Page 73 of Whispers of Redemption

CHAPTER 29

For all of Cassie’s earlier bravado, she could feel her pulse racing as she pulled into Olga’s driveway. It was nearly nine-thirty now. The night sky was almost completely dark, with a few stars beginning to make their appearance alongside a sliver of moon.

Cassie parked and took several deep breaths to steady herself. She slipped her fingertips beneath the collar of her black polo shirt to touch the microphone wire that lay taped with white medical tape just below her collarbone.

She’d gone home to quickly change into the shirt along with a pair of jeans and sneakers, because she needed clothing to effectively hide the wire she was now wearing.

The synthesized audio transmitter, a small, thin black box—hardly bigger than a paperclip—was tucked inside the waistband of her jeans. Its antenna and the microphone wire ran vertically up her torso for optimum reception.

Wade had ridden with Cassie back to her place to change. On the way, he’d called Hugo as the chief had requested. Hugo happened to be with Ani for a movie night, and from Hugo’s side of the conversation, Ani soon figured out what was going on. Wade and Hugo switched to speakerphones, and Cassie could clearly hear Ani whining in the background. “Can’t I do a ride-along when you guys bust Olga? Puh-leeeze!”

“No, Ani,” Wade had been firm.

“Hey, Ani,” Cassie called out. “How about if Hugo drops you off at my place? Then I’ll tell you everything as soon as we get back. Mark and Rachel are out of town, so you can babysit Angel for me while I do this. She’d love the company.”

“Oh, fine,” Ani grumbled. “No offense, Angel!” she’d added. The little dog had cocked her head and barked at the sound of her name.

Now, Cassie was here at Olga’s, while Wade, Hugo, and Zack sat in a car less than a quarter of a mile up the road, listening in.

She still couldn’t believe that sweet old Olga was an integral part of a national art smuggling ring. But she had to put this fact out of her mind. For the plan to work, it was imperative that Cassie act as natural as possible. She had to make sure she didn’t treat Olga any differently than she always did.

“Okay, guys, I’m going in,” she said in a low voice, and got out of her car. She moved to the back and opened the trunk. The painting was not large, measuring less than three feet wide and a little more than two feet tall. Zack had repackaged everything back inside the wooden crate.

Cassie pulled it out and slammed the trunk shut, then carried it to the front door and knocked. She had called Olga a short while ago to let her know she was coming, and within moments Cassie heard the sound of the walker rolling toward the front entrance.

The door swung wide and Olga stood there, looking as chic as ever. Her soft silver hair swept into its usual neat French twist. She wore a pale blue silk blouse that accentuated the color of her eyes, along with a pair of flowy, cream-colored pants.

“Wow, you look pretty tonight, Olga,” Cassie said, stepping inside. “Have you got a hot date or something?”

Olga laughed. “Not tonight, beautiful! Sometimes it’s just nice to wear the clothes that I can’t wear when I’m painting. Plus, I’m celebrating the return of the painting. Come join me for a glass of champagne.”

Cassie held up the crate. “Where would you like me to put it?”

“Carry it to my studio worktable, please. I want to check that it hasn’t been damaged.” She led the way back to her studio, and turned on bright standing floor lights, aiming them at the easel in front of her chair.

Cassie set the crate on the nearby worktable while Olga moved into the kitchen area and pulled out a second champagne glass from her cupboard. She poured the bubbly, golden liquid into a glass to match her own and handed it to Cassie.

“Here’s to a job well done, Cassandra!” Olga said, raising her glass toward Cassie. “I’m so grateful for your tenacity. You’ve literally saved my reputation!” Cassie smiled, clinking her glass against Olga’s before they each took a sip.

“Now, tell me all about how you found my painting,” Olga said. “I want all the details.” She’d picked up a small hammer and laid it on the seat of her walker before rolling herself over to the worktable where the crate sat.

Cassie shared the details of spotting Brett at the park with the package and the ensuing car chase. But she carefully left out any of Wade’s involvement. While she spoke, she watched Olga use the claw side of the hammer to remove the nails holding the crate together. Cassie watched her remove the protective foam padding and fought to keep her voice calm as Olga carefully lifted out the painting and set it on the easel. Olga put on her magnifying eyeglasses and began examining it.

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