Page 54 of Donovan Blake: Passion

“How do you suggest we do that?”

“Once the dust has settled, tell him the truth. That the item Richard Weiss secreted away all those decades ago is where it belongs.”

“That’s such a good idea,” Phoebe exclaimed. “There’s absolutely nothing he can do. He doesn’t even know what he’d be looking for.”

“Exactly. Now we must have our breakfast. The van will be here very soon.”

* * *

At his home in the heart of Chelsea, Giles Cavendish groggily opened his eyes and stared at the clock. The fuzzy red digits said 9:07 a.m. He let out a relieved breath. The painting wasn’t due to arrive until noon. Reaching for the glass of water on the nightstand, he took several gulps, then let his head fall back on the pillow. It ached, and he felt like he’d been hit by a bus. He thought about checking in with his office, or at least making sure there were no urgent messages, but he simply didn’t have the energy or the desire. Telling himself his days of worrying about such things were over anyway, he closed his eyes and drifted off.

CHAPTER THIRTY

By the time Donovan and Phoebe finished breakfast the van had arrived. While Donovan left to fetch the canister, the three security guards who had volunteered to act as moving men appeared wearing overalls Jane had found in a basement.

“You certainly look the part,” Peter remarked approvingly. “Please know I really am very grateful for your help.”

“It’s our pleasure, sir,” one of them said, stepping forward. “I’m Brian, and that’s Ron and Chris. We’d like to express our appreciation for your hospitality. It’s only been a short time but your staff has been very kind. And you have an amazing cook.”

“Ah, yes, we do.”

“Time to head out,” Donovan exclaimed, walking towards them holding the large, cumbersome canister. “This darn thing is awkward and surprisingly heavy. I suggest two of you carry it. We don’t want it hitting the ground and getting damaged.”

“We’ll be waiting in the van,” Brian said as the other two each took an end and moved it outside.

“I’ll be right there,” Donovan called after them. “So, this is it,” he continued, lowering his voice and turning to Peter. “Just to reiterate, once the frame is in the van Phoebe and I will follow it back here, and Sam has arranged eyes in the sky. If anyone is on our tail we’ll know and take evasive maneuvers. But I’ll stay in touch, and if you need me don’t hesitate to call.”

“Thank you, Donovan, thank you very much indeed. And thank you, Phoebe,” he added, placing his hand on her shoulder. “You’re a remarkable pair. Good luck, not that you need it.”

Phoebe suddenly stepped forward and hugged him.

“You’re such a sweet man, Peter. I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you.”

“Heavens, thank you. The feeling’s mutual. You’re a remarkable young woman.”

Not sure how to respond she just smiled, then headed outside with Donovan.

“I have to ask you something,” she said as they moved towards the Mercedes. “Why are you letting me come with you? Aren’t you worried something might happen when we arrive at Alexi’s house?”

“Yes, but I’d be more worried if I left you here. I don’t want you out of my sight for one minute.”

“That’s so lovely,” she purred, tilting her head to the side and smiling at him. “You just made me all gooey inside.”

“Good grief, come on, get in the car or you’ll make us late,” he ordered, but as she climbed in he felt his heart swell. He was truly in love for the first time in his life.

* * *

Though the drive to London was uneventful, Donovan talked about Alexi Koslov, and what a truly diabolical man he was. Nothing was certain until they were safely back at Hawthorne Hall with the frame.

“That’s why I had to call in a security team,” he said with a frown. “He could send men like that Oleg character there. This isn’t over until he’s left London.”

“What’s to stop him from going back and stealing another painting.”

“He rarely returns to his previous sites. Maybe he’s superstitious about it.”

As they followed the van off the motorway and through the busy city streets, Donovan felt his pulse tick up. What he was doing carried a certain amount of risk, but he was confident he could pull it off. When they passed The Bridgerton Hotel they shared a glance, then smiled. “We have to do what you said,” Phoebe said softly.

“Which was?”

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