Page 90 of Ruthless Cross

Flynn riffled through the boxes on the table while she looked through the drawers, although she didn't know what she was looking for.

"Everything is the same as the last time I was here," she said, drawing his gaze to hers. "I don't know what you think might be here."

"Probably nothing. We've already accessed your mother's work computer, thanks to cooperation from Victoria and the owner of the museum. There was nothing noteworthy in Juliette's work emails, and you've gone through her personal emails, so that was covered."

She frowned. "Victoria gave you permission to go through my mom's computer?"

"Yes. Why wouldn't she?"

"It seems like an invasion of privacy."

"The computer is owned by the museum, not your mother. But there's nothing to be angry about. There wasn't anything there."

"I'm worried because this is my mom's job, and if they think she's a suspect in Arthur's murder, they might fire her. And if she loses her job, too…" She couldn't even think of what that would do to her mom.

"I understand your concern, but it was a necessary step and as soon as we find the real killer, your mother will be in the clear. Since she won't be returning to work for probably at least another week, we have some time."

"I hope so." She picked up the photo of her mother and Arthur, staring at his features for a long minute. He was smiling in the picture, his arms around her mom, and they looked happy. "This was taken on their wedding day. It's difficult to believe that was only a little over a year ago. I was worried about their whirlwind romance. I thought things were moving way too fast, but I was hoping for the best. I wanted Arthur to love my mom, to always be there for her, but my suspicions were right. I wish they'd been wrong. I wish Arthur had been the man my mom thought he was."

"I wish he'd been that man, too," Flynn said heavily, reminding her that he, too, felt betrayed by Arthur, not because of Arthur's affair with Layana, but because he'd been dealing in stolen art.

"I don't know what my mom will do when she finds out the extent of Arthur's crimes," she muttered. "I foresee a lot of bad days ahead."

"You'll help her get through them—one day at a time," he said pragmatically.

"It feels exhausting to think about."

"Then don't think about it. She won't find out today, so you can push that worry off for at least twenty-four hours."

"Good point." She paused as Victoria entered the room, looking as stylish and beautiful as ever in a body-con black dress that hugged her figure and set off her blonde hair.

"Callie, Agent MacKenzie, I understand you want to speak to me. How is Juliette?" Victoria asked.

"She's dealing with everything," Callie replied.

"I'd love to help. Juliette is more than an employee; she's my friend. And I know how much she adored Arthur. I can't imagine how she's handling this loss. I hope you'll tell her not to worry about her job here. It will be waiting for her when she's ready to return."

"She'll be happy to hear that."

Victoria's gaze turned to Flynn. "Are you making progress toward finding Arthur's killer?"

"We are, but I wanted to ask you a few questions, if you have time."

"I'm happy to make the time. What do you need?"

"First of all, do you know Layana Vazquez?"

"Yes. She's a talented artist, and she did Arthur's portrait. Why do you ask?"

At Victoria's question, Callie stiffened.Did she want Flynn to reveal Arthur's affair with Layana to her mother's boss? On the other hand, would it be possible to keep it a secret as the investigation continued?

Flynn shot her a quick, cautioning look, as if to tell her not to jump in. Then he said, "Were Layana and Arthur having a personal relationship?"

"I think Layana had a bit of a crush on Arthur, but I don't know that she or he ever acted on it," Victoria said carefully. "Why?"

Flynn ignored her question. "What about Gretchen Vale? Did Arthur ever speak to you about his relationship with Gretchen?"

"He sometimes bought paintings from Gretchen and Stephen. I know they were friends."

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