Page 55 of Donovan Blake: Adrenalin

“It had better be.”

“Remarkable. It’s a shame it can never leave this room. I won’t ask how you acquired it, but I assume an excellent forgery is hanging in its place.”

“You have assumed correctly.”

“Did you arrange both the painting and the switch?”

“That’s confidential, but if you ever want to do something similar let me know.”

“Interesting. You’re a man of exceptional talent. Shall we return to your office and talk?”

“Yes, though I’m sure the police will be knocking on the door looking for me, assuming they haven’t come and gone already,” Manny remarked as he moved across to open the entrance. “I have several vodkas on hand. I hope one is to your liking.”

“I will sample them all,” Alexi said, smiling for the first time.

The change in his demeanor wasn’t lost on Manny. Feeling a wave of relief, and finally starting to feel comfortable in the man’s presence, he grasped the handle and tried to turn it, but it wouldn’t budge.

“Is there a problem?” Alexi asked, walking up to stand beside him.

“I don’t understand,” Manny muttered. “It never sticks.”

“Let me try.”

Stepping back, Manny watched the powerfully-built Russian grip the large brass knob. Though his knuckles turned white with the effort, he wasn’t able to make it turn even an inch.

“Don’t worry, I’ll call one of my men,” Manny said confidently as he lifted out his phone. “He’ll be here in no-time, and I’ll also get an update on what’s happening.”

* * *

Donovan had just finished giving Sam the rundown on the unexpected events of the night when there was a loud knock on the door.

“Sam, I have to go. But hurry. Manny probably called someone for help and I think they’re here already,” Donovan exclaimed.

“My team have been waiting close by and they’ll be there in minutes. Just stall the best you can.”

“Like I have a choice,” he grunted, ending the call.

As he marched across to the door there was another knock, but louder, and a female voice began yelling.

“Hey, it’s me, Candy, let me in.”

Cautiously opening the door and seeing only the shapely woman, he glanced quickly up and down the hall. Relieved it was empty, he grabbed her arm and pulled her inside.

“Hello, Candy, my name’s Donovan Blake,” he said briskly, locking the door behind her. “I work with a branch of law enforcement, and—”

“Where’s Manny?” she demanded, glancing across at Phoebe.

“I can’t tell you that right now, but he’s okay.”

“Oh. So…uh…he’s still alive?”

“He is, but why do you ask?”

“Someone stabbed a man by the castle cake, and I thought the same person might have attacked Manny as well.”

“No, he’s just fine.”

Watching her, Donovan had the distinct impression she’d been hoping to hear a different answer.

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