CHAPTER 7: Elegant People

 

Palace of the Doges

 

"She was at the reception," Bishop Varian said. "I'm sure she suspects something."

"So what?" Sylvanus said. "She still can prove nothing."

Cardinal Fallini turned to Niles Fabrere. "That was incredibly stupid for you to try to kill her--with our own driver to boot."

"Yes, it was a move born of panic." The others turned their attention on the Japanese businessman. "And we still do not have the real painting."

"We'll find it," Cardinal Fallini said.

"Do that," the Japanese said. "In the meantime, destroy the forgery."

"Why?" the Cardinal said. "It's already been bought. Made quite a profit to. Women with money are so gullible--"

"And you are a fool," the Japanese said. "Don't you know who it was that purchased the painting? She did it because she suspects something fraudulent--not for its worth.

"I don't understand," Fallini said.

The Japanese snorted derisively. "The woman you have listed as 'Chelsea Hawke' is in reality Delta Chancellor. She is an international detective. The Irishman is her husband, Kevin Royce. She is dangerous, but he is much more so. To make matters worse, this Karen Bechard has already proven to be more resourceful and dangerous beyond your anticipation. Your arrogance and oversight will ruin everything. We will destroy the painting ourselves."

 

 

"So you think the painting's a fake," Delta said. She, Karen, and Kevin sat at a small table in one of the rooms where the guests were gathered. The murmur of conversation and the tinkle of champagne glasses filled the room. Afternoon sunlight spilled through the lattiwork windows, breaking into tiny sparkles against jewelry, sequins, and crystal glass.

"The bishops who helped officiate this auction had just settled an insurance claim," Karen said. "For a stolen painting, they didn't seem too bothered about it showing up at the auction."

"What say we go take a look at the painting," Kevin suggested. The trio stood and made their way past people clustered in small groups and stepped out into the hallway.

"Excuse me." It was Erin Lisa Van Der Berg, attired in a dazzling gown of salmon sequins with a white mink stole draped around her shoulders. The gown shimmered with every move she made.

"What do you want?" Delta said frostily.

"I would like to offer you twice the amount you paid for Birth of Venus."

"It's not for sale. Why do you want it anyway? There were plenty others--I noticed you picked up a few yourself."

"Yes, yes, but that is the one I traveled half the world to purchase. I must have it."

"Really," Delta said. "Looks like you're shit-ass out of luck." She turned to walk away with Karen and Kevin when Erin grabbed her arm.

"Look--"

Delta punched her in the mouth and she fell on her behind with a shriek, knocking a drink out of someone's hand. Conversation came to a halt and everyone in the vicinity turned to see what was going on.

"I don't even like you, bitch," Delta said, jabbing a finger at Erin. "So the best thing for you to do is stay the fuck out of my face."

Erin wiped blood from her busted lip, her pale blue eyes narrowing to mere slits. "I'll see you dead, whore!"

"It's been tried before. I'm still here."

Two security guards showed up. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes," Delta said. "She slipped and fell on her ass."

Delta turned and pushed her way through the crowd. Kevin shrugged apologetically and followed. Karen was laughing softly when the three of them left the room full of bewildered guests.

"I'm going to pay the bishops another visit," Karen said when they were in the hallway.

"Okay," Delta said. "Meet us in the plaza."

In the room, two of Erin's bodyguards appeared and helped her up.

"Find her. Waste her. NOW!!" she said, livid with rage, and slapped one of them. He touched a hand to his face, before both of them left.