Page 5 of Donovan Blake: Passion

“In your basement covered with a cloth. I’m sorry to tell you this, but Jane was involved, though I suspect she was coerced.”

“It’s that Jimmy Pike! No question! He’s a bad apple!” Peter said angrily. “I don’t know why she chose to become friends with him. I won’t allow him in the house, though looking back perhaps that was a mistake,” he added with a frown. “What’s that saying…? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer?”

“You’re correct. It was Jimmy Pike. That’s the name she gave me. Unfortunately good girls are usually attracted to bad boys at some point, but she’s promised to give me full details on him and anyone else involved.”

“You’re a marvel, Donovan. I’m in your debt.”

“Not at all, this is what I do. One thing though, I’d recommend tighter security and a bodyguard for Jane. Not permanently, just until things settle down.”

“Do you think my daughter’s in danger?”

“When this is over they’ll be furious, and they’ll have friends.”

“I see. Please, make whatever arrangements you deem necessary.”

“Thank you. I have someone in mind for a bodyguard. I’ll contact him right away. And having actual guards around is an excellent deterrent. Not an army, just a couple would be helpful. Speak to your security company. See what they can offer.”

“Ah, yes, I will, immediately.”

“There’s one last thing. I promised Jane I wouldn’t tell you about her involvement on the condition she fill you in herself. She’ll be down here very soon. I may need her help at some point, so in order to keep her trust—”

“I understand. You can count on my discretion.”

“Thank you, Peter. Now I’d better leave before she gets here.”

“Yes, of course, and thank you again. I’m so very grateful.”

Hastily striding from Peter’s study, Donovan returned to the room from where the painting was stolen and texted Phoebe with the update. Finally settling into a chair, he began to think…

CHAPTER THREE

“Donovan?”

Startled, he darted his eyes up. Phoebe was walking towards him.

“Hello, Phoebe. How’s Jane coping?”

“She’s scared, though I think she’s also relieved. But you looked like you were a million miles away.”

“I was, and we need to talk,” he began solemnly. “I don’t think this was as random as it appears. I think Jane’s boyfriend was targeted and exploited.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying we’re a hair’s breath away from the sophisticated gang behind all this. Phoebe, we’re already wading in shark infested waters. I’m calling Sam.”

“Can we do this in our room? It’s a suite actually. It’s gorgeous.”

“I need to do this right away,” he replied, placing the call.

After updating Sam, Donovan suggested apprehending Jimmy Pike and his cohorts when they arrived to collect the painting.

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll contact my counterpart in London and make sure he’s on his way. Just make sure they’re locked up somewhere secure. Donovan, I’m very impressed. You and Phoebe make a great team, but you need to wrap things up as fast as possible. There’s been another theft in Knightsbridge.”

“I don’t believe this. How the hell did anyone break into a home in Knightsbridge?” Donovan exclaimed. “There are people everywhere, and what about the security?”

“I don’t have all the details yet, but it sounds like all the others. Regardless, you and Phoebe need to be there. Move things along as quickly as you can.”

“I will, Sam. You’ll hear from me shortly.”

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