Page 23 of Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms
“Of course, there was the fire some years back. But they’ve reopened since.”
“But you don’t know anyone who’s more of a private collector?”
“Actually, yes. Rich Pine. He collects all sorts of things. But now that I think about it, the county might have gotten involved and made him clean up his property. And I’m not sure he had anything that was very historical. He mostly just never threw anything away.”
A hoarder. No.
“Thank you for your time.” I gave her a slow grin. “It’s been lovely.”
Her cheeks flushed, and she put a hand to her chest. “It’s been nice having you. Come back anytime.”
I winked at her. “Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Goodness,” she said, fanning herself.
I navigated my way through the cluttered store and left. Disappointing. As far as I’d seen, it was the only antique store in town. And it had turned up absolutely nothing.
Or maybe there simply wasn’t a collector in the area—not the type I was looking for, at any rate.
Mildly frustrated, I got back in my car and headed for my temporary lodgings to regroup.
CHAPTER 6
Jensen
Maple called right as I parked outside the flat.
“Any updates?” she asked, her tone cheerful.
“This town is dripping with Christmas decorations, and they have a very odd fascination with squirrels.”
“Well, it is December. Decorations are appropriate. Not sure what to say about a squirrel fascination.”
“I went to an antique store. There’s only one, in this town at least, and their prized family heirlooms included a squirrel necklace and giant Bigfoot statue.”
Maple laughed. “That’s unique.”
“I was hoping to find out if we have a collector in the area. One with the resources to pull off a heist. So far, all I have are squirrels.”
“And Bigfoot.”
“And a mummy.”
“Excuse me?” she asked. “Did you say a mummy? In the antique store?”
“His name is Bernard.”
She laughed again. I wasn’t nearly as amused.
“There’s something odd about this town,” I said. “People stare at me like they’ve never seen a well-dressed man before.”
“You love it when people stare at you.”
I rolled my eyes. “Only when I want them to. I wasn’t trying to attract attention.”
“You’re in the real world, Jensen. No wonder it’s throwing you for a bit of a loop. You’re accustomed to dealing with wealthy aristocrats and business tycoons. Even the thieves who steal from them travel in certain circles.”
I thought back to my last job. Delphine Moreau had led me to a high-end hotel in New York City, and we’d both been perfectly at home there.
