Chapter 43

As soon as Stone, Dino, Monica, and Viv were all back in the Cayenne and headed to the Arrington, Dino asked, "So?"

Monica smirked. "If Viv ever gets tired of you, she's not going to have a problem finding a replacement."

"Tell me something I don't know."

"Don't worry, honey," Viv said. "I'll give you plenty of warning before that happens."

"That's supposed to make me feel better?"

"The fragile male ego," Viv said to Monica. "Nothing to be done about it."

"If it's not too much trouble," Stone said, "I'd like to know if you learned anything from Petry."

Monica huffed. "I'm a trained investigator and Viv is COO of a global security organization. What do you think?"

"Do you mind sharing what you learned with the class?"

"Let's see. Where should we start?"

"How about with how full of himself he is?" Viv said.

"Already well aware of that," Stone said.

"Maybe we should start with how he's planning on attending a party Saturday night?" Monica said.

"A Hollywood party, I believe he called it," Viv added.

"He did. Which just happens to be the same night as Billy's party."

"Quite a coincidence."

"It is, isn't it?" Monica tapped her cheek in thought. "There was something else Petry said. What was it?"

"That he's going more as an observer than a participant."

"That was it. That seems odd."

"Very odd."

"You two sound pretty proud of yourselves," Stone said.

Viv grinned. "We do, don't we?"

"Yes, we do," Monica agreed.

"Are you done patting yourselves on the back?"

Monica shrugged. "For now, I guess."

"Then, Viv, I think you should extend the extra security to cover Billy's house."

"I'll do that. Maybe I should also have some of my people dressed as partygoers on Saturday night as well."

"That's a great idea."

Stone's phone rang. On the screen was the name Simon Duchamp.

"Everyone stay quiet," Stone said, then answered. "Hello?"

"Stone, it's Simon. I apologize for calling so late, but do you have a moment? If this is a bad time…"

"Not at all. What can I do for you?"

"I have excellent news. The owner has agreed to sell you all three."

Stone exchanged a glance with Monica. "That is excellent news. What is he asking?"

"Given your relationship to the artist, he is willing to part with them for eight hundred thousand apiece, which I'm sure you realize is less than he would get if he let them go to auction."

"That's quite generous. Can you tell me which ones they are now?"

"I can. Twilight on the Water, Morning on the Avenue, and Summer at Sheep Meadow."

Stone shared a look with Monica.

"There are a few conditions, however," Simon said.

"I'm listening."

"In addition to the prohibition on publicity we already discussed, he would like the sale completed by midnight Saturday."

"Saturday's a bit tough for me. I'll be in a board meeting most of the day and then at an event that evening."

"I'm sorry, Stone, but I've been told the deadline is non-negotiable."

"What about tomorrow?"

Simon was silent for a few seconds. "I'm afraid that won't work, either. The paintings won't be here until Saturday morning."

"Let me see if I can make some time in my schedule. Give me a few minutes, and I'll get back to you."

"I'll await your call."

As soon as Stone hung up, Monica said, "Someone's anxious."

"But not anxious enough to part with the paintings before Petry's had the fakes for a day."

"Simon probably wants the originals at hand, just in case Petry realizes he's been stiffed," Dino said.

"But why the midnight deadline?" Viv asked.

"Only one answer I can think of," Stone said. "He wants to cut and run."

They discussed options, then Stone called Simon back.

"You have a solution, I hope?" Simon said.

"I do, as long as you don't mind meeting late."

"What time do you have in mind?"

"How about eleven p.m., Saturday, at your gallery? I should be able to break free from my event by then."

"I think that will work. And payment?"

"Once the paintings are authenticated, I'll make the transfer."

"Authenticated?" Simon sounded surprised, but then seemed to realize his mistake. "Of course, that's perfectly reasonable. Whoever you bring in will have to agree to keep the transaction confidential."

"Lucky for both of us, I don't need to bring anyone as I'm the foremost authority on my mother's work."