Page 42 of A Death in Cornwall

“Because Monsieur Ricard was recently in possession of a Picasso that was stolen from a man named Bernard Lévy during the German occupation of France. With your help, I’m going to find it and return it to Lévy’s rightful heirs.”

Anna nodded contemplatively. “If there’s anything else I should know about this little scheme of yours, now would be a fine time to tell me.”

“Two people linked to the painting have been murdered.”

“Only two?”

“For all I know, there might be others.”

“He’s not going to kill me, is he?”

“Ricard? I can’t imagine.”

“Because the last time you and I got involved in looted art—”

The bell sounded before Anna could finish her thought. Rising, she went into the entrance hall and admitted a pair of room service waiters. They arranged the food on the table without commentary and hurriedly withdrew.

Anna sat down and laid a napkin across her lap. “Perhaps I’ve been going about this the wrong way.”

“Going about what?” asked Gabriel as he removed the cork from the second bottle of white burgundy.

“Convincing you to leave that gorgeous wife of yours and marry me.”

“Anna, please.”

“Will you at least hear my proposal?”

“No.”

“I’m prepared to be generous.”

“I’m sure you are. But I’m not interested in your money. I’m desperately in love with Chiara.”

“What about the reckless affair she’s having with this Giacomo fellow?”

“Gennaro,” said Gabriel. “And it isn’t real.”

“Of course it isn’t. After all, why would she be involved with a coffee boy when she’s married to you?” Anna lowered her eyes toward her plate. “In case you were wondering, the answer is yes. I’ll help you find that Picasso.”

“What’s your schedule like?”

“I’m in Oslo next week and Prague the week after.”

“And then?”

“I’ll have to check with my assistant.”

“Please do,” said Gabriel. “And then get rid of her.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m going to give you a new one.”

“What’s she like?”

“Pure trouble.”

“Sounds like my kind of girl,” said Anna. “All I need now are the paintings.”

---