Page 127 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

Simon turned his head to follow it.

Sticks grinned and said, “That’s me.”

Simon whipped his gaze back to Petry. “You wanthimto pick them up for you?”

“That’s what I said.”

“Sticks—I mean, Mr. Martin—works for me, not you.”

“The fuck I do,” Sticks said.

“It’s my understanding that Mr. Martin is a freelancer who has just completed a job for you,” Petry said matter-of-factly. “Now he’ll be doing a job for me.”

“What kind of job?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

Simon couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Do you…Do you realize…You know what he does, don’t you?”

“I’m aware of Mr. Martin’s special skills. Why do you think I hired him?”

It all clicked into place. “Y-y-you’re going to burn the paintings?”

“Did I say that?”

“Why would you do that? They’re irreplaceable. They’re—”

“Don’t you worry. I’m planning on getting my full money’s worth out of them.”

“By burning them?”

“By using them as a message.”

Simon clasped his hands together to keep them from shaking. He had feared Petry’s intentions, but having them confirmed was too much. He could not just stand there and do nothing.“I’m sorry, Mr. Petry, but our deal is off.” He gestured to the exit. “Please leave.”

Petry chuckled but didn’t get up. “Nico?”

“Transfers complete.”

“See, Simon. You’ve already been paid. The paintings are mine.”

“What? No. I—I—I’ll transfer it right back to you.”

“Not going to happen.”

The back door swung open. Simon whirled around, hoping Phillip had finally arrived, but it was only one of his employees.

“I’m sorry, Jessica, but I’m in the middle of a meeting. Could you come back in fifteen minutes?”

“Um…”

“Here.” He hurried over and handed her twenty bucks. “Grab a coffee on me.”

He ushered her out the door and scanned the lot for Phillip’s car, but it wasn’t there.

“Looking for your muscle?” Petry asked.

Simon closed the door. “My what?”

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