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And a corrupt senator had more to lose than most.
Chapter Fifteen
Thursday, July 26, 2018
DAN CHUCKLEDas Gary walked into the office. “I thought you went to get coffee. You’ve been gone a while.” He stared at the cardboard tray containing two large cups, and the bag clutched in Gary’s hand. “And now I see why. That didn’t come from the precinct cafeteria.”
“You’ll thank me when you try these.” Gary held up the bag. “Probably the best cinnamon rolls you’ll ever taste. And the best coffee too.” He set them down on his desk. “What have you managed to find out?”
Dan peered at his monitor. “I’ve tracked down the private collector who bought the Bridgman from Paul DiFanetti.” He inclined his head toward Gary’s desk. “I’ve emailed you the contact details.”
“Excellent.” Gary sat. “I’ve been thinking about the painting too. If we’re going to follow this through, we need to ascertain whether the collector bought the original or the copy.” He glanced at Dan. “I know you said DiFanetti has the original, but—”
“But you need proof that’ll stand up in court if required,” Dan concluded. “I understand. So is that the plan? We contact the collector, share our suspicions….”
Gary smiled. “And then we suggest having the painting verified by an expert.”
Dan saw where he was going. “Lori Dettweiler.”
He nodded. “If she thinks she isn’t up to the task, she’ll know an expert who is.”
“Call her before you talk to the collector,” Dan suggested.
“I was going to do that right after we had our coffee.”
Dan sniffed. “And after I’ve tried one of those rolls. They smell amazing.” He got up and went over to Gary’s desk.
“No time like the present.” Gary got his phone out and dialed. “Lori? Detective Mitchell here. … Yes, we’re making progress, but it’s slow. I’m calling because you might be able to help us.”
Dan tuned him out and opened the deliciously scented bag. One bite assured him Gary hadn’t been wrong. He had to stifle a moan of pleasure to prevent Lori from hearing him. He took a cautious sip of the coffee and found it to be hot and delicious too.
“Thanks, Lori. I’ll call you back when I have more information.” Gary finished the call. “She says she’s only too willing to help.”
“Great. Then what are you waiting for?”
Gary rolled his eyes. “Can’t I at least have my coffee first, boss?”
Dan laughed. He loved this: the easy banter, the way they worked together. When Travers had first proposed the idea of Dan joining forces with Boston PD to solve cold cases, Dan had imagined there wouldn’t be much he could do apart from using his gift where appropriate. Being Gary’s research assistant was fun, however. It gladdened his heart to be useful.
Gary picked up his cup of coffee. “The collector isn’t going to be happy, not if we’re right.”
“If he’s had the painting verified, and thenwecome along and tell him he’s been involved in a fraud, then no, I don’t suppose hewillbe happy.” Dan cocked his head. “But that’s not going to stop you calling him, is it?”
Gary chuckled. “No. Because if our theory is correct and Cheryl did threaten to expose DiFanetti’s fraud, that’s one hell of a motive.”
GARY LACEDhis fingers and stretched his arms high over his head. “I’m done. And seeing as we’re driving to Lenox tomorrow morning, let’s call it a day.” He peered at Dan. “Has Lori called yet?” He’d contacted the collector, Mr. Webster, that morning, and it had been an uncomfortable call. At first Webster had refused to entertain the possibility his favorite painting could be a copy. He’d been there when the art expert had examined it.
Then Gary asked if the painting had been out of his sight even once between its verification and its delivery.
The line had gone very quiet.
When Gary offered Lori’s services to verify the painting’s authenticity, along with her credentials, Webster had told them he’d be in touch.
All they could do was wait.
Dan nodded. “She called while you were meeting with Travers. Webster got in touch. She’s going to examine the painting next week.” He bit his lip. “She also said he sounded pissed.”
“Now there’s a surprise.”
