Page 4 of Secrets and Lies

“Yeah, I know. I think it’s a complete waste, but it’s not up to me. In this case, it’s just bizarre. The statue looks like some sort of garden gnome carved out of wood. I have no idea why anyone would want to be buried with a creepy gnome, but everyone’s got a thing. Anyway, I have to get this done. Besides, to be honest, breaking into the Met is a bit exciting. I haven’t had a hard job in a long while. I will say I’m glad it’s just the storage area. No way in hell would I attempt to steal something from one of the galleries. That would just be insane.”

“And breaking into the Met itself isn’t insane?” Monty asked with a grin.

“Okay, maybe a little… but not full on insanity.”

Monty shook her head. Jake was right. He always said working with the Callahans was entertaining and hair-raising. She was seeing it in full force. It was also kind of fun.

“Do you have everything you need?” Mitch asked.

“Yes. My go bag is packed with my tools. Dani is set to guide me and take care of the cameras, etc. You and Gage are on standby to pull me out if I need help. That’s all I need.”

“Okay then. Just make sure to watch yourself. Don’t take any unnecessary risks. Get in, do your thing, and get out as quickly as possible.”

“That’s the plan.” Alex stood. “I’m going to grab a shower and something to eat. I won’t leave for a few hours yet.”

Monty nodded and watched her friend as she left the room. They had become closer over the few jobs Alex had done in Europe, and she greatly admired the woman. But this whole setup twisted her stomach into knots. Alex wasn’t happy about this job, and, above everything else, that made Monty nervous for her friend.

“You okay?” Gage asked. “You look kind of upset.”

“I’m just worried about Alex. I don’t know how you two do it.”

Mitch let the smile fall off his face. “We hide how we really feel. Alex needs to do this. It makes her happy and she isn’t hurting anyone. I can usually get onboard with it, but I’ll be honest, this job is stressing me out as well.”

Gage nodded. “I feel the same way. My senses launched into high gear when she first broached the subject and haven’t de-escalated yet.”

Monty winced. “And there’s no way for her to get out of this?”

Mitch rubbed his face with his hands. “It’s a favor for Leo. He was the driving force in her life for a long time. He kept her safe and gave her a life that she never expected. She owes him and would do anything for him.”

“Hey,” Dani said as she strolled in, one hand on her growing belly and the other holding a slice of pizza.

“Hey, yourself,” Gage commented as he rose from the chair. He gestured for Dani to sit. “Why don’t you take a load off and put your feet up.”

Dani’s gaze narrowed at him. “Are you implying that I’m fat?”

A look of horror crossed Gage’s face. “Oh, God, no! I just thought it might be more comfortable for you to sit in your condition. I know your ankles are bothering you.”

“So, I have fat ankles?” She continued to glare at him.

“What? No, that’s not what I meant at all.” He glanced at both Mitch and Monty with a pleading look.

Monty struggled to keep a straight face.

Suddenly, Dani cackled and sat down in the chair Gage offered. “Dude, you are so easy to harass sometimes. This pregnancy thing has you so far off center it’s just entertaining as hell.”

“Woman, you are going to be the death of me,” he said and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “Mitch, let’s go look at the schedule again. See what we can do to fill some holes.” Gage turned to Monty. “See you at the wedding, if not before.”

“Yeah,” Mitch said. “See you at the wedding.” The two of them left the room.

Dani pulled the chair next to her out and lifted her feet onto it with a hardy sigh. “I feel like I’m eighty weeks pregnant and I still have a couple of months to go.” She took another bite of pizza.

“You look good,” Monty commented truthfully.

Dani was glowing. It was so cute the way Gage doted on her. The two of them were more in love than ever, and it was noticeable. A pang of envy swept through Monty. She was mad about Jake, and she wanted to have kids, but they hadn’t reallydiscussed moving forward in their relationship. She had no idea how he felt about kids. What if he didn’t want any? Wait, did she know for sure she wanted some? She immediately knew the answer to that question. She wanted kids, but no random baby daddy would do. She wanted children with Jake. Only Jake.

Dani finished her slice of pizza. “I know I don’t know you as well as the others do, but you’re worried,” she commented as she took a napkin out of her pocket and wiped her hands.

“This”—she gestured to the blueprints on the table with a sigh—“worries me.”

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