked.
Tina shook her head. “No, he was being a perfect gentleman. It’s me—it seems every time I’m around him, I turn into jelly. I just can’t stop thinking about how hot he is,” Tina blurted out.
“He is very attractive and charming.”
“Yes, but he’s our client. How on earth am I going to protect him if I’m busy drooling over him? And he doesn’t make things any easier. He acts all gentlemanly, but I can tell that he enjoys making me squirm. No matter how hard I try to keep things professional, he keeps flirting with me. Does he think this is some kind of joke?”
“You are a very attractive woman, so it’s not surprising he’s interested in you,” Janet pointed out.
Tina shook her head. “He can have his pick of models and socialites. I’m not that attractive or interesting.”
“I disagree,” Janet countered. “But Garrett does seem like the kind of man who likes to be in control. Do you want to tell me about last night?”
Tina buried her face in her hands. “I made such a mess of it! Daniel told me Agent Norris was going to be there, but when I showed up it was only him, and it seemed silly to leave. So I stayed—”
“Take your time,” Janet soothed her. “I’m sure it’s not as bad as you make it sound.”
Tina took several deep breaths—the events of last night were coming back to her—what was supposed to be a simple work meeting had turned into an evening filled with romantic innuendos.
As she began to tell Janet about last night, Tina could feel her heart racing, the way it had raced when she approached the restaurant where she was supposed to meet Daniel Garrett and Agent Norris.
Steady, she told herself, it’s just a business meeting. Agent Norris is going to be there to keep things professional. She gave her name to the hostess who informed her that her party had already arrived and directed Tina to her table.
“The gentleman is waiting for you,” the hostess said with a smile as she pointed at the table. Tina thanked the hostess and, as calmly as she could, made her way to the table.
“I’m so glad you could make it.” Daniel Garrett rose from his seat to pull out her chair.
“I thought Agent Norris was going to join us.” Tina crossed her arms on her chest.
“He had a last minute engagement. I thought my secretary had informed you.”
Tina shook her head. “No, she didn’t. I think we should reschedule.”
“Am I that bad of a conversationalist?” Daniel threw her one of his irresistible smiles. “I promise I can keep a lively conversation over dinner. It would be a shame to lose the reservation. This place may look small, but the food is fantastic and they book up way in advance. My secretary had to name drop to get us a table on such short notice.”
Tina arched an eyebrow. “Us a table?”
Daniel sighed. “I confess—I neglected to invite Agent Norris. But only because I thought it would be useful for us to spend more time together. If we’re going to look convincing as a couple, we have to be comfortable with one another.”
“I’m comfortable.” Tina gulped. “I just thought Agent Norris could offer useful insights. I’ll stay but on one condition.”
“Yes?”
“No more lies.”
“It wasn’t exactly a lie,” he countered. “An omission is more like it.”
“Fine, no more omissions. We’re working together and we have to trust each other. This isn’t a game for me—I have coworkers who are counting on me and I have a boss.”
Daniel nodded. “Understood. From now on I will make sure that all our future meetings will be chaperoned by Agent Norris.”
“Not chaperoned, but attended,” Tina countered. “Agent Norris is the lead on this case and we need his input.”
“Agreed. Now would you please take a seat? We’re starting to look a little awkward standing here like this.”
“Fine.” Tina took her seat. “So what’s good here?”
“Where do I begin? Every single dish here is a work of art.
The chef here worked for Alain Ducasse for many years and then opened his own place. He prepares everything personally—not like in those huge restaurants where they have a ton of cooks working for them.”
“I can’t wait,” Tina obliged Daniel, although she failed to see how this gastronomic exploration was going to help them with the case.
“I suggest we start with poached lobster and caviar and then proceed with stuffed pigeon.”
Tina wrinkled her nose. “Pigeon? Those dirty things that fly all over New York?”
Daniel laughed. “Believe it or not, pigeon is a delicacy. And no, they don’t catch them in the streets—they are farm raised, just like chickens. But you could try the duck instead—a safe staple, but no less delicious for it.”
“I’ll try the pigeon,” she shot back, accepting his implied dare.
“Excellent. Then I’ll have the duck. We can’t very well order exactly the same thing,” he added.
She glared at him, wishing she could smack him—all this bullying about being adventurous while bailing out for the safer choice.
“And I believe Cristal should be the perfect aperitif to start with and then we will have Chateau Lafite with the main course.”
“Sounds mouth-watering.” Tina put aside her menu and leaned back in her chair. So far she’d gotten in over her head with Daniel pulling out the charm card, so she was going to try something new—ignore Daniel’s charm or at least try to.
“So, Tina, tell me about yourself,” asked Daniel after the waiter had taken their orders.
“I thought the bio Agent Norris provided was quite thorough, or haven’t you had the chance to read it?”
“Rest assured, I’ve read and memorized it.”
“Was anything unclear to you?” she asked. “I thought it flowed very smoothly.”
He chuckled. “It certainly was very clear, but it didn’t tell me much about the real you. Granted, I’ve gotten a quick glimpse last night, but the shutters seem to be tightly drawn—”
