Page 110 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“One moment.”

More muffled voices, then Nico said to Simon, “Mr. Petry says that he understands the inconvenience, but if you refuse, the deal is off, and he expects our deposit to be returned immediately.”

Simon wasn’t about to refund a half million dollars even if Petry wanted to call the deal off.

But before he could say anything, Nico continued, “And Mr. Petry wants to make sure you understand that if you don’t refund the money, he will honor you with a lovely wreath at your funeral.”

Simon had resources, but he had no doubt Petry had evenmore. “There’s no need for threats. I would be happy to have you both join me for the delivery.”

“I thought you might. Where shall we meet you?”

“I have a gallery in town.”

“On Melrose. Coincidentally, we’re parked in front. Would it be all right if we come in now?”

“No,” Simon blurted out. “I mean, not through the front. There’s a parking lot in back. Pull in there and I’ll meet you at the rear door.”

As soon as they hung up, Simon called Phillip. “Well?”

“I don’t think we need to worry about the Monica Reyes problem anymore.”

“When can you get back here?”

“An hour, hour and a half. Why? You need me?”

“Petry and Nico will be here in a minute.”

“If I leave right now, I might make it in forty-five.”

“That will probably be too late. Wait until they arrest her, then come back.”

“Will do.”

—

“Wait here,” Benji said to Devin and Sticks.

He climbed out of their car, jogged to the back door of his brother’s gallery, and pressed the buzzer.

Within seconds, Simon yanked the door open and peered out. “Finally.”

“You want us to bring it inside?”

Simon lowered his voice to a whisper. “Of course I want you to bring it inside. What are you? An idiot?”

Benji signaled Devin and Sticks to fetch the painting.

“The client is here,” Simon said, his voice still low. “None of you say anything. Got it?”

“Got it.”

“I mean it. Not one word.”

“I said I got it.”

Simon held his gaze for a moment, then headed away, forcing Benji to catch the door to keep it from closing again.

Devin’s right, Benji thought.Simon really is a prick.

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