Page 19 of Secrets and Lies

“We owe the Callahans.”

Archer nodded. “We do.”

Hawk continued, “I want to talk to Davis. Remy thinks that Davis probably did it as a favor to someone. Anything to get back in someone’s good graces.”

Archer nodded slowly. “It’s as good a reason as any. I can’t imagine he cares about an ugly little statue that’s practically worthless.”

Hawk was not surprised that Archer already knew about the object that had gone missing from the Met. This man was deeplyconnected within the gray area of the world. “Is that what was stolen?”

“Yes,” Archer confirmed. “My sources tell me it has very little value and it was stored in the room where donated items the museum doesn’t want go to die.”

“I see. Regardless…” He paused. “Wait. Why the hell would anyone want to steal that?”

Archer shook his head. “No idea. Ask Alex Buchanan.”

Hawk shook his head. “No thanks. Sometimes it’s best not to know these things.”

A smile of amusement lit Archer’s face. “This coming from the man who works for a secret society.” He took a deep breath. “Okay, you may approach Davis about it, but do not kill him.”

“Is death the only thing off the table?” Hawk asked. “Just want to know my limits.”

Archer gave him a level stare. “Do what you need to get what you want, but do not end his life.”

“Deal.” Hawk stood. “I reviewed the documents and gave them to your assistant with my suggestions for changes. Let me know your thoughts.”

Hawk could have waited for a reply, but Archer had already turned his attention back to the papers on his desk. No sense in delaying his exit.

Hawk returned to his own office and then pulled up the application on his computer that indicated where all the members of the Society were located at that moment. They were not required to report in, but most members kept the Society abreast of their locations. The Society was not responsible for their security but if they were in trouble, it didn’t hurt to inform Archer. Sometimes he would send help. Sometimes not. It depended on the trouble.

Davis was in town. That was a start. Presumably, he was in Manhattan. Hawk sat back and thought for a second.If I wereDavis, where would I stay?There were quite a few high-end hotels in NYC, but only a handful would be in the running for Davis. He wanted some visibility as well as some discretion. He needed to be seen, but also needed to move around unnoticed if he chose.

Hawk snorted. There was only one choice, really. He would stay at the Jasmine Door. Damn good thing Hawk’s former boss, Jameson Drake, owned the hotel chain. He picked up his cell and made a few calls and determined that Davis was in the Central Park Suite at the Jasmine Door. And, in a stroke of good fortune, he was currently in his suite.

Hawk got up from his desk, and twenty minutes later, was walking through the lobby of the hotel.

“Hawk,” a voice called out.

Hawk spun around to look and saw his former employer. A smile spread on his face as he strode across the lobby and shook Drake’s hand. “Good to see you.” He turned and greeted Jake Boxer as well. “What are you doing in town?”

Jake grinned. “Filling in. It’s good to see you.”

“Yeah, you too. Happy to be in the field?” he asked. “This guy can be a demanding boss.”

Jake nodded. “It’s a nice change. Too much paperwork kills the excitement.”

“I hear that. I feel the same way,” Hawk said. “Drake, you’re looking well. How’s Spencer?”

“She’s good. Busy.”

“I’m sure,” Hawk said.

“I hear you’ve been inquiring about Davis. Need to speak to him?” Drake’s lip curled as he said the name.

“Unfortunately. He seems to be behind Gage Callahan almost being arrested.”

“Arrested?” Drake said, his eyes narrowing. “For what, in God’s name?”

“Oh, shit,” Jake growled. “This has to do with the Met heist, doesn’t it?”

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