Page 17 of Deadly Charade

“Well, I like to eat, so I make an excellent fake husband.”

Conversation ceased as they ate. Bryce was too busy savoring every bite of the exquisite meal. When was the last time someone cooked for him like this? “Hobby” was an understatement.

Kira placed her fork on the plate. “Before dessert, would you bring me up to speed on your case? I’ve read some of the notes but would like your take on where you are in the investigation.”

“There isn’t much to tell. Things have stalled like an old Chevy going up a mountain. My team has been investigating a smuggling ring. Rare art pieces resurface and then disappear again without a trace. We’ve narrowed down that this group is hosting underground art auctions—mainly to rich, private collectors who want those elusive artifacts. We’re seeing an uptick in Russian paintings and sculptures being smuggled. And, like Zaika, they are being discovered on the East Coast of the United States.”

“That’s an unlikely place for rare artifacts to resurface after so much time has passed.”

He nodded. “What makes Zaika of particular interest is that it came from the same time period as the famous Amber Room. During World War II, Nazis dismantled the treasure room and boxed it up in crates. If this piece came from the Amber Room, it’s a significant find, since the treasure disappeared without a trace.”

Kira squinted, as if concentrating on his every word. “So, if a regular bargain shopper bought Zaika at an estate sale in the middle of nowhere, West Virginia, it could mean there’s more treasure out there.”

“It’s possible. In this case, the statue originated from a man named Derek Young. He found the statue while clearing out his father’s house after his passing. He sold most of his father’s belongings in an estate sale. We have agents meeting with him to see if there were other items of value in his father’s collection.”

Kira began to clear the dishes from the table, and Bryce helped.

“What is your gut telling you about the smuggling ring and their involvement with this?” she asked.

He added the dirty plates to the counter by the sink. “My gut? I go by facts and evidence. Not hunches.”

“Well then, tell me another story. If you had to write the ending to this case, what would it look like? Who are the players? Who wins and who loses?”

He thought, then blew out a breath. “If I did have a hunch, it would be that the Russian Bratva is involved. They steal the piece, host the auction, sell it to the highest bidder, turn a profit, and use the money for their own criminal enterprise. They don’t care about cultural significance.”

She elbowed him in the ribs. “See, not a bad gut reaction. Now, how are we going to get an invitation to this secret auction? I went to the gallery, and there was no mention of Zaika being for sale, although they advertised the exhibit as a limited time. Is Zaika going to be one of the pieces that just disappears without a trace?”

“Possibly. I think tomorrow we take the direct approach. Walk over to the neighbors’ house and introduce ourselves. People do that, right?”

A knock at the door startled them both. They weren’t expecting anyone.

“Or maybe, they’re coming to us first,” Kira whispered.

Their adventure as a married couple was about to begin, and Bryce didn’t know nearly enough about his new wife.

5

KIRA’S INSTINCTS kicked into overdrive, and within seconds, she and Bryce flanked either side of the front door. Agent Hudson and Agent Kaup rushed downstairs and hid in the living room, guns ready.

Bryce opened the door, with Kira tucked behind it, weapon ready just in case.

“Can I help you?”

“Hello. My name is Natalia. I am Alexandr and Sophia Dominik’s housekeeper.”

Kira heard the thick Russian accent from the woman. “Who is it, darling?” Kira tucked her pistol behind her back as she moved into the opened doorway and snaked her hand around Bryce’s waist. She winced at her attire. Her comfy T-shirt and jeans she’d changed into before cooking dinner didn’t communicate wealth, but to be fair, they weren’t expecting company.

The petite blond woman stared at Kira’s attire with wide eyes. “My apologies for the time. I didn’t realize you might be ready for bed.”

“Oh, we were just getting comfortable, that’s all.”

Natalia nodded. “Alex and Sophia sent me to apologize for the incident earlier with Peter.”

Kira waved a hand. “Oh, we’re already over it.”

Natalia tried to peer around Bryce to get a peek inside the house. She wasn’t being too subtle about it. “The Dominiks would like to invite you to dinner tomorrow evening if you are available. To make up for the unfortunate events of today, but also to welcome you to the community. Would six p.m. work? If not, I’m sure the chef could push dinner back—”

“Six is perfect.” Kira added a squeal at the end to show her enthusiasm. “We’d love to meet the new neighbors.” She tried not to wince at her accent. The high-pitched nasally sound coming out of her mouth grated on her own nerves.