Page 67 (1/2)

“What an invitation” Derek leaned forward to kiss her again

“But not quite yet” Sloane put a restraining hand on the front of his shirt

“Let uess Before we start our private weekend, you want to hear all about what Rich said”

“You got it So tell me”

Derek filled her in on everything except the discussion of her father’s friends

“Wow So Xiao Long is dealing in valuable paintings now,” Sloanewho has both knowledge and appreciation of fine art That would explain a lot Itand Cai Wen’sXiao’s been in the art-theft business”

“Exactly So I’ for answers We should have them soon Rich expects to hear back from his contacts in a matter of days Hopefully, they’ll have a lot to tell us”

Sloane fell silent for aas she wrestled with a question she needed to ask but didn’t want the answer to Finally, she looked up and went for it “Did you find any leads on who helped the Red Dragons break into my parents’ apartment?”

“Not yet” Clearly, Derek had been expecting her question

“Meaning you’re still investigating my father’s partners”

“Meaning I’m still open to any and all leads that could tell h the front door of your parents’ place, and straight to the Rothberg file”

“And in searching for those leads, everyone’s fair game”

“Yes” Derek aze directly “Sloane, there are so to have to let me explore alone, at least for now You’ve o there yet, and I respect that If there’s anything I dig up that you should know, I’ll tell you right away And if it co to involve you or even ask you questions that are painful, I’ll do that, too But right now, I have nothing So it’s premature to jump to conclusions Okay?”

Sloane understood exactly what Derek was saying, and what he wasn’t “This sucks”

“I know” He cupped the nape of her neck, stroking her skin with his thuo after anyone you care about—not unless they’ve done soh?”