It had come to symbolize normalcy. That’s the only reason she could think of. She was about to say something along those lines to Patrick when she spotted the men. She stopped and Patrick bumped into her and if he hadn’t grabbed her shoulders she’d most likely would have toppled headfirst down the stairs.
“Darlin’, you can’t just stop without warning.” His words came out on a chuckle.
Oh how she didn’t want the normal to end. “What are they doing here?”
“Who?” But he’d followed her line a vision. His body bunched, she felt his chest tense.
“They are not going to ruin this night for Finn.”
Patrick moved around her and was down the stairs before she could stop him. The rest of their group followed. Glenna raced to catch him and grabbed Patrick’s hand to make him stop. She glanced across the field. Finn was celebrating with his teammates unaware of the four men watching.
“They’re not going to confront us, they still don’t know we have any clue of their identities. They’re only here to keep an eye on us. If they wanted us to know they were around, they would have parked the van in plain view.”
Patrick slowed his pace a bit. “You’re right. If we didn’t know what they looked like, they would blend in with the crowd.” He snapped his fingers. “Blend and watch. They’re making sure we don’t do anything with the painting.”
“They don’t want us to recognize them from the gala, then we’d be suspicious.” She raised a brow at him. “Yet they’re suspicious of us.”
Patrick’s dad’s long legs carried him passed them. She could hear Patrick’s sister and her family rushing behind her. Patrick’s family reached the boy before they did. Finn’s móraí one step ahead. He pulled the boy into a bear hug. By then Glenna was close enough to hear what Patrick’s dad said.
“Great job my boy. Let’s go celebrate.”
Hugs were flying left and right.
Glenna watched Patrick’s expression slip into proud as they followed in the family’s wake at a more leisurely pace. When they reached the group his dad was in the process of steering Finn toward the cars. “Come on Finn my boy. Let’s go.”
Without further conversation they turned in unison, out of the corner of her eye she saw Patrick’s parents and sister and her family do the same.
It was the hardest thing Glenna had done in a long time. Not turn around to see what the men were doing. She didn’t want them to even suspect they were on to them.
Once in the car, the three of them followed Patrick’s parents to the local Italian restaurant.
Finn leaned forward in his seat, as much as his seatbelt would let him, to tap his dad on the shoulder. Patrick glanced at him in the rear view mirror.
“Did you see those guys at the game?”
Glenna twisted in her seat. “You saw them? We were hoping you didn’t.”
“Why? They were just watching.” He shrugged back into the vinyl. “I didn’t see them until after the game. They had their full attention on you two. You may want to call those police dudes and tell them to watch the shop, they’re behind us in the van. Once we’re at the restaurant they may believe it’s a good time to strike, instead of tomorrow night.”
“Good idea. I’ll give them a call. We have a life to live and I don’t plan to let those four ruin it.” Again Patrick glanced in the mirror at Finn. “Thanks for being observant. It is a good quality to have. ”
Finn shrugged. “I want my new life to start as a family with Glenna. If you’d get off your ass and ask her properly.”
Surprise rippled over her, not that she hadn’t known that their ‘fake’ coupleness wasn’t the real deal. It had been the real deal since almost the beginning in her mind. It was good to know Finn felt the same way. They were going to be a family.
Patrick’s only response was a chuckle as they turned into the parking lot behind the others.
*****
Nerves tingled in every portion of her body. She just wished she were anticipating something joyous not dreading the next few hours. So many things could go wrong.
“Glenna, nothing is going to happen. Finn is at Rebekah’s studying. Beckworth, Jones and several other officers from other precincts in the area are surrounding the shop at the moment. Not to mention several of my fellow agents are outside waiting to make sure no one is following us.”
That made her laugh. They’d seen the van dogging their movements since they’d returned from Brooklyn a few days ago, not to mention their appearance at the game. Even though the men didn’t know they’d been spotted. It was like they were taunting them. Knowing the Calistoga PD had absolutely no evidence on them.
They hopefully didn’t realize that some of the traffic on their street was now federal and local officers policing the area. Or they just plain didn’t care.
What did it matter?
*****
“A lot of traffic all of a sudden.”
Jason’s voice filtered from the back seat of the van where he paid only marginal attention to the house they were watching. He was more interested in the magazine he was flipping through.
Raymond darted a look in the rearview mirror at him. His friend wasn’t saying anything that hadn’t crossed his mind. Monroe shifted in the passenger seat so he could talk to Jason in the back.
“Don’t you think that’s because of that bastard who used us? A few innocent questions about the area, and he used it to follow and gain knowledge on us. And he could use that against us. I’m glad we had the good sense not to give him names. ”
Raymond felt the familiar rage boil. This was his baby, he’d formed his ring of art thieves and for years they’d had an outlet from their boring, predictable and high pressured careers. It had also served as a release for his anger. Anger he’d never understood, however, for as long as he remembered it simmered under the surface of every action or thought. When he was young he would take it out on unsuspecting innocents, from the kids that lived in the ghetto, or if desperate, to the neighborhood animals. When he’d come close to venting it on one of his peers, he’d realized he needed something. And had formed The Black Cats.
Until now, no one suspected. Until now, no one had been hurt either. Something he’d been trying to stay away from, more because when people were murdered it caused the men and women in blue to sit up and take notice.
He must admit though, his adrenalin pumped knowing that nabbing the painting from under everyone’s noses would be more dangerous than any of their other heists because they were being watched. Glenna and her bodyguard, fiancé, whatever the hell he was, had set the bait and they were going to grab it… just not when they planned. The Cats would do it when they planned.
*****
Patrick’s eyes had finally adjusted to the dark. He’d insisted that Glenna wait at the Bistro with Effie. It would be natural for her to be busy with the appetizers and everything else they had planned for the next day. He looked at his phone for the hundredth time. How long would the bastards wait before they made their move? It was almost midnight.
His phone vibrated, startling him. It hit the floor with a thud, thank heavens for protectors. The text spread on the screen.
Have you heard anything? Anyone seen anyone? Effie and I are finished and I’m not sure what you want me to do.
He’d been so certain they’d strike by now. But then they were smart, not your bumbling idiots you sometimes saw on television. These men were used to negotiating high priced deals in the board room with corporate sharks, getting what they wanted and walking away with committing all kinds of who knew what. Patrick was positive they were as lethal in their business dealings.
Or maybe they kept their crime to art theft.
I will have one of the officers follow you home to make sure you’re safe. Do not come over here, I want them to think the shop is, and has been, empty all evening.
He stood to the side of the window and watched Effie and one of her employees, walk Glenna out to her car. He smiled, le
ave it to Glenna’s eclectic friend to make sure they had a bodyguard. Even if he didn’t look that tough with his man bun and the skateboard dangling from his fingertips.
As soon as Glenna pulled out, the guy watched Effie get in her car and do the same. Only then did he throw his board on the side walk and down the street he flew.
Patrick breathed a sigh of relief as he watched a dark sedan discreetly pull onto the street behind Glenna and another one for Effie. He went back to his seat. At least Glenna would be safe. And Finn was staying at a friend’s so he could study. That was his story and Finn was sticking by it, Patrick allowed a chuckle before returning to his current situation. The waiting was driving him crazy. This was worse than a stake out when he was in the safety of his car and watching.
He felt like a sitting duck, he had no idea when they’d show up, would they come in the front? Mostly likely the back. Should he be waiting with gun at the ready? Hide so they were all in and looking before he caught them by surprise? The other officers were watching and would enter almost immediately.
Nothing could happen to him, unless the trigger happy one shot him as he’d done to poor Alex. Patrick wouldn’t think about that. He wasn’t dumb, he had Kevlar on.
*****
Glenna swore she could see a trail in the carpet where she’d been pacing. She stopped at the doorway of the kitchen to see what time it was. After three in the a. m. She hadn’t heard from Patrick or any of the other officers. She’d been instructed when she came home to go to bed. If the van guys were watching to see when she arrived home, they’d feel safe to go to the shop once the lights went out.
Patrick’s SUV was parked next to her car in the drive. He’d caught a lift to the shop with Beckworth, in hopes no one would realize he was there and not home.
She was beginning to think they were the ones being duped not the other way around. She sidled up to the picture window in the living room, making sure she couldn’t be seen she peered out looking for the van. And there it was.
If it was across the street were all four in it? Or was it empty so they’d think they weren’t going to the shop that night?
This waiting was driving her bananas.
She didn’t want to distract Patrick with a text. Especially if they were making their move. She settled into the overstuffed chair to curl up and wait.
“Glenna?”
Startled awake, it took her a moment to realize it was light. Morning. She sat up and stretched and looked at Finn.
“What time is it?”
“It’s early only about seven. Where’s dad?”
“I don’t know. I must have fallen asleep waiting.” Every muscle in her body felt stiff, and it took a moment to struggle out of the cozy chair. Even after Finn took pity on her and helped haul her up.
“I thought you’d both be hustling around getting ready for the showing, bad guys in jail, and all that.”
“I have no idea about the bad guys. I haven’t heard from your dad. Is the van still outside?”
Finn went to the side of the window and peered out careful not to be seen. “Yes. They weren’t there when I got home a few minutes ago.”
Patrick.
Dread ran over Glenna. He’d held up the last time, still four against one. Yet, he was only human and she knew that they weren’t afraid to use a gun. This time other officers were there for back up.
“If something had happened, you’d know. My guess is Dad did the same you did, fell asleep waiting for them and they did a no show.” He raised his brow at her as if that were significant and she should know what he meant.
She knew what no show meant, but her mind was still too muddled with worry and an added dollop of sleepiness.
“Which means, we guessed wrong they never planned to take the painting last night…”
“If they weren’t outside watching I would say the idea of nabbing the art had cooled and they’d decided to cut their losses.”
Patrick had come in the back so quietly neither of them had heard him. Glenna jumped and almost fell into the chair she’d just vacated. Finn had the good sense to grab her to keep her upright.
“I swear I’m never going to make old age around here. Because I’ll have a heart attack long before that.”
“Did they even bother to drive by the shop?” Finn asked.
“Not that anyone saw. But early this morning I think most of the officers were asleep at their posts. I struggled to stay awake by walking the shop every fifteen to thirty minutes.”
“I’m sorry. I fell asleep waiting. Finn just woke me up.”
“The van there when you got home?” Patrick spoke to Finn over his shoulder. He stood in front of the picture window in full view. “They aren’t being secretive about watching us, we might as well let them know we’re aware. But then we’d have to be blind not to be aware.”
“What now?” Glenna just wanted it to be over.
She’d been so excited to have nothing hanging over them for the showing. They had the consulate representatives meeting them in the morning to make the exchange. Tonight though, they would be the experts on stolen artifacts and how the black market worked. A mini workshop on the subject would kick off the event.
“Do you think they’ll be blatant enough to attend?”
Patrick turned from his post at the window and walked back and slid onto the couch. His weariness almost palpable. He ran a hand through his hair.
“I think they might.”
“Really?” The surprise in Finn’s voice matched hers.
“Why would they risk it?” She finally gave in and plopped back into the cozy chair.
Finn sat next to Patrick on the couch and folded his arms. “Do they think we’re still clueless to their identities?”
Patrick looked over to Glenna in question, but she had no answers. She shrugged. “I’m not sure what to think.”
“They are either incredibly arrogant thinking that no matter what they do we’ll never have enough evidence to bring them in, you know flaunting it in our faces or…” He scratched his chin, something she’d noticed Finn doing when he was thinking. “What?”
“Sorry, you and Finn are so much alike. You both scratch your chin, or tug on your ear when you think.”
Patrick turned to look at Finn who just raised his brow and shoulders in a full body shrug.
“Well as I was saying, if they’re not flaunting, then they think we’re the stupidest bungling officers since the Keystone Cops, and we’re clueless.”
“Who?” Finn asked.
“Who what?” Patrick looked thoroughly confused.
“The Keystone Cops is an old black and white film series from the early 1900’s,” Glenna explained.
He looked at his dad in awe. “You know about this how?”
He elbowed his son in the ribs, and by the hoof Finn gave it wasn’t as playful as it looked. “I watch old reruns on that classic station on cable.”
Glenna decided they needed to focus on the problem at hand, they were all tired and easily distracted. They couldn’t afford to be. Her assistant needed justice and the arrogant bad guys needed to be put away for good.
“Okay guys, I think we better all get some rest. Effie and I have things under control. I told her we’d be at the shop around two since the event starts at five. I had planned on a long exhausting night. I thought they’d make their move. I didn’t realize we’d be stood up.”
Patrick chuckled, indicating how punchy he was from his lack of sleep. “Let’s try for four hours of sleep. Let them sit out there and stew.”
“Won’t Beckworth or your parents call to find out what happened?” Okay so Glenna wasn’t thinking either. “Okay that was dumb. You’ve talked to Beckworth, he’s probably doing the same. But I’m sure you’re parents are antsy.”
“I called them on my way home. I even touched base with your law enforcement family. We’re good for some uninterrupted shut eye.”
“I’ve had a good night’s sleep. I need to finis
h up one more paper and then I’ll call Rebekah and let her know what’s going on.” Finn stood and shook his head. “I swear she’s acting like this is her favorite crime series come to life.”
He left the room before either could comment. Patrick pulled himself up as slowly as Glenna, then they walked to the bedroom for some needed sleep. Sleep that Glenna had an idea they were going to need to face the rest of the day and night.
Because once she met with the consulate in the morning, she wouldn’t have possession of what they wanted.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Pleasure tingled over her, Glenna had always dreamt of a grand showing, ever since she’d opened her Glenna’s Surprisingly Vintage. Anger simmered almost spoiling the moment for her. This moment was supposed to be one of the best of her life, yet the fact the four men who were responsible for her assistant’s murder, were across the room drinking her champagne, mingling, and acting like any of her other patron’s, threatened to ruin it.
Except they weren’t the innocent, nice people they portrayed themselves to be.
Frustration tossed itself into the mix boiling in her belly. And what a combination it was. She felt her vision blur, and the terrible thing was the fact she wasn’t sure if they were tears of joy or sadness.
Alex had talked about an event just like this to help bring more tourists and patrons of art to their little town, a community that had been struggling since the devastating fires had swept over the valley recently.
Glenna liked to think that Alex had help guide her and Effie as they had planned the showing. In fact, the two of them had reminisced about the times they’d had with the young woman before the bastards had robbed her of her future.
She straightened. She would not let them ruin this moment for her. True, if it weren’t for the discovery of the treasure she hadn’t known she had until the murder and break in, there wouldn’t be this event. Eventually she would have, and she’d like to think she would have had the event then. In fact, she would have discovered the picture far sooner if she hadn’t been distracted by the devastatingly romantic Lance Gordon. He could have a wonderful career on Broadway with his acting abilities.
Abandoned (The Beckett Series Book 6) Page 29
