Intimate Knowledge (12 page)

“They’re just enjoying the moment,” Saul said. “It doesn’t matter how much longer they have, or whether the sea is turning towards them or not. They’re dancing now, lost in each other and clearly deeply in love with one another. That’s what they’re holding onto.”

“The more I look at it, the more I love it,” she replied with a soft smile. She enjoyed the bold, bright colours, the confident, sure strokes left from the brush, but most of all she loved the promise and fantasy the painting represented for her. Jennifer could so clearly imagine herself and Saul on such a warm, isolated beach, dressed to the nines, dancing together, lost in each other. It could represent them today, next week, six months into the future and hopefully when they were both old and grey, fifty years from now.

“I think I’ll get this,” Jennifer said.

At exactly the same time Saul commented, “I think I’ll ask how much this is.”

They glanced at each other. Jennifer laughed.

Saul cupped her jaw, bent down and pressed his lips to hers. They shared a slow, searching kiss. Her eyes fluttered shut and she drank in the intimacy of the moment.

“It can be the first purchase we make together,” Saul finally said when he pulled back.

Her brain scrambled, it took a second for Jennifer to recall what they were talking about.

“The painting, yes,” she murmured. “I think buying it together, for both of us, would be perfect.”

Jennifer rested her head against Saul’s shoulder and they stared at the painting for another minute, each lost in their own thoughts. Jennifer daydreamed about what a life together for the two of them would entail. In some ways it would be no different. They’d been friends for so long, catching up over dinner or seeing a movie with each other was practically routine. In other ways she’d learnt so much about Saul over this weekend he was a whole new man to her.

Intriguing. Dangerous. Exciting. Reliable.

She couldn’t wait to learn more about him, grow with him.

Saul made a slight turn, asking wordlessly if she was ready to go. She moved with him and they made their way back. En route Saul constantly turned his head as he glanced around. At first she assumed he was staring at all the amazing artwork that filled every nook, but then she understood that wasn’t it at all.

“The security here is impressive,” he said in a hushed voice so they wouldn’t be overheard in the near-silent halls. “There are well-trained guards at most of the exhibit entrances, motion detectors, and I’m sure those red lights indicate some of the most up-to-date heat and infrared sensors. The security company logo is the same group we use for training, Firthington. They’re one of the best, cutting edge, not just here in London, but on a global scale.”

Jennifer tried to keep up with Saul’s commentary. “If there’s so much security, and multiple layers by the sound of it, too, not just simple alarms, then is it realistic to believe the place might be burgled? I mean, we’re not in a movie here. All these systems set in place would have to be neutralised, probably simultaneously. That’s not for some eccentric, rich father who has lost touch with his artistically talented son. This sounds professional and scary.”

“It would certainly need a team, a well-rehearsed, savvy group of individuals who already have trust in each other. That’s not as common as you’d think. Usually such talented people work alone, or at most in pairs. If you don’t trust the people you’re doing a mission like this with…well, let’s say usually you’re not a long-term problem.”

They were near the main entrance hall now. They walked up to one a large desk area where a number of men and women in well-cut suits talked in hushed voices to other browsers. Almost immediately one of the men caught Saul’s gaze. He said a quick last word to the women then ambled over to them. His brass name plate had ‘Nick’ engraved into it.

“I’d like to enquire about the cost of one of your paintings, The Dancers, by Lazray Haughton,” Saul said in a smooth tone.

The man smiled in what seemed a well-practiced motion and nodded. “Of course, sir. If you’ll let me go bring that piece up on our files we can discuss terms and…”

Jennifer tuned Nick out as they moved to a different section and he logged onto a thin, wireless laptop.

“…and it’s the first piece Mr Haughton has exhibited. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to know a lovely couple such as yourselves are interested in it. Now, it says here in his record that he’s amenable to selling the canvas, and the Gallery offers a wonderful deal on service and crating with delivery if you’d just care to…”

Listening with half an ear, Jennifer almost missed it when Saul did a visible double take. Following his gaze, she saw he watched a man and a woman as they crossed the enormous foyer. Jennifer couldn’t spot anything unusual about them and wondered why they had grabbed Saul’s attention.

The man was very tall, six foot three or four at least. His dark hair was lightly salted with grey and neatly trimmed. His build was that of an ex-athlete—toned and he was evidently fit, but no longer at his peak. In jeans and a shirt he looked in no way remarkable from any of the dozens of other men whom she’d seen today.

The woman barely came to his shoulders, though Jennifer noticed she wore comfortable sneakers and not high heels. She was fit in the manner of a gymnast—all lean muscle. But it was the wealth of straight, auburn-red hair that set her apart from other women. Dressed similarly to her partner in jeans and a simple, prettily patterned shirt, Jennifer couldn’t deduce from watching them why Saul’s gaze lingered on them for almost a minute.

They both looked so normal.

Deeply curious now, she tilted her head back to Saul.

“Do you know them?” she asked.

He gave her a short nod. Meeting her eyes, he held them, seeming to try to will her to understand something. “Yes. From work.”

Surprised, she widened her eyes and snapped her head back to stare again at the couple. They were completely un-noteworthy.

Though…the more she watched them…Jennifer realised they both scanned the cavernous room. Yet neither of them appeared to notice the artwork on display, let alone admire it. They both watched the people around them. The manner in which the man, in particular, held himself reminded her somehow of Saul.

Perhaps it was because they had similar training, or maybe just the knowledgeable, defensive outlook both men would need in their professions—something screamed about his posture that he was completely aware of his surroundings and ready at a moment’s notice to spring into action.

The woman, his partner, was no slouch either. Jenn could see her moved her head around as they roamed the room. The action reminded Jennifer of a laser beam, taking in everything, calculating and analysing. The way she held herself, her free hand loosely hanging by her side, palm cupped towards her body, reminded Jennifer of an old gunslinger, waiting for the indication to snatch for their weapon, crouch and fire.

“We haven’t said anything to…your boss. Why would there be co-workers of yours here?” Jennifer asked.

Saul shook his head, clearly not wanting to answer further.

Her attention reverted to Nick, who still smiled amiably but now appeared both puzzled and worried he might have lost his sale. Jennifer smiled as charmingly as she could at him.

“I’m sorry, Nick,” she said, her attention fully on the man now. “You were saying that deliveries only occur on weekdays? Would it be possible for the item to be delivered early in the evening? That would suit us best.”

“Of course,” Nick replied with relief. “Now I’ll just need a few details from you both.”

Jennifer stole a glance over her shoulder. She saw the backs of the other agents as they left the main room and headed into one of the exhibits. Wondering if they should split up and she should follow, she exchanged a glance with Saul. He shrugged a shoulder then took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze, but didn’t let go. That answered that question, they’d not be splitting up. Saul gave Nick the information he required, though his mind was clearly elsewhere.

Keeping part of her attention on Saul and Nick, Jennifer scanned the busy room, bursting with curiosity about the other agents. Her mind filled with questions. Was the Agency already aware of something being planned here? Was the Agency part of it? She frowned at this. Surely Saul would be have known if that was the case? But then…he couldn’t possibly know every mission going on, that wouldn’t be logical.

Her mind worked, trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. She’d unconsciously tuned out both her lover and the museum employee as she grew lost in her own musings, her gaze wandering over the other patrons.

It took her a moment to realise her attention had been captured by a striking woman who walked quickly across the room. Her heels clacked on the tiles, her long, brown curls bouncing down her back as she moved smoothly towards her destination.

She wore a subtle, navy blue blazer with pencil-slim skirt and a photo identity card identical to the other Gallery employees. Focused on her smartphone, she clearly knew exactly where she was headed, for she didn’t glance up from the small screen.

Recognition crashed over Jennifer, like being hit by a wave.

“Saul,” she said with a tug to her lover’s arm. Tilting her chin, she indicated the woman.

It was the lady in the photos they’d uncovered in the wooden box. Saul must have understood exactly who she was, too, for his whole body froze.

Still texting on her phone, the woman appeared oblivious to their attention. Jennifer followed the direct line she walked in with her gaze and realised she headed for a door along one of the walls, marked clearly as ’Employees Only, Unauthorised Personnel Not Admitted’.

“Oh, Saul,” Jennifer murmured. “She’s going into that door. We’ll lose her.”

Without waiting for him to say anything, Jennifer pulled away and moved hurriedly towards the woman.

“Wait! Jenn, you can’t just—damn it.”

She heard him shout behind her. Jennifer didn’t pay attention. She focused on catching up to the brunette. The sound of Jennifer’s heeled boots rushing closer finally appeared to capture the woman’s attention. She looked up from her phone.

 Jennifer drew up to her, huffing a little. A blush stole over Jennifer’s face as she realised she had no clue what to say to the lady without sounding like an imbecile. She glanced at the woman’s security pass, noticing her name stencilled in block letters beneath the obligatory awful face shot.

Chelsea Atchison.

“Uh,” Jennifer started. “Hi, Chelsea. I’m Jennifer Mabbot, and this is going to sound very strange, but do you know…um… That is, have you been approached by any strange men here lately? I mean…”

Blushing harder, Jennifer struggled for words, not even knowing where to start. The woman appeared puzzled but polite enough. Jennifer didn’t need to turn when she felt Saul come up behind her. Chelsea’s eyes widened slightly and she studied Saul intently.

Frowning, Jennifer cast a quick glance at Saul, seeing he scrutinised the brunette as well.

What the hell?

A closer look, however, showed her that Saul appeared to be focusing on remembering something. He wasn’t merely having a stare at the pretty woman. Her feminine instincts settled with that understanding, and Jennifer wondered what it was she seemed to be missing.

An almighty crack rent the air. It sounded like the world around her imploded. Jennifer turned instinctively to look. The huge floor-to-ceiling windows shattered and fell as if in slow motion. Peering out amongst the entrance driveway and through the columns, Jennifer couldn’t see what had caused the windows to break.

A loud
whoosh
sounded before one of the many pillars exploded.

There was a moment of shocked silence, then the air filled with screams as people ran in every direction.

Saul knelt to the ground, pulling Jennifer down beside him.

Chelsea, rather than screaming hysterically as a good portion of the other women at present were, crouched into a classic defensive posture. She drew a large handgun out of her bag and turned her head to scan the area in what Jennifer was coming to understand as a highly professional surveillance of the room.

“You’re a part of this?” Saul ground out at Chelsea, pushing Jennifer behind him as he used his body to shield her.

Chelsea cast him a quick, disinterested glance before returning her attention to her surroundings. “Not now,” she snapped. “I can’t quite place you, but I’m certain I’ve seen you before. Dublin?”

“No, I’m London based. Who the fuck are you?”

The room was over half empty now, the patrons stampeding towards every door in a mad scramble to escape. One series of steps, however, appeared to be getting louder, not retreating.

Jennifer looked around and spotted a slender man in a large overcoat hurrying towards them. He was speaking, but no one was around him. His hand cupped the side of his face. His hair fell forward like a wave, partially concealing him. He reached with his fingers to tuck the strands behind his ear in a gesture Jennifer recognised. Saul had stood, dragging Jennifer with him, when he’d noticed the approach of the other man.

“That’s him!” she blurted out, caught somewhere between fear and excitement. “Saul, that’s the man from the forest, I’m almost positive.”

He drew his own gun and started moving them both backwards, Jennifer still protected behind his body.

“I just knew you’d be trouble the moment I realised you’d seen me bury that damn box,” the man complained as he came to stand beside Chelsea. Turning to face Chelsea, he spoke his next words directly to her. “Someone’s got an itchy trigger finger. This whole thing has gone to hell. I say we leave before our positions are compromised.”

“What about McIlroy? What does he think?” Chelsea replied in a hurried tone.

Saul stiffened again, his head turning from one to the other of them.

Jennifer was completely at a loss. She trusted Saul, though, without a single doubt. If he felt they were in danger he’d get them out. Since he hesitated, she knew something else was happening beneath the surface.