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“I’m leaving now. Don’t worry, I didn’t bid on anything.”
Agent Keegan grunted.
“It was interesting. A lot of New Orleans’ wealthiest. Kavner Fury was here.”
Keegan made a sound. “You need to lay off Fury.”
I stiffened. “If he’s guilty—”
“There is no indication he’s laundering money, Coleman. He’s a successful businessman.” There was a long pause. “And well connected.”
My nose wrinkled as I stepped outside. Cool air hit my skin and goosebumps ran down my arms. So, Keegan was getting pressure. I hated politics. “If he’s doing anything criminal, I will take him down.” I paused. “But tonight he purchased a painting that’s going to a gallery.” Which I would verify. I didn’t mention his offer to help me. “So he’s not laundering money, that I can tell. Yet.”
“You’re a damn bulldog.”
“I made discreet inquiries about any unusual sales. Nothing yet.”
Keegan grunted again. “I’ll see what I can do about forcing Brennan to hand over all their sales records. I’m damn sick and tired of getting nowhere on this investigation.”
I paused and scanned the street and parking lot. There was no one around, and none of the other guests had left the auction, yet. “I think we’re onto something here. Whether they know it or not, Brennan Auction Gallery is involved.”
“All right. I’ll get Agents Myers and Chen to keep digging on the auction house. Now, clock off, Coleman. Get some rest.”
“Good night, sir.”
I slipped the phone back in my bag and headed for my car. My mind was whirring. On the investigation, of course, and not Fury. A glance back at the auction house showed the glow of lights in the windows. I wondered if he was charming the pants off Miss Italy.
Ignoring the spurt of…something, I lifted my chin. He wasn’t mine. I was woman enough to admit I was attracted to the man, but I was far from trusting him. Donating a painting to a museum or gallery could just be a clever front.
My phone rang again, and when I pulled it out, I saw Lexxie’s name.
I paused halfway to my car and pressed the phone to my ear. “Hey, how are you?”
“I’m good.” Lexxie sounded out of breath, but happy. “God, Arizona is hot. Even in the fall.”
My chest warmed just hearing her voice. “It is mostly desert.”
“But it does get freezing at nighttime. Tell me you relaxed this weekend.”
“Oh, yes. Totally.”
My sister groaned. “For a federal agent, you’re a terrible liar, London. You worked, didn’t you?”
“Only a tiny bit. I did go out. And I’m out right now and about to head home.”
“Out where?” she asked suspiciously.
“Oh, a party.”
“Really?”
“Enough about me. So, have you gotten any good photos yet?”
“Not yet, but it’s going to be amazing.” Lexxie talked about scoping out various locations. When she started talking about photography, she got so excited.
I was so glad my sister had found her passion. I paused, the cool breeze ruffling my hair. Had I found mine? I loved my job. It was rewarding. And putting financial criminals away meant something to me.
When my father had gotten involved in fraud, it had destroyed our lives and the lives of others. My dad had been sucked into a wealthy man’s schemes, and he’d proven to be weak and greedy.
