Page 63 of Cause of Doubt
“Obsidian Art Gallery at 743 Mateo Street. He’s operating under the cover of an art conservator. I tracked down the building’s blueprints. There’s a concealed underground level. That’s likely where he’s running everything,” Gabriel said.
“Thanks, Gabriel. I’ll be in touch.”
“You can’t do this alone, Paige. Let me help you,” Simon said.
“No.” I shook my head. “This is personal, and I’m going after him alone.” I glanced at my watch. “I’m sorry, but there’s somewhere I need to be in fifteen minutes,” I lied.
“Yeah, of course. Call me if you need me.”
“I will.” I walked him to the door.
The contractors showed up for the closet install. Four men with laptops took over the living room and began designing. Once they were finished, I reviewed what they’d built and approved it, forgetting that I had promised Parker he could see the design before they started. Once I gave the okay, several men walked in with their equipment and materials and began working.
I paced around the living room with a glass of wine, thinking about Uncle Jerry. If Gabriel’s theory was true and he had my parents killed, he would suffer a slow, agonizing, and painful death. I needed to check out that art gallery first before I made any moves.
I had some disguises stored in a suitcase in the guest bedroom. After securing my long, wavy styled auburn wig,popping in green contacts, and dressing like a high-end art collector, I grabbed my keys and headed out the door.
I pulled up to the curb across the street from the gallery, climbed out of my car, and stepped inside. My eyes quickly scanned the industrial space. Polished concrete floors, soaring ceilings with exposed beams, and track lighting positioned over carefully placed sculpture pieces and abstract art. I took note of the cameras hidden within the lighting tracks. Tracking every person’s move inside the gallery.
“Welcome. How may I help you?” A tall man, dressed in all black, asked me as he approached.
“I’m just browsing.” I smiled. “I’m actually looking for some rare art pieces for my boyfriend’s home. He sent me on a mission because he’s too busy running his billion-dollar empire to do it himself.”
“I see.” He clasped his hands. “We do have a few rare pieces available.”
I glanced toward the back of the gallery, noting a private viewing room. Invitation only. It was secured with frosted-glass doors that had no handles on the outside. I pulled my ringing phone from my purse. It was Gabriel, right on schedule.
“Excuse me. I have to take this.” I smiled and walked away. “I need you to send me the blueprints of this place,” I spoke in a whisper so no one would hear.
“Sending now,” Gabriel said.
I ended the call and placed my phone in my purse.
“Is everything okay?” the man asked, walking over.
“Yes. That was my boyfriend. He changed his mind about me picking art for him. He wants to come himself. What time do you close?”
“We close at six o’clock.”
“Perfect. We’ll be back later.” I smiled and walked out.
Climbing into my car, I pulled up the blueprints and called Gabriel.
“What did you find?” he asked.
“See that space in the very back?”
“Yes. I see it.”
“It’s a private viewing room by invitation only. That’s how we get down below. I’m assuming there’s motion sensors everywhere?”
“There is. That place is inundated with a state-of-the-art security system. It’s nothing short of Fort Knox.”
“Can you shut it down?” I asked him.
“Only for five minutes before the backup system turns on.”
“Of course, there’s a backup system,” I sighed, removing my wig and contacts.
