Page 140 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

Teddy took them to a table. On it was a paper-and-Bubble-Wrapped package that matched the one Stone had seen in Simon’s office. Stone peeled back a loose corner for a peek.

Inside was the third piece,Morning on the Avenue.

They returned upstairs and found a place far from the stairs, where they could talk.

“What do you want to do next?” Teddy asked Stone.

“Is it too simple to just walk out with the paintings now and get on our way?” Dino asked.

“That depends on our goal,” Teddy said. “If we just grab and go, you might be able to still snag Simon, but what if Rudy calls and warns him before the police get to him?”

“He could get away,” Stone said.

Teddy nodded. “Another option is to call the cops and wait for them here. Then we’ll get the forger and likely Simon and his people.”

“But not Petry,” Stone said.

“Probably not.”

“I want to take them all down.”

Teddy smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

Chapter 41

It took a single slap to wake Rudy. He gasped and looked around, then tensed at the sight of Stone, Dino, and Teddy sitting on chairs next to the couch.

“Have a good nap?” Stone asked.

The forger tried to get to his feet but was quickly thwarted by the duct tape binding his wrists and ankles.

“Who are you? What are you doing in my place?”

“My friends and I have been debating what we should do with you.”

“What do you mean ‘do with’ me?”

“Wecouldcall the police and show them around your studio. That would be awkward for you. How are you going to explain why there are at least three stolen paintings here? That alone will get you a nice chunk of prison time.”

“T-t-they’re not mine.”

“Which, I believe, is the definition of stolen,” Dino said.

“I didn’t steal them, I swear.”

“Possession of stolen items is still a crime.”

“And then there are the forgeries…” Stone said.

Rudy started hyperventilating. “But—bu—but—”

“You’re very good, by the way. You’ve only had them for a couple days at most, and while they might not be perfect copies, they’re close.”

“Um, thank you?”

“You’re welcome. Now, where was I?”

“You were going through his choices,” Dino said.

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