Page 98 of Alex Cross Must Die

“Your security is excellent, by the way,” Franke went on. “A worthy challenge. Not nearly as sophisticated as the alarms on Huntley Bain’s vault, obviously. But first class all the way.”

“I hope you’re here with a lead on the Shakespeare and the Gutenberg,” said Grey. “If I’m not mistaken, that was why the DA let you off the hook.”

“As a matter of fact, Detective, I believe I can guide you to an arrest right now.”

“I’m listening,” said Grey.

Franke set the snifter down on the table. “As it turns out, your thieves work right here in this building.” He leaned forward in the chair. “The theft of Huntley Bain’s property was orchestrated and supervised by Holmes, Marple, and Poe.”

Marple turned as the front lock clicked. Suddenly, Holmes and Poe burst in, guns raised. They took a few steps into the room, then pulled up short.

“What’s going on?” asked Holmes.

“We got an alarm alert,” said Poe.

“That was me,” said Franke. A satisfied grin crossed his face. “And now we have all three conspirators.” He looked at Grey. “I have extra cuffs if you need them.”

“I’d need a lot more proof than your word,” said Grey. “You’re not exactly a reliable witness.”

“I can provide all the details,” said Franke. “Starting with their associates in Stockholm. The world’s best safe designers are also the world’s best safe crackers. And they’re on the payroll of Holmes, Marple, and Poe Investigations.”

Poe pocketed his pistol and shrugged. “I believe the individuals you’re referring to are currently residing in the Maldives,” he said.

“You told them to run!” said Franke.

“Swedes crave the sun,” said Marple.

“Especially sunny countries with non-extradition policies,” added Holmes.

“Unlike Iceland,” said Marple, looking directly at Franke. “Where I believe you own some property. Stolen property.”

Franke’s lips curled into a bitter sneer. He stood up slowly.

Grey took a step forward. “Icouldarrest you for breaking and entering,” she said. “From what I can see, Mr. Franke, you’re still a person of interest in this case. Inmanycases. Maybe it’s best that this one stays open.”

Marple smiled. She liked Helene before. She liked her even more now.

“We won’t press charges,” said Marple. “On account of the free sherry.”

Franke walked slowly toward the door. He stopped and turned toward Grey. “So you’re part of this little vaudeville troupe now?”

“Until we meet again, Mr. Franke,” Grey replied.

“Don’t be mad, Luka,” said Marple. “Some mysteries were never meant to be solved.”

CHAPTER 113

THE NEXT MORNING, Virginia was standing in the middle of the office, facing a bare brick wall. Pouring rain rippled down the panes of the windows. She felt as if the dampness were passing right through the walls and into her body. Baskerville sat at her side, whimpering softly.

The row of filing cabinets at the back of the room had been moved aside. Holmes was standing up against the wall, examining the exposed bricks with his magnifying glass, scraping at the mortar with a small metal pick. Marple and Poe stood off to the side, watching him work.

“These bricks have been exposed to high heat for long periods,” said Holmes. “This is where the baking ovens stood. Right against this wall.”

He pulled a metal office ruler from a desk and walked to where Virginia was standing. “Is this where you saw it? The shape?”

“It was a little closer to the back,” said Virginia.

“Show me,” said Holmes.

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