Page 27 of Deadly Charade

The four of them positioned themselves around the laptop, and Turner’s face filled the screen. “Based on not getting to finish the red velvet cake my wife made for my birthday dessert to take this call, I’m assuming it didn’t go so well,” he said with his typical direct gruffness.

Kira and Bryce gave a rundown of the events, including Ivan and the encounter with Natalia.

Turner blew out a breath. “I don’t like that the maid saw you sneaking around. But as far as Ivan Sokolov is concerned, we have confirmed with Russian authorities that he’s deep cover with the Federal Security Service. The FSB didn’t contact us until five minutes before your dinner party, so we couldn’t warn you. But your cover is actually intact, assuming the maid didn’t see you in the office. And Ivan pledged to protect your identities if we work with him.”

Kira leaned closer to the monitor. “If he’s on our side, why did he attack me at the gallery?”

Turner rubbed his chin. “I thought the same thing. He claims he didn’t know who you were and intentionally missed you when he threw the knife. He just wanted to distract you enough to get away.”

She rubbed her temple. “It’s plausible since he could have knocked me unconscious with that blow.”

“I’m keeping this investigation open,” Turner said. “I don’t trust Ivan. He could be working both sides for all I know, but so far, we believe the Russians want to work with us to bring down the smuggling ring. And while I don’t trust them, I do want to see how this plays out. And I want your cover intact. Report back to me if you suspect he’s double-crossing us. We’ll keep watch on the maid and the Dominiks.”

The screen split and two people joined the call. “I’ve had Everly Harlowe and her team lead working on your covers, and I’ve pulled Daria Nevsky to assist you in your operation,” Turner said. “They’re going to help Hudson and Kaup with the live feeds we’ve set up, and they also can help with online research.”

“Hi, Kira, Bryce, Carrie, and Lisa.” Daria waved. “Or I guess I should say Katrina and Brian? Remember me?”

“Of course, Daria. You taught a class at Quantico.”

“I wondered if you’d recall meeting me.”

How could Kira forget the young hacker? The Bureau only pulled Daria in for high-profile cases—so that must mean their case had caught the attention of some higher-ups. As if the pressure wasn’t on before.

“Anyway, we looked into the list of names you found on the napkin and the card from Ivan, and you’re definitely onto something. I’ll send you the full background check on Derek Young.”

“Riley is probably a forty-five-minute drive from Sawyer’s Peak.” Bryce showed Kira and the other two agents the map on his phone. “It’s at the base of the mountains, in the valley. And it’s where the estate sale was held where Zaika was bought.”

Daria clicked on her keyboard. “It went for pennies in the estate sale and is worth millions. Derek must be kicking himself.”

“We also believe there are two other rabbit statues.” Everly clicked a few keys on her laptop. “They were part of a set. We had an agent question Derek, but he wasn’t very forthcoming with information according to the report.”

Kira stared at the statue picture on her iPhone. She double-tapped the screen to enlarge the details. The rabbit’s eye caught her attention. She’d noted the color at the museum when she’d first seen the ugly little thing, but now it hit her. The yellow and brown colors sent a chill down her spine. They reminded her of . . . “Amber.”

“What was that, Agent Miller?” Turner asked.

Had Ivan dropped hints during dinner? “Sir, I’d like permission for Bryce and me to interview Derek. He probably won’t talk to the FBI, but he might entertain two art buyers offering to pay him for any additional items from his father’s estate. What if there’s something bigger going on than just a rare statue? What if this is a lead to recovering stolen or missing art that’s worth much more?”

Turner stroked his chin. “Well, with the Russian interest, there could be something to this theory of yours. People will kill for that kind of money, so watch your backs. We also need proof. How about you two take a road trip to Riley, West Virginia, tomorrow and see how Derek Young connects to this case?”

Kira nodded. “I think it’s time to follow the rabbits.”

Bryce’s past came flashing back to him with every mile that took them closer to the West Virginia border. He and Kira had set out early and were now eating the breakfast his new partner had insisted on bringing for the car ride. Egg and English muffin sandwiches, something Kira referred to as “walking bacon,” and an ample supply of coffee.

“Seriously, what is walking bacon?” Bryce took a piece of the crispy yumminess she offered him.

“It’s just extra bacon. Restaurants sometimes give patrons an extra side of bacon with to-go orders as a bonus to be eaten on the way home.”

“Well, that’s a winning idea.”

“Do you think Derek may have more art pieces he held back from his father’s estate?” Kira asked.

“It sounds like Derek and his father didn’t get along. Derek hired an estate company, so I’m assuming they sold it all, but guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

Kira took out her notebook and began jotting notes, with her signature incessant clicking of her pen. This was going to be a long ride. He might have to buy her a new pen—one that didn’t make noise.

“I was wondering,” she said, shifting in her seat to face him, “what got you interested in art history? You said your grandfather used to take you treasure hunting. But how did you wind up working art crimes with the FBI?”

That was a loaded question—one that would take him back to his pitiful childhood if he wasn’t careful with his answer. At least they weren’t going to Sawyer’s Peak. “My grandpa did inspire my love of art. I told you I used to go with him and watch him find hidden treasures under rocks and dirt. He’d get so excited, but he always gave his finds to a local museum or gallery. He wanted history to be appreciated by everyone, not sold to the highest bidder.”