Page 135 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“The good kind?”

“If I say anything more, you might get your hopes up.”

“Not even a hint?”

“Well, maybe a hint.” Simon leaned forward and lowered his voice. “I’m hearing that the paintings may be availableverysoon.”

“How soon is very?”

“You can’t hold me to this.”

“Of course not.”

“It’s possible they could be in your possession before the end of the weekend.”

“That’s fabulous news. How many are we talking about?”

Simon smiled excitedly. “Three.”

Stone had to force himself not to look at the package behind the art dealer. “Titles?”

Duchamp wagged his palm in the air. “I’ve said too much already.”

“I understand.”

“The minute I know more, I will contact you.”

“I’ll be in meetings for the next two days, so if you need me during that time, text me, and I’ll slip out and call you back.”

“Very good.” Simon hesitated, then said, “Thereisone matter we need to discuss.”

“Price?”

Simon smiled and shook his head. “You of all people are aware of the value of your mother’s work. I won’t even attempt to gouge you.”

“Glad to hear it. Then what do we need to discuss?”

“Any sale has to remain between the two of us.”

“I don’t follow.”

“The sellers are experiencing financial issues and have no choice but to sell to raise funds. If anyone they deal with finds out, that could cause problems for them.”

“You mean no publicizing the sale.”

“Precisely.”

“What I spend my money on is my business and no one else’s.”

“I’m so glad you understand.”

“Is there anything else I should know?”

“I believe that’s it.”

They stood.

“Thank you for taking time to see me,” Stone said.

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