Page 40 of Donovan Blake: Passion

“That’s of no relevance to the flimsy charges against my client relating to the theft and/or tampering of a motor vehicle,” a tall portly man interjected, striding into the room. “My name is Terrence Witherspoon. I am Mr. Baptiste’s barrister, and there will be no further questioning. You will release him immediately. A fingerprint on a car is insufficient to arrest him, let alone hold him. If you have anything else tell me, if not, he’s leaving with me, or a lawsuit will be filed for false arrest and imprisonment. You know I’m right. Stop this nonsense at once.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

The interview was immediately halted and the video came to an end. Donovan was about to close his laptop when Phoebe abruptly stopped him.

“Can I see that last bit again? The moment when Ari was asked about the portrait? I think I saw something.”

“Sure, let’s take another look.”

“What is it, Phoebe?” Peter asked, leaning forward in his seat.

“As I pointed out, he crosses his arms or legs when he’s lying, but watch his eyebrows.”

“You said something about that earlier,” Donovan remarked.

“I know, but I think there’s more to it than I originally thought,” she murmured as the video began to play a second time.

“Mr. Baptiste, are you familiar with an estate known as Hawthorne Hall?”

“I’ve heard of it.”

“Are you aware a portrait was stolen from there?”

“Freeze it,” Phoebe exclaimed. “See? There’s a slight frown. Keep going until he’s asked about the buyer.”

The three of them watched intently until the last question was presented and the interrogator was interrupted by the barrister.

“We know Mr. Koslov has a buyer. Who is this person, and what are the details of the deal?”

“Right there,” Phoebe said excitedly. “Look, he stopped frowning and raised his eyebrows.”

“What does that mean?” Peter asked anxiously.

“He was taken by surprise.”

“I don’t understand,” Donovan said. “Alexi and I talked about the buyer and he said he would receive a King’s Ransom. Those are the words he used.”

“Yes, but don’t you remember? When you had that conversation with Alexi, Ari was with me in the room off the foyer. You had to tell me about it later.”

“Phoebe! You’re right.”

“What does this mean?” Peter interjected.

“I’m not sure. Maybe Alexi lied to Ari about having a buyer or didn’t tell him.”

“But what does it matter?” Peter continued. “Why would his bodyguard care about where the painting ends up?”

“I have no idea, or maybe that’s not the issue,” Donovan murmured thoughtfully. “Peter, what makes your particular portrait so valuable?”

“I’m embarrassed to say I really don’t know. It’s insured for one-hundred thousand pounds, but I can’t imagine anyone paying that much for it. Certainly not a King’s Ransom. The only thing I can suggest is that it must hold personal significance to the buyer.”

“Daddy?”

“Yes, Jane, what is it?” Peter replied, turning to see his daughter stepping through the door. “We’re a bit busy at the moment.”

“There’s a package for you at the front gate and the courier says he has to give it to you personally.”

“Jane! There you are!” Trevor exclaimed, suddenly appearing behind her.

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