Homeport

explain that, Detective?”
    He had to smile. It was a good comeback. “I’d have to say he wanted it. There’s nothing else missing?”
    “The gallery spaces are being checked thoroughly. Nothing else appears to be missing. I don’t know what else I can tell you.”
    “That should do it for now.” He rose, tucked his notebook away. “We’ll be interviewing your staff, and it’s likely I’ll need to talk to you again.”
    “We’re more than willing to cooperate.” She rose as well. She wanted him out. “You can contact me here, or at home,” she continued as she walked to the door. When she opened it, she saw Ryan pacing the outer office.
    “Miranda.” He came straight to her, took both of her hands. “I just heard.”
    For some reason tears swam close again, and were battled back. “Bad day,” she managed.
    “I’m so sorry. How much was taken? Do the police have any leads?”
    “I—Ryan, this is Detective Cook. He’s in charge. Detective, this is Ryan Boldari, an associate.”
    “Detective.” Ryan could have spotted him as a cop from six blocks at a dead run in the opposite direction.

    “Mr. Boldari. You work here?”
    “No, I own galleries in New York and San Francisco. I’m here on business for a few days. Miranda, what can I do to help?”
    “There’s nothing. I don’t know.” It hit her again, like a wave, and made her hands tremble in his.
    “You should sit down, you’re upset.”
    “Mr. Boldari?” Cook held up a finger as Ryan turned to nudge Miranda back into her office. “What are the names of your galleries?”
    “Boldari,” he said with an arch of brow. “The Boldari Gallery.” He slipped out a hammered-silver case and removed a business card. “The addresses for both are there. Excuse me, Detective. Dr. Jones needs a moment.”
    It gave him a quiet satisfaction to shut the door in Cook’s face. “Sit down, Miranda. Tell me what happened.”
    She did as he asked, grateful now for the firm grip of his hand on hers.
    “Only one piece,” Ryan said when she’d finished. “Odd.”
    “He had to be a stupid thief,” she said with some spirit. “He could have cleaned out that display without much more time and no more effort.”
    Ryan tucked his tongue in his cheek and reminded himself not to be offended. “Apparently he was selective, but stupid? Difficult to believe a stupid man—or woman for that matter—could get past your security with such apparent ease and speed.”
    “Well, he might know electronics, but he doesn’t know art.” Unable to sit, she rose and flipped on her coffeepot. “The David was a lovely little piece, but hardly the best we have. Oh it doesn’t matter,” she muttered, dragging a hand through her hair. “I sound as though I’m annoyed he didn’t take more or choose better. I’m just so angry that he got in at all.”
    “As I would be.” He walked over to kiss the top of her head. “I’m sure the police will find him, and David . Cook struck me as an efficient type.”
    “I suppose—once he eliminates Andrew and me from his list of suspects and can concentrate on finding the real thief.”
    “That would be typical, I’d imagine.” The little worm of guilt wriggled again as he turned her to face him. “You’re not worried about that part, are you?”
    “No, not really. Annoyed, but not worried. I appreciate you coming by, Ryan, I—Oh, lunch,” she remembered. “I’m not going to be able to make it.”
    “Don’t give it a thought. We’ll reschedule when I make my next trip in.”
    “Next trip?”
    “I have to leave this evening. I’d hoped to stay another day or two . . . for personal reasons. But I need to get back tonight.”
    “Oh.” She hadn’t thought it possible to be any more unhappy.
    He lifted her hands to his lips. Sad eyes, he thought, were so compelling. “It wouldn’t hurt to miss me. It might help take your mind off all this.”
    “I have a feeling I’m going to be busy for the next few days. But I’m sorry you can’t stay longer. This won’t—This problem isn’t going to change your mind about the exchange, is it?”
    “Miranda.” He enjoyed the moment, playing the stalwart and supporting hero. “Don’t be foolish. The Vasaris will be in your hands within the month.”
    “Thank you. After the morning I’ve had, I appreciate the confidence more than I can tell you.”
    “And you’ll miss me.”
    Her lips curved. “I think I will.”
    “Now say goodbye.”
    She began