So glad you approve, Mr. Donato, she responded in a clipped British accent that eerily mirrored that of another of Escalantes cohorts.
Alistair Barclay: the British hotel tycoon and Diablo crime syndicate kingpin whod made a deal with the drug cartel run by Escalante. Together theyd used Barclays luxury hotel business as a cover for their dirty dealings.
But through the dedicated efforts of various law-enforcement individuals and private citizens, the crime organization had been dismantled. Barclay had gone to prison and Escalante disappeared.
Recently Barclay had turned up dead in his prison cell. Alessandro was sure that Escalante was behind the assassination.
Id be interested in how you acquired such remarkable pieces for the exhibition, Alessandro said, focusing his mind on the task at hand.
She arched a dark, winged brow. Ah, so that is why you called me earlier this week. I apologize that I was unavailable. I also understand you were here yesterday while we were setting up. Do accountants forwhat is it you do again?
One side of his mouth lifted. Not for a second did he believe shed forgotten. Im an accountant with the European Union.
Ah, yes. The European Union. What would an accountant do with such knowledge?
Youd be surprised at the connections I have.
A sly look entered her eyes. Connections that I might find useful?
He leaned in closer and lowered his voice, dropping the bait. Connections you might find profitable.
She inclined her head. I like the sound of that. Punch? she asked, stopping a waiter as he passed with a tray of crystal glasses filled with a colorful concoction.
Without waiting for his answer she handed him a glass. To your health and to a future business relationship.
Over the rim of the punch-filled glass he met Dahlias dark gaze. He suppressed the shudder that ran through him.
Somehow he felt that hed just sold a piece of his soul. Or at least put it in hock.
Colleen felt bare in the little black tank-style dress that Holly had declared she must wear since she couldnt wear it herself. Colleen clutched the sheer blue wrap that her mother had given her tighter around her shoulders as she trailed behind her brothers, Jake and Adam, and their wives into the museum.
Easy, now, Jake cooed to his pregnant wife, as they made their way inside.
Honestly, youd think I was about to give birth this instant the way youre hovering, Jake, Holly gently chided, even as she leaned on his arm.
Colleen stifled a smile, noting that Adam was just as solicitous to Kate, as well.
She was happy for both her brothers. Each had found the love of their hearts. Their soul mates. Colleen didnt have time for soul mates or any type of mate. Her life was about getting the next story and that was the only reason shed agreed to come to this spectacle tonight.
Her editor wanted his people on the lookout for the next scoop. Well, she could only hope thered be something to snag her interest here; all the towns most prominent citizens were attending. But she wasnt into society pieces. She much preferred gritty hard news.
Ladies, her older brother Adam said, indicating the coat check.
Colleen frowned. Ill just hang on to this, thanks.
Holly bumped up next to her and whispered none too softly, Chicken.
Colleen gritted her teeth at the dual grins her brothers flashed her way.
Being the baby sister of the Montgomery brothers hadnt made for an easy childhood. Colleen had tagged along, wanting to be a part of that special world that only boys could roam. Shed long ago realized that the only way shed get the appreciation and approval she craved was to be the best at whatever she did and not let being female hold her back.
That was why wearing a clingy shift that revealed her shoulders and showed off her calves left her feeling awkward and self-conscious. But she wasnt a chicken.
She slipped the wrap from her shoulders and handed it to Adam. He whistled between his teeth. Maybe you better leave it on.
Be nice, admonished his wife, Kate. She looks lovely.
Colleen caught the dubious glance her brothers exchanged and bit her lip, wishing now shed stuck to her pantsuit.
Lovely is not quite the right word, said Jake. He reached forward and tucked a lock of hair behind Colleens ear. Id say beautiful is the right one.
Colleen blinked as sudden tears burned her eyes. She couldnt remember her brother ever saying something soflattering.
Adam hugged her. I think our baby sisters grown into a woman. Finally.
His words warmed her like the first rays of sun on a cold winters morn even as she punched him in the arm for his teasing.
Okay, boys. Leave your sister alone, Kate said in her no-nonsense nurse voice. Then she hooked her arm through Adams. Shall we go in and see these paintings weve heard so much about?
Jake slipped his arm around Hollys expanding waist and guided her in. Adam and Kate followed. Colleen waited a moment and took a few deep breaths.
She smiled and nodded hello to several people as they filed in. She waved to Reverend Gabriel Dawson from Good Shepherd Christian Church and his wife, Susan, who ran the shelter in town, as they entered.
As she started forward she heard her name called. She turned to find Sam and Jessica Vance walking toward her.
Hey, Sam. Jessica. Sams wavy dark-brown hair was subdued with a bit of gel, and his tall, muscular frame filled out his tuxedo nicely. Beside him, Jessica, his wife of a year, fairly glowed in her silver floor-length dress and upswept hair.
Youve got a story idea for me? Colleen eyed Sam with hope.
Several times Sam had brought ideas for stories to her attention. Stories that needed the sort of investigating the police didnt have the manpower for.
Were still working on the arsonist cases. Havent had any breaks. You turn up anything?
She shook her head. I know Chief OBrien had something to do with the hospital fire but I havent nailed down what yet.
Sam nodded in agreement. So far weve got nothing to hold him on.
You know, I keep thinking that somehow the fires at Traviss and Quinns businesses are connected to the hospital fire. Im working on putting the pieces together.
Interest sparked in Sams eyes. Keep me posted on anything you come up with.
I will. Enjoy the exhibition, Colleen replied and then excused herself.
She walked into the main area of the museum and looked around in awe at all the glittering ladies and well-dressed gentlemen. She felt like a fake, all dressed up as though she was one of these people.
This wasnt her. She liked khakis and loafers, not these black torture devices squeezing her feet.
Hello, Colleen. Enjoying yourself?
She turned toward the older woman who had stepped up beside her. Lidia, hello. I just arrived. This is very impressive.
Lidia Vance, Mayor Maxwell Vances wife, nodded in agreement. She wore a stunning red two-piece outfit that accentuated her olive skin and dark eyes. Italian by birth, Lidia had come to this country as Maxs young bride back in the sixties. I wish Max were here to see this.
How is the mayor doing?
Max Vance had been shot, but luckily not killed. His attacker was still at large.
How is the mayor doing?
Max Vance had been shot, but luckily not killed. His attacker was still at large.
Colleen had a hard time fitting Alessandro into the role of assassin. He was more the playboy type, not one to dirty his hands. Butimpressions could be deceiving.
There was no mistaking he held an appeal that few womenexcept herself, of coursecould resist. Like a movie star come to visit in their small community, he attracted attention.
Her sources had informed her that Donato had been hanging around the museum lately. Hed sat next to Dahlia Sainsbury, the museums curator, at the Valentines Day dinner. Not that Colleen had paid much attention or had an emotional reaction to the pair. It hadnt mattered to her in the least. But nowwhat connection did they have?
Max is improving every day. The doctor says hell be able to come home soon to recuperate.
Refocusing on the conversation, Colleen said, Thats wonderful. Im sure Dad will be happy to hear that. Frank Montgomery and Maxwell Vance were lifelong friends and godparents to each others eldest children.
Lidia smiled. Tell your father hello for me. I know Max would welcome another visit.
Ill let him know. Im surprised my parents arent here yet. Her parents were still heavily involved in community affairs even though Franks term as mayor had long since passed.
Lidia patted her arm and moved away to talk to an older couple bedecked in jewels and finery.
Colleen looked for her editor and for the newspapers photographer but didnt see either. Shed wait until they arrived before she started interviewing the guests. This kind of event wasnt her normal gig, but Al Crane, her editor, had insisted she attend and conduct interviews because her family knew everyone in town and theyd all talk to her.
She wasnt sure that was true, but she did want to ask the new curator about Alessandro Donato and his interest in the museum. She wandered over to a sand-colored exposed brick wall that made an elegant backdrop for Monets Poppy Field Near Giverny. She liked the vibrant hues: reds, blues and greens.
She moved along the wall inspecting other works by Monet when a strange awareness brushed over her. She stilled.
Slowly, she turned and scanned the room. Her gaze landed on a tall, black-haired man. Her breath hitched when she realized Alessandro Donato was staring at her. His dark, unreadable eyes conveyed a message she had trouble believing.
Even though her brothers had stated she looked beautiful tonight, Alessandros expression made her feel beautiful.
Which was bad, very bad, because even if she had time for a relationship, he was the wrong kind of man to get goofy over. She wouldnt give up her independence for a playboy, no matter what, so how he saw her or made her feel was irrelevant.
Then why did she have the crazy urge to run and hide?
TWO
E xquisite, isnt she?
Sì, bellissima, Alessandro murmured to Dahlia, his gaze riveted on the vision that had walked in only moments ago.
Colleen Montgomery.
How could this feminine beauty standing on the other side of the room be the tough-as-nails investigative reporter hed come to admire?
Colleens writing was witty and informative as well as thought-provoking. And the times theyd interacted, such as at the Valentines Day dinner, hed enjoyed her feisty personality and charming wit.
He felt Dahlias hard stare. Alessandro blinked and realized with embarrassing clarity that hed lost track of the conversation with the museums curator and his only lead to Escalante. Scusa , you were saying?
Her red-as-blood lips curled. The painting.
He glanced at the portrait of a woman standing on a hillside with a parasol. The painting had a wistful feel to the lines and strokes of the brush.
Ah, sì . A masterpiece. He handed his still-full glass of punch to a passing waiter. Miss Sainsbury, will you excuse me un momento?
The knowing look in Dahlias eyes as she gazed from him to the corner of the room where Colleen now studiously inspected a Renoir led him to believe his distraction had been quite obvious.
And it was a distraction he didnt need, because he had a drug lord to bring down.
Of course, Mr. Donato. Im sure well have plenty of time to talk business at a later date.
Alessandro hesitated. Hed come to the museum tonight to insinuate himself into Dahlias life as a path to Escalante. He should stick close to her, but if he couldnt concentrate hed screw up. Screwing up was not an option after what had happened to Paola.
He bowed slightly and moved away, slowly and methodically making his way toward Colleen. Hed talk with her and get her out of his system so he could get back to his real purpose: finding Escalante and taking him down, once and for all.
Buona sera, bella signorina.
Colleen blinked as Alessandro Donato took her hand and placed a light kiss on the knuckles. Sparks shot up her arm. Good evening to you too, Mr. Donato.
She tilted her chin up in an effort to dispel the way the smooth cadence of his oh-so-pleasing accent caressed her senses, much as his lips caressed her fingers.
Please, call me Alessandro, he said, a gentle smile touching his well-formed lips.
Her throat suddenly dry, Colleen swallowed. Alessandro.
Saying his name aloud felt strange and thrilling. The name rolled off her tongue in such a delightful way, making her aware of a threat she hadnt anticipated.
This man affected her in ways shed only experienced around him. With every interaction theyd shared, the effect had intensified.
It made her nervous. She didnt like to be nervous. Nervousness was a weakness shed learned to overcome in order to pursue the gritty stories that would one day propel her career to new heights.
Lovely party, no?
Yes, it is.
Feeling slightly off balance when she gazed into his eyes, she glanced around, hoping to find some equilibrium, and spotted her parents entering the room.
The former mayor of Colorado Springs looked handsome in his dark tuxedo with his shocking-white hair and bushy eyebrows. Her mother wore a floral tea-length dress in vivid shades of coral that brought extra color to her rosy complexion.
Fondness for her parents tightened Colleens chest. Her mothers bright eyes and warm smile made anyone who came in contact with her feel special.
Colleen met her mothers gaze and saw a question in her pale blue eyes: why was her only daughter talking to a man suspected of shooting his uncle?
Colleen gave a slight shrug as if to say so what? Her mother would understand how little stock Colleen took in the rumor mill. So often shed proven the gossips wrong when shed investigated a story.
She turned her gaze back to the man standing beside her. The knowing look in his dark eyes made her sense hed somehow interpreted the exchange between mother and daughter correctly.
Your mother is protective, no?
His words confirmed her thoughts. Yes. Im her only daughter and youre basically a stranger, even though youve been in town off and on for over a year now. Still, even your aunt Lidia doesnt seem to know you well.
She studied him, liking his dark wavy hair and the aristocratic lines to his jaw. His soulful eyes could be hard and demanding yet turn so charming and compelling that her heart pounded with a rapid beat.