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He was a little taken aback So anyone dickhead He had to keep re hiht Not any the rumor that I'm responsible for the theft, hmm?"

"Yeah"

"Well, I hate to say it, but you ic to their theory Iknowledge of the art world How hard would it be for a slick operator like il and the Heralds? All I'd have to do is ot stolen, and then, a fewcity, end in the world of reed

"And no one back here in Eclipse Bay would have a clue"

"No one but me," he correctedwhat had happened, either Not unless you made it a point to keep up with events in the art world"

He did not take his eyes off the road "I'd do that, though"

"You would?"

"Let's just say I'd keep up with events concerning you"

"Oh" Shewhat to do with it, let it go She tightened her arms around her midsection "Well, it's all "

"I explained that to Eugene and Dwayne"

"You did?" Sohtened "That was very nice of you"

"That's me Mr Nice Guy"

"I' sounds quite logical when you think about it I can see where reasonable people ht start to wonder if I was the thief After all, I am related to Claudia Banner and everyone knohat she did here"

He said nothing

"I appreciate your support"

"Hey, you're the client I lose you, I lose my fee"

"What fee?" she asked warily

"Good question Been wondering about that,a fee and you know it," she said crisply

"That right? No fee, huh?"

They were in the woods now, clireen canopy cut the bright sunlight He watched for the fa a joke out of this," she said briskly "We both knohy you're looking for the painting You want to help AZ and Virgil and the others"

"Not exactly," he said

"What does that n inscribed with the faded words Snow's Cafe caing froed to students and staff froe Arizona had catered to that particular clientele since she had opened the restaurant