Page 58 of Unveiled

Davenport’s voice crackled through the comm unit. “I don’t believe you have quite what I’m looking for.”

What was he doing? Jaxon leaned forward in his seat, unsure exactly what he was going to do about it. He couldn’t go barging in there, but this wasn’t part of the plan. Mason shot Jaxon an alarmed look, and Jaxon opened his mouth to say something to Davenport when a second voice rang out, this one masculine.

“Perhaps I can help with something?”

Davenport turned, and Oliver came into view. Small and wiry, he looked even smaller in person than he had in his photos. Davenport waved a hand. “You have some nice pieces, but nothing feels quite right.”

The older man approached. “Perhaps if you told me what you’re looking for…?”

Jaxon held his breath during the beat of silence before Davenport spoke. “I was told I’d know it when I saw it.”

Oliver’s brows drew together. “Have we met?”

“Piers Davenport.”

Apparently that was all the introduction Oliver needed, because a smile wreathed his face as he accepted Davenport’s outstretched hand. “Ah, yes.” His brows drew together. “I thought your places leaned more toward the modern?”

Even Jaxon couldn’t miss the suspicion in the man’s tone, but Davenport seemed unaffected. “Modern lines are fine for the condos, but in my personal home, I’m looking for something a little more… traditional.”

Oliver’s smile flared back to life. “I see. Couldn’t agree with you more. Who likes all those stark spaces and steel structures?”

“So you understand my predicament.”

“I do. And do you know what you’re looking for?”

“Not precisely. Nothing feels quite… right.”

Oliver eyed him. “Perhaps if I know what you like, I may be able to procure something for you.”

Yes, Jaxon chanted silently. This was what they’d been waiting for. Even his vague implication had Jaxon ready to celebrate.

“Do you work with collectors?”

“I do,” Oliver responded hesitantly. “Sometimes it’s just a matter of how much it will take to convince them to part with something.”

Davenport chuckled. “As I’m sure you’re aware, that won’t be a problem.”

Jaxon rolled his head toward Mason and caught the grimace on his face. Mason threw Jaxon a disgusted look, and Jaxon couldn’t help but grin. He didn’t know if Davenport was as much of a prick as he seemed, but he did a great job acting like one.

Pushing Oliver any more would be a mistake, and Davenport instinctively seemed to pick up on it. He handed over his card. “Call me if anything else comes in.”

Davenport strode outside, then climbed into his sleek little car and took off with a rumble of the powerful engine.

Jaxon turned to Mason. “Let’s get outta here.”

Jaxon wanted to get home to his woman, and he knew Mason felt the same, even if he didn’t want to admit it.

Jaxon stopped off at Vantage to drop off Mason as well as their comm equipment. Though Jaxon knew the statue hadn’t been in Eldredge’s shop, he uploaded the file to his desktop and checked the recording one more time for good measure.

Once he was done, Jaxon headed toward Adalyn’s place. He unlocked the door with the key she’d given him, then slipped inside. Letting his eyes adjust for a second, he stepped out of his boots and quietly made his way to the back of the house. Adalyn had left the light over the stove on, and it gave the room a soft, golden glow. Disappointment hit Jaxon hard. She must be asleep. He turned to go, and something caught his eye.

Curled up in a tiny ball at the end of the couch, Adalyn dozed, a worn paperback lying loose in her fingers as if she’d fallen asleep holding it. The sight brought a smile to Jaxon’s face. He lowered himself to one knee and carefully extracted the book from her hands. A soft sigh left her lips, and her eyes fluttered several times before popping open. Landing on Jaxon, they widened, and she bolted upright. “Jaxon!”

“Shh.” Jaxon ran a hand up the outside of her thigh. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I just wanted to see you for a second before I headed out.”

“Oh.” Her face fell. “You can stay for a while if you’d like.”

Jaxon eyed her. “Are you sure?”