Hidden Riches

am.”
    “I don’t need the analysis. I need you to stop this and be reasonable.”
    “I am being reasonable, believe me. So reasonable I’m going to make it easy for both of us. The day after tomorrow you should be able to tie up the loose ends about the painting. Or most of them. You shouldn’t need me after that.”
    “Goddamn it, you know I need you.”
    Her eyes filled then, and she fought back tears like bitter enemies. “You can’t imagine what I would have given to hear you say that before. Just once, for you to have been able to look at me and say that you needed me. But I’m not a courageous woman, Jed, and I have to protect myself.”
    No, he couldn’t break through the wall she’d put between them, but her hurt could. It snuck through the cracks and battered at him. “What do you want, Dora?”
    “When we’re finished on Thursday, I intend to close the shop for a couple of weeks, take a trip someplacewarm. That should give you plenty of time to find other accommodations and move out.”
    “That’s no way to handle this.”
    “It’s my way. And I figure I’m in the position of calling the shots. I’m sorry, but I don’t want you here when I get back.”
    “Just like that?”
    “Yes.”
    “Fine.” He had his pride. He’d been rejected before. If it burned a hole in him this time, he’d find something to fill it with. But he wouldn’t beg. He’d be damned if he’d beg. “I’ll go as soon as things are wrapped up.” Because it hurt, it hurt unbelievably, he covered the wounds with a professional shield. “There’ll be a team in tomorrow after closing. They’ll set up the wires. We’ll go over procedure when they’re done.”
    “All right. I’m very tired. I’d like you to go now.” She walked to the door, held it open. “Please.”
    It wasn’t until he’d reached her that he realized his hands were unsteady. When he heard the door close behind him he had the sick and certain feeling that he’d just been shut out of the best part of his life.

CHAPTER
TWENTY-NINE
    “W hat’s with you two?” Brent asked as Jed climbed into the surveillance van.
    Ignoring the question, Jed pulled out a cigarette. “How’s the sound?”
    “Loud and clear.” Though Brent offered the headphones, he was far from finished. “Loud enough and clear enough to hear the two of you talking in there like polite strangers. Don’t you think she could have used a little morale boost instead of a lecture on procedure?”
    “Drop it.” Jed slipped on the headphones and checked the rear window of the van to be sure he had a clear view of the shop. “Everybody in place?”
    “We’re set,” Brent assured him. “Look, maybe you’d feel better if you were on the inside.”
    “She’ll be more comfortable if I’m not. Look, I’ll handlemy end.” Jed drew deeply on the cigarette. “You handle yours.”
    “You’re not running the show yet, Captain.” The edge of anger in Brent’s voice sent off an answering ripple in Jed’s blood. Before he could respond, the radio crackled.
    “Base, this is Unit One. A man answering subject’s description just got out of a cab on the corner of South and Front streets. He’s walking west.”
    “Looks like it’s show time,” Brent murmured, but Jed was already reaching for the portable phone. Dora answered on the first ring.
    “Good afternoon, Dora’s Parlor.”
    “He’s half a block away,” Jed said flatly. “I’ve got him in view.”
    “All right. Everything’s ready here.”
    “Keep loose, Conroy.”
    “Sure.”
    “Dora—” But she’d already broken the connection. “Fuck.” He said it softly, finally, helplessly.
    “She can handle it, Jed.”
    “Yeah. But I don’t know if I can.” He watched Winesap mince hurriedly down the sidewalk, shoulders hunched against the wind. “I just figured out I’m in love with her.” Ignoring the throbbing at the back of his neck, he slipped on the headphones in time to hear the bells jingle as Winesap opened the shop door.
    “Good afternoon.” Dora stepped away from the counter and offered her best new-customer smile. “May I help you?”
    “Miss Conroy? I’m Francis Petroy.”
    She let the smile broaden. “Yes, Mr. Petroy. I was expecting you.” She walked to the door to flip the Closed sign around. Her eyes slashed to the van, then away. “I’m so glad you could make it. Can I get you some coffee? Tea?”
    “I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”
    “Not at all. I always