Page 53 of The Aura Answer
“Why on earth are they taking the animals into an art gallery?” Gracie shook her head in disbelief.
Her cousin’s long black hair and brown skin looked more Cherokee than witchlike, in Nick’s estimation. The raven was a dramatic touch. “Nice distraction. Whoever is manning the desk will be so rattled that we can do anything we like when we go in. Are you ready for this?” They’d discussed what they’d intended to do but Nick knew Gracie wasn’t fully on board with his plan to examine the sketches.
“I expect them to be flung out on their ears before we even reach the door,” she muttered, climbing out. “I can’t believe Iddy fell for one of Evie’s stunts. I thought she had more sense than that.”
“Maybe she wanted to go Christmas shopping.” Nick hummed a little tune and took Gracie’s hand. He’d more than enjoyed that hug earlier. It had given him ideas he shouldn’t have. His imagination had ever been his downfall. Maybe heshould try the slow, rural method of courting, holding hands and the like.
Was he really interested incourting? He was out of his frigging mind even thinking in such dated terms. It was just, around Gracie, he was out of his shallow depths. He needed to do a lot of mental adjusting.
She didn’t draw away, so he figured she was frightened. She had good reason to be, he supposed. Last time they’d entered this building, a thief was running loose.
Which might be why Evie had brought animal reinforcements—to scare off intruders. His admiration for the orange-haired mischief-maker rose another notch, although not in the same way he admired quiet, respectable Gracie. Gracie was far out of her comfort zone but willing to do what it took to find justice. That took guts.
The dog and raven both looked up when they entered but lost interest quickly. Iddy and Evie had engaged Mrs. Janus in discussion over a watercolor of the harbor. He saw no sign of Bertie’s sketches in front, but if they’d been framed since their previous visit... Were they planning an exhibit?
He eased Gracie to the other side of a folding partition. The bell over the door should have notified anyone in the back of their arrival. He was hoping Verity Janus was still here.
Sure enough, the towering auburn-haired bombshell strode from the back a moment later, blinked at the sight of the dog and raven, then hurried toward Nick and Gracie. He didn’t see recognition in her eyes. Yet. Gracie’s hand gripped his tighter.
“Good afternoon, Miss Janus.” He offered his best oozing charm and posh accent out of habit.
She merely raised her carefully-sculpted eyebrows in surprise. “Have we met?”
“This afternoon, I fear. I do hope your mother has recovered?” He gestured toward the other side of the gallery where Evie and Iddy had moved out of sight.
Registering wariness, she nodded. “Frightening when thieves attack in broad daylight. One would think art galleries would be the last target for thieves. I’m so sorry we were unprepared for you. Was there something we can help you with?”
Gracie took a breath and performed her sweet schoolteacher role. “We visited a few days ago and asked about Albert Walker sketches. We have a watercolor of his and hoped to acquire more for our... café.”
They’d spent part of the last hour decorating this imaginary café to amuse themselves.
“And we couldn’t help noticing when we were here earlier... that his works are the ones the thief tried to steal.” Nick added an appropriate frown. “Considering what has happened in our small town, this is causing us some trepidation.”
“And we wondered if perhaps we should sell the piece we own.” Gracie offered an anxious smile that probably wasn’t acting. “Now that we’ve met you, I believe it may be you and some of your friends in the image. It’s quite unusual for Bertie’s work.”
“You knew Mr. Walker?” Verity kept her voice low and glanced anxiously toward the desk in back, but her mother was still distracted by dog and bird and questions.
“Oh, yes, of course, and his family. Afterthoughtisa small town after all, and that was the reason we were hoping to display local artists.” Gracie looked wistful.
Nick knew she wasn’t acting there either. They’d created quite a lovely imaginary café for her cooking cousin.
The act apparently worked. Verity Janus nodded and gestured toward the rear. “Let me show you what we have.”
Triumph! That’s the most Nick could hope for. They couldn’t afford to buy anything, but if they could at least see the mantel sketch, maybe grab some more photos...
Gracie’s phone binged with a text message. She glanced at it, nodded at her sister as they passed the desk, and continued onward, clinging to his hand.
As Verity unlocked a closet door, Gracie showed him her phone.
mom aura funky. verity scared
What the hell did that mean? He glanced questioningly at Gracie, but she just shook her head and smiled her delight as Verity brought out the sketches.
And there it was, the framed mantel-sized watercolor piece. Gracie dropped down in a crouch to study it and surreptitiously snap photos while Verity opened an easel to place the others on.
Nick all but growled his disappointment. It was a nice piece, in the same style as the others they’d seen. Nothing dynamic, just buildings and people, more than usual and with dashes of color. Maybe Gracie saw more in it.
He nodded knowledgeably over the work Verity displayed, as if he had a clue. Shoving one hand in his trouser pocket, he studied Verity instead of the work. Scared? She didn’t look it, but he supposed she had some right to be.
