Page 56 of Donovan Blake: Passion

“Yes, Mr. Kozlov.”

Alexi waited until they’d managed to slide out almost six inches, but worried the portrait might be damaged if they continued, he told them to stop. Crouching down, he shone the bright light into the hollow. The portrait was easy to see.

“I’m not a sentimental man,” he said briskly as he straightened up, “but I can understand why it might be difficult for Lord Hawthorne to part with this. I’m glad I was able to return the frame. Goodbye, Donovan. I’m leaving London so we won’t be meeting again. Be sure to give Phoebe my regards.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

The moment Alexi had mentioned Phoebe, Donovan wanted to punch him between the eyes. Managing to push aside the burning temptation he’d walked out with Brian and Chris, then watched as the frame was loaded.

“How was it?” Phoebe asked as he climbed back into the Mercedes.

“Tense, but that’s to be expected. I must let Peter know we’re on our way back,” he declared, quickly placing the call.

“Donovan! How did it go?” Peter asked anxiously as he answered.

“No problems and we’re on way home.”

“That’s wonderful news. Did Alexi look at the portrait closely?”

“As closely as he could. It was still rolled up and he used a flashlight. But it doesn’t matter. All he really cares about is the money. It’s just fortunate you had that Gilcee print stashed away.”

“I had a feeling it might come in handy one day, but I never thought it would be for something like this,” Peter remarked with a relieved sigh. “As for Giles—I can’t believe he would do something so heinous! I’m not sure I’ll be able to control myself next time I see him.”

“You got the better of him, that’s the important thing. Even if he finds out it’s a print he wouldn’t dare challenge Alexi. But I need to make another call. I just wanted to let you know everything went as planned.”

“Drive safely, and thank you, Donovan.”

“Hey, putting one over on Alexi Koslov was very satisfying! I’ll see you shortly.”

“Do you think Giles will find out the painting he spent a fortune on is a copy?” Phoebe asked as he ended the call.

“He will if he tries to sell it, but as I just said to Peter, he’ll be too scared to confront Alexi. Now I must update Sam.”

“Give me good news,” Sam said, answering on the first ring.

“No problems, and I’m fairly certain Alexi was the man behind the string of art thefts.”

“Was? Past tense? What makes you think he’s stopped?”

“This one was a nightmare. I don’t know why, but he was forced to use two local hoods, Craig Carson and Bob Lacey, and as you know they totally screwed up. Then there was that dreadful scene in the woods with his man Oleg who’s now in custody. Bottom line, Alexi’s luck has run out and he knows it. He’s leaving London as we speak. No doubt he’s found another nefarious way to victimize people and make more millions. Now my focus is on David Weiss and finding out what’s in that frame. He’ll be arriving tomorrow.”

“Let me know right away. I’m just as intrigued as you are. Good work, Donovan. I’ll speak to you later.”

“Bye, Sam.”

“I’m suddenly exhausted,” Phoebe said with a yawn. “I can’t imagine why. It’s the middle of the day.”

“It’s because the case is over. It will probably hit me tonight.”

“What will happen to Jimmy Pike and all the others who were involved?”

“That’s not my department, but I’m sure they’ll be prosecuted. I just wish I could have nailed Alexi.”

“I’ve been wondering about that. Why didn’t you use the real portrait and trap him somehow?”

“Trust me, Phoebe, this wasn’t the case,” Donovan said solemnly. “But our paths will cross again, and I have faith an opportunity will present itself. When it does I’ll be ready.”

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