Page 65 of Donovan Blake: Adrenalin

“It can and it does. Not as often as it once did, but yeah. In fact Sam was telling me about a new case out of the U.K just a couple of days ago.”

“Donovan, look at that dragon,” she murmured, gazing at a large jade figure, “and that tiara. I wonder where that came from. You’re right, there are so many incredible pieces in here.”

“And they’ll all be returned to their rightful owners. But we’d better get out before Sam arrives, and we need to talk to Candy.”

* * *

As Donovan and Phoebe stepped out into the hall, they crossed paths with Sam leading a large group of men. Donovan stopped to speak with him, but Phoebe just said a quick hello and continued on. Entering the suite, she found Candy on the couch hugging her knees and crying.

“Are you all right?” Phoebe asked, hurrying to her side. “Talk to me.”

“It’s all too much. Being locked in this room scared to death and not knowing what’s going on or who might bust through that door. Then I heard sirens and I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. And I don’t know what I’m going to do now. It’s such a mess.”

“Take a deep breath. Everything’s under control, except…”

“Manny’s dead, right?”

“I’m afraid so,” Phoebe said softly. “I’m sorry, Candy.”

“I knew he wouldn’t survive. I wanted to get away from him, but not like this.”

“Why did you think he was in danger?”

“I met Alexi Koslov on his mega yacht earlier and he gave me chills. I begged Manny not to do business with him, but no-one can tell Manny what to do, least of all me.”

“Did you know what was in his vault?”

“Sure. We used to go down there all the time. He was obsessed with his collection. I was surprised when he told me he wanted to sell that necklace. But Phoebe, what should I do? Where should I go?”

“Do you have any family or close friends?”

“My family lives on a farm in upstate New York, and my so-called friends were Manny’s. He didn’t like me having anyone outside of his circle.”

“Are you on good terms with your family.”

“Yes, but he even restricted my contact with them. Actually, now that we’re talking about it, I want to go home. I want to be around real people, and the horses and cattle…and…uh… maybe see Mark. Though I doubt he’ll want to see me.”

“Mark?”

“He was my boyfriend. He owned a little ranch and wanted to teach people about horses. He was incredible with them. I know I broke his heart when I left, but I wanted excitement. I wanted to experience the lights and glamor in Manhattan.”

“I bet he’ll be thrilled to see you.”

“Maybe. But regardless, all I want is peace and quiet and mom’s Sunday roast.”

“That sounds fabulous. I’ll make sure you’re interviewed right away so you can go home, but you probably won’t be able to stay here in the house. It’s a crime scene.”

“Oh, I hadn’t thought about that.”

“Don’t worry, I know this lovely hotel close to here. It’s where Donovan and I are staying. I’ll get you a room, and don’t worry about the money. I’ll take care of it.”

“That’s so kind, but isn’t an issue. Every time Manny gave me cash to buy a new dress or whatever, I find something expensive on super sale and put the rest away in case something happened.”

“Aren’t you a clever girl!”

“I only have one favor to ask.”

“Name it.”

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