Page 6 of Code Name: Michelangelo

Often, the art was used as collateral, or even currency, to fund other criminal enterprises like moving drugs and weapons. Which meant the pieces often passed from one crime family to another and sometimes back again.

But why trade or sell the original when a forgery might be just as good? That’s where I’d come in.

When I graduated with my masters from the Art Institute of Chicago, the last thing I intended was to enter the world of crime. But a year later, that’s exactly what I did. My agenda had little to do with money. Then, I’d wanted to ruin the life of my business partner, who just so happened to be my biological father.

I shook my head. That was in the past, and my focus was on the future. I’d been given a chance to lead a life entirely different from the one I had been, and I’d be an idiot not to take it.

“I have a proposal for you.” When Penelope raised a brow, I chuckled. “Something that will help us both.”

“Let’s hear it.”

I’d always admired her direct approach. There was no beating around the bush, no tiptoeing around a subject, and no bullshit. “We buy more art.”

“We?”

“Yes.”

She shook her head. “No way.”

“No? Just like that? You don’t even want to hear my idea?”

“I did hear it, and first of all, weren’t you listening? I don’t have money to invest in art. Second, whoever is behind the forgeries must have some idea the FBI is onto them. The auction houses have to know about the investigation if the galleries do. I wouldn’t risk selling anything right now, other than Tara’s work. What are they going to do? Keep holding auctions and look the other way?”

“How many different sources were twenty-four forged pieces purchased through?”

She opened her laptop, closed it, and looked at me with wide eyes. “Multiple brokers but only one auction house. I can’t believe I didn’t realize this before.”

I nodded.

“So, they’re in on it?”

“It appears that way. Now, let me address your first concern. We wouldn’t be using your money.”

“What about your recent release from prison?”

“The people who I strongly believe are responsible for the forgeries aren’t the sort to think anything about the minimal time I served. In fact, I guarantee they’ll want to work with me again. We made a lot of money together before my arrest. They’ll see me as a way to expand their business.”

She shook her head again. “You’ve lost me, but I actually consider that a good thing. I don’t need or want to understand the way you used to live, Brand.”

“Nor do I want you to. Kade Butler is offering me a job that will allow me to turn my life around. He’s giving me a second chance, and he and I have no history. Why won’t you?” My eyes bored into hers, and her cheeks flushed.

“What would I have to do? Attend auctions and bid on art?”

“Yes, but I would be with you.”

“Why?”

“Because of our new relationship status.”

When she raised a brow, I couldn’t mask my grin. I was going to love this. Her, maybe not so much.

“Which is?”

“I’m your fiancé.”

Penelope rolled her eyes. “No one will believe that in a million years. I haven’t been dating, and yet suddenly, I’m engaged to you? It’s ludicrous.”

“I was just released from prison. Perhaps we reestablished a connection, then.”

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