Page 31 of When You're Lost

“That’s the plan,” Finn assured him.He turned to Eleanor.“You said you know a name that might help?”

She pressed her lips together.“Yes.Leopold Dawson.He’s… well, he’s intimately connected to both legitimate and illegitimate aspects of art dealing.He has a reputation for facilitating shady transactions for the right price.”

Rob whistled softly.“I’ve heard the name in passing.Not a small fish, then?”

“Not at all,” Eleanor confirmed.“He’s often tapped for ‘off the books’ deals, which suggests he knows forgers or at least can point us to them.If some of those forged works ended up in Blackthorn’s orbit, Leopold might have arranged it.”

Finn caught the hesitancy in her voice.“Eleanor’s not exactly thrilled about approaching him,” he pointed out, a note of concern creeping into his tone.

Rob’s gaze flicked between them.“Is that because he’s dangerous?”

Eleanor half shrugged.“You could say so.He’s a strange mix of art expert and gangster.He’ll try to keep things uncomplicated, but if we corner him, he’ll find ways to retaliate.That could be in terms of your reputation, but he is surrounded by people much worse than he is, and they can get violent if they need to.His influence runs deep in the art community and beyond.”

Finn arched an eyebrow.“I gather you’ve had past dealings with him, then?”

She cast her gaze downward.“A few.On behalf of museums who needed to trace dubious works, or to confirm provenance.He’s slippery, persuasive, and has a wide network of questionable contacts.If we push too hard, we risk him shutting down completely, or turning on us.”She paused, looking up at both men.“We need to handle this carefully.Leopold Dawson isn’t some petty crook.He can be very dangerous if we don’t do this right.”

Finn exhaled.“We’ll be careful, I promise.But we still have to try.He might know exactly who forged those paintings, and by extension, who’s fueling these murders.”

Eleanor nodded.“Yes, he might.”

Rob observed Eleanor’s clear discomfort, pressing his lips together.“All right, well, do what you have to.Just keep me posted.I can’t spare too many officers for backup, but if you need a plainclothes tail, let me know.”

“Thanks, Rob,” Finn said.“I’ll keep that in mind.”He winked.“But you know me—I handle myself well in the underbelly.”

Rob barked a short laugh.“Yeah, can’t argue.Anyway, I have to run.”He glanced at Eleanor, noting the tension in her shoulders.“Eleanor, everything good?You look uneasy?”

She forced a small smile, shaking her head.“I’m fine, Rob.Really.”

Rob’s gaze snapped to Finn, eyebrows raised as if to ask,Are you sure?Finn responded with a casual shrug.“All dandy here,” he insisted.“We were just finalizing our approach.”

“Glad to hear it,” Rob said, lingering a second longer.“I wouldn’t want Dr.Matthews to feel unwelcome.She’s an asset.I’d hate to see her put off.”

Eleanor gave a tight nod.“I appreciate your concern, Rob.But I’m perfectly capable of—”

"Of course," Rob cut in gently."If you need anything, let me know."With that, he tapped the door frame, stepping out."Be safe."

Finn noticed the way Eleanor’s face flickered with a complex mix of relief and something else—perhaps guilt or uncertainty—as Rob departed.He kept quiet until the door clicked shut.Then he cleared his throat, turning to her.

“You sure you’re all right?”he asked.“You seemed, I don’t know… anxious when discussing Leopold.Or when Rob mentioned you looked upset.”

She inhaled, gathering the files from the table.“I’m just nervous about dealing with Dawson.That’s all.He can be vindictive if crossed.”

Finn didn’t push further.“Understood.Let’s proceed carefully, then.But we can’t ignore that he might be our best lead on the forgeries—and maybe on the killer.”

“Agreed,” she said, hugging the files to her chest.“Let’s get going.”

Finn looped his jacket over his arm, stepping aside for Eleanor to exit.She glanced around once more, as if unsure.Then she moved to the door.As her hand touched the handle, it opened abruptly—Rob reappearing with a sheepish grin.Finn had the distinct feeling he had been listening in.

“You don't need to spy on us,” Finn said with a laugh.

“Forgot a file,” he muttered, rifling through a stack on the side table.

Eleanor quickly stepped back, letting Rob pass.“We’re going right now.”

Rob gave her a concerned look.“You’re sure everything’s okay?You look—”

She cut him off with a polite smile.“I’m fine, truly.We just want to get this over with.”

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