Page 8 of Secrets and Lies

She cocked her head, doubting what her own eyes had told her just an hour ago. "Now that I think about it, though… he looked different. Like you but not like you. I think his eyes might have been a different color, but he was about your height and had a similar build and jawline."

"Must’ve been darker in there than you remember," said Mitch.

"I can’t picture Gage ever going in to steal something," Logan added.

"Agreed," Mitch said. "But that doesn’t solve our problem. The item is gone. Somebody stole it. Leo," Mitch continued, "do you have any idea what this is really about?"

Leo frowned. "I thought it was about this ugly little statue. My friend said she wanted it back. Said she’d given it to a boyfriend as sort of a joke. Then he donated it when he donated a pile of other things to the Met. Told me she wanted it back as it was some kind of family thing. Her father wanted to be buried with it. Some kind of family joke." He shook his head. “No tellin’ what that’s about.”

Alex shook her head. "There’s got to be more to the story. It just doesn’t quite ring true."

Leo sighed. "Lass, I agree. It did seem like an odd request. But she’s a friend… well, less of a friend. More like someone Iowed a favor to." He looked remorseful. "I’m sorry I got ye mixed up in this."

"It’s not a problem, Leo," Alex said. "I didn’t get caught. I just can’t get to the item. Your friend’s gonna have to be disappointed, because there’s nothing I can do about it now. I’m not going to track down whoever stole it. It’s just not worth it."

"Aye," he said. "I agree. We did our best. What’s done is done. There’s nothing I can do now. I’ll tell my friend."

"Great,” Alex said as relief flooded her. She’d been worried that Leo was going to ask her to track it down.

“Must run, lass—things to do." Leo offered a smile. “Don’t worry about all this. Thanks for trying.”

Alex smiled back. "Okay, Leo. We’ll catch up later."

"Sounds good."

Leo’s phone jostled as he disconnected the call. When he was gone, Alex lowered the lid of the laptop.

"What do you really think?" Mitch asked her.

"I think Leo was told a set of lies by the person he owed the favor to. And there’s something more about this statue. But I also think… it doesn’t matter. Our part’s done. It’s got nothing to do with any of us. We don’t have to worry about it. What I really think is so weird," she added, "is how much this guy looked like Gage. My first reaction was it was you.” She pointed to Gage. “I even called out your name."

"That is weird," Mitch agreed. He tried to lighten the mood they’d all fallen under. “Does the world really need two of his ugly mug?”

"Hey!” Dani protested and reached across the arm of her chair to lay a hand on Gage’s thigh, a protective gesture. “He isn’t ugly.”

“Thanks, babe.” His smile at Dani was broad and filled with love. Then he sobered. “I gotta say it bothers me a bit,” Gage added.

Alex shrugged. "Either way, it’s all over and done with now." She stood up from the couch.

Mitch rose with her. "I don’t know about all of you, but it’s late and I’ve got to get some sleep.”

"Yep. Time to go." Dani yawned as she tried to get up from the chair. Gage had to come over and pull her up.

"Thanks, Dani," Alex said. "I know you must be exhausted."

"No worries. I had a nap earlier today. But yeah, I’m looking forward to going home too."

"Okay, then. Everybody have a good night, and we’ll see you back here tomorrow," Logan said as he stood.

Lacy bounced up and lifted her long arms in a stretch. "Yes—we have a lot to do before the wedding. See everyone tomorrow!"

Alex nodded, grabbed Mitch’s hand, and headed toward the elevator. They got in, and the doors closed.

"Did you really think it was Gage?" Mitch asked.

"I did. And I gotta tell you… that leaves me feeling unsettled."

Mitch squeezed her hand. "Yeah, I agree. I can’t shake the feeling that whatever this is… it’s not over."

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