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"No.I wasn't aware there was any connection between the robberies or the paintings," Matthew said."But I don't know art as well as you do, Dario.Why don't we speak to the capitano now and hopefully we will get more information?"
"Perhaps we should go with you," she boldly suggested.
"The capitano asked only to speak to us," Matthew said."But we have your contact information from the guest list, so I would be happy to follow-up with you."
She didn't care for that response, but the two men were moving away.
"I didn't realize you were related to any artists," Jennifer said, her gaze still fixed on Nick."There is so much talent in your family, Signor Caruso.What do you do?"
"Not art or music," he replied."That artistic talent skipped my generation."
"Well, if your great-grandfather was an artist, perhaps your parents would appreciate a gift from our gallery," she said."It's for the children—such a good cause."
"We'll take a look."
"Please do.And I'll look for you later," Jennifer promised.
"I can't believe Captain Lavezzo is here," she murmured as they moved away from Jennifer and entered the grand salon.There were two suited men wearing earpieces just inside the door.Clearly, there was plenty of security at the party.Probably far more security than there had been at the museum.
"I can't believe you asked to join their private conversation," Nick returned."That was bold."
"When I heard Lavezzo was here, I figured it was worth a shot."By Nick's expression, he didn't seem to agree."What?Did I move too fast?"
"Maybe.You might not have wanted to mention David Leoni right away.We don't know if Dario and Matthew are involved in any of this."
"The painting was stolen from their gallery."
"Still.It's not wise to show your hand too early."
"I didn't think it was too early.If they're completely innocent, then my mentioning a connection between the robberies would be helpful to them.And they might be helpful to us in return and put pressure on Captain Lavezzo.He's here at their party.They seem to have a better relationship with him than we do."
"That's a good point," he conceded."But what if they're part of whatever is going on?Now they know we think the thefts are connected."
She frowned.He had a point, too."I guess it was a risk.It felt right in the moment."
"We'll see what happens."
A waiter offered them glasses of champagne, and she took a quick sip of the sparkling liquid as she looked around.The grand room was immense, and its floor to ceiling windows overlooked a patio lit with fairy lights.There were tables outside, surrounding a pool, and there appeared to be a guest house in the distance."What a place.Can you imagine living here?I read earlier that Dario was married and divorced with two children prior to marrying Jennifer three years ago.I think it's just the two of them living here now."
"Probably."
She gave him a curious look."Did it bother you when she raved about your parents?"
He shook his head."Not at all.I'm used to people raving about them.They're at the top of their profession."
"I bet this isn't the first time you've been to a party like this."
"Not the first, no.But they didn't take me to many parties.Having a kid along would have detracted from their glowing presence.I honestly did not care.The few times I went with them, I was bored out of my mind.Let's take a walk around and see who else is here."
"Do you think Francesca will be here?"
"I would assume so."
"What about Sam?"
"I know he used to steal from private parties, so this seems like fertile ground," he said dryly.
"But there are security guards stationed all around."
