Untried Heart

by Nicky Charles

  “You haven’t?” She looked at him aghast. “We’ll have to do something about that.”

  “You really do like to take charge of my life, don’t you?”

  “Oh.” Her smile faltered. “I’m not trying to be bossy. I just want to help you.”

  “It’s okay.” He stood and walked over to where she was. “I sort of like you taking charge. My life was a mess until you appeared.” He took her hands in his, seemed about to kiss her and then held back, no doubt recalling her earlier warning.

  She squeezed his hands gently to let him know she still cared. “It’s still a week until Christmas. We don’t have to make any decisions today.” She wanted to make Christmas special, not only for Ben but for herself, too. Knowing she would have to go back to Heaven soon and never see him again was going to be painful, but if she could store up some good memories.

  The ringing of Ben’s phone interrupted her thoughts and she watched him answer it, listen intently and occasionally grumble in agreement.

  When he ended the call, he turned to her. “That was Detective Andrews. Everything is in place for the sting. We just need to get Ms. Standish to agree to a meeting between us and the buyer. Then Andrews will follow the buyer to the next link in the chain.”

  “Okay, do we go now?”

  He shook his head. “We aren’t going anywhere. I’ll go by myself. This shouldn’t be dangerous; but just in case, I don’t want to take the chance of anything happening to you.”

  She planted her hands on her hips. “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course, I’m going with you. I’m the one who got you involved with Ms. Standish.”

  “But–”

  “Ben, you either take me along or...” She faltered not sure what kind of a threat she could use.

  “Or?” He raised one brow then laughed and pulled her close for a hug. “That’s what I love about you, Eugenie. Always ready to jump in where angels fear to tread.”

  “Uh...right.” She was glad her face was pressed to his chest so he couldn’t see her expression. Sometimes Ben’s comments made her wonder if he’d been as unconscious as she’d thought the day she’d rescued him in the snow.

  It didn’t take long to drive into town and arrive at the gallery. Ben took a deep breath as they entered the building, memories of the previous evening causing him to wince. Standish’s high-handed abduction of his carving, how he’d turned on Eugenie... He gave his head a shake. Now wasn’t the time to be raking over old coals. He needed to be acting conciliatory, emphasis on acting.

  “You’re back.” Ms. Standish stalked across the room, a pinched look about her face, her heels making an angry staccato on the floor. “I hope you’re not here to create another scene like you did last night. It was appallingly bad manners on your part.”

  Eugenie opened her mouth and he gave her hand a warning squeeze.

  “Yes…I mean, no.” He shuffled his feet. “Eugenie and I have been talking and I’ll agree to you selling the bust.”

  “Excellent.” Ms. Standish’s expression changed to a smile. "I was actually going to call you today with the news that we have a buyer."

  “But there’s one condition.” Eugenie ended his comment for him.

  “And what might that be?” The woman fixed her with a pointed stare.

  Ben supplied the answer. “I want to meet the buyer first.”

  “Impossible.” Ms. Standish turned her attention back to Ben as he spoke.

  “That’s my condition. Take it or leave it.” He folded his arms.

  “No,” Ms. Standish shook her head. “Many of my buyers are wealthy with extensive private collections. They don’t want people to know who they are for security reasons.”

  He shrugged. “Then I guess I’ll take the carving home with me now.”

  “No!”

  “There are no security guards here today. No witnesses. It's your word against mine.”

  Ms. Standish gaped at him, likely unused to being thwarted.

  Ben smiled, pleased to have the upper hand. “Eugenie, will you go get it for me, please?”

  She began to walk towards where the carving was still on display.

  “You can’t take it.” Ms. Standish hurried across the room placing herself in Eugenie’s way. “We have a contract.” There was a hint of panic in her voice.

  “And I have a lawyer. Do you really want the negative publicity for your gallery?” He walked over and placed his hands on Eugenie’s shoulders. “She’s prepared to testify that you took the carving while I wasn’t home and without my permission.”

  Eugenie nodded in agreement. “That’s right. This could drag on for ages and put your business practices into question.”

  Ms. Standish frowned. “I...” She paused and glanced towards the back of the gallery. “This is highly unusual but I’ll make a call and see if I can get the buyer to agree to your very irregular request.”

  “Thank you,” he gave her a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “We’ll wait here while you make the arrangements.”

  “You don’t have to wait. I’ll call you once the buyer agrees.” Ms. Standish tried to usher them towards the door but they didn’t move.

  “As Ben said, we’ll wait here.” Eugenie clasped her hands around his arm. “Given our past experience with you, we’re not sure you can be trusted not to spirit the sculpture away when our backs are turned.”

  The gallery owner’s cheeks flushed and she almost trembled with indignation. “Well, I never!”

  He spotted a bench. “We’ll wait here.” Sitting down, he stretched his legs out in front of him and folded his arms leaving Ms. Standish in no doubt he intended to stay until his conditions were met.

  She gave them another frown before hurrying to the back.

  “I wonder how long it will take,” Eugenie whispered.

  “No idea. From what Andrews said on the phone, he seemed to feel there was some kind of hub in the area.”

  “Okay.” She glanced about the room then nodded towards the area where his work was displayed. “Did you see the sold stickers?”

  “No, but I remember you mentioning them.” He stood up and went to check. A smile spread across his face as he saw that Eugenie had been right. “Hey, there really are quite a few sold.”

  “I told you so.”

  “I wonder if they’re legitimate sales though.” His smile faded.

  “I’m sure most of the business is above board. That’s what Detective Andrews said anyway.”

  “I hope so.” He mentally calculated the profits he might make from the sales. It was a tidy sum and would go a long way towards paying off some of his debt.

  Ms. Standish reappeared. “I managed to convince the buyer to concede to your wishes. He wasn’t pleased but regardless, he’ll be here soon.”

  “Thank you.” He gestured towards the rest of the display. “When will I be paid for these?”

  “At the end of the month as per our agreement.” Ms. Standish pursed her lips.

  “Our agreement seems to be open to interpretation.” He gave a pointed look at the bust.

  “I run a respected establishment.” Affronted, she turned on her heel and walked away.

  Eugenie gave him a nod of approval. “Good. She knows you’re keeping an eye on things.”

  “After being burned by my former partner, my trust level is pretty low. I’m keeping a close eye on my finances.”

  “Do you want to see the receipts for the items I sold for you?”

  He rolled his eyes. “Of course not. I trust you.”

  “That’s not what you said last night.” As soon as she was finished speaking, she pressed her hand to her mouth. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  He gently took her hand from her lips and kissed her fingertips. “Yes, you should have said that. I messed up big time and we can’t just brush it under the rug.”

  “But holding a grudge and bringing up things you’ve already apologized for isn’t right either.”

  He
gently chucked her under the chin. “You’re quite wise for someone so young.”

  She gave a mysterious smile that once again had him marvelling at her resemblance to the painting on his wall.

  Eugenie paced the gallery for the umpteenth time. They’d been waiting over half an hour for the buyer to show up. Perhaps that wasn’t a great length of time but with nothing to do but stare at the artwork it seemed longer. Ms. Standish had hinted several times that they should go next door to the coffee shop but Ben wasn’t budging.

  Sighing, she shifted from one foot to the other. She needed to use the washroom but didn’t think Ms. Standish would be keen on letting her use the facilities. There was the option of going to the coffee shop but what if the buyer appeared while she was gone. No, she’d wait and hope he arrived soon!

  She was in the process of checking her watch yet again, when the gallery door opened letting in a gust of cold air as well as a middle-aged gentleman in a black trench coat. Was this the buyer?

  “Heads up, Zeke.” She whispered the words before hurrying over to where Ben was slowly rising to his feet. Out of the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of Zeke, invisible to the human eye, leaning against the far wall with his arms crossed against his chest. He touched two fingers to his forehead in a greeting and, unfolding from his stance, drifted over to where Ben, Ms. Standish and the stranger were now standing.

  “This is Benjamin Davis, the artist who carved the artwork you purchased.”

  The man extended his hand. “John Brown. Pleased to meet you, Davis. Amazing work.”

  “Thanks.” Ben eyed the man up and down and Eugenie did the same taking in his appearance. Average height and build, average features. Common name. The kind of person you’d pass by and not remember, which, if he was indeed a criminal, probably worked in his favour.

  “I was really taken with that carving you did. Very lifelike.” Mr. Brown jerked his chin towards the carving.

  “It holds a special meaning to me,” Ben explained as he walked over to the bust. “I’ve worked on it for years trying to get it right.”

  “You did a fine job.” The buyer clasped his hands behind his back.

  Ben ran a finger over the cheek of the carving and Eugenie could have sworn she actually felt his touch.

  He paused and then cleared his throat. “I want you to take special care of this piece. It, and the woman who inspired it, mean more to me than I could ever put into words.” Ben looked up as he spoke, his gaze moving past Brown and Standish and locking on hers.

  Eugenie’s heart seemed to melt in her chest and, if it hadn’t been for their audience, she would have rushed over and hugged him.

  Instead, Ms. Standish spoiled the moment. “Now if you’re satisfied Benjamin, I’ll box this up so Mr. Brown can be on his way. He’s a busy man and has spared all the time he can for you.”

  Brown looked at his watch. “Yes, I need to be on my way.”

  Eugenie watched as Ben’s jaw tightened. She could tell he wasn’t happy about this at all. “We mustn’t keep the man, Ben.” She walked over and took his arm.

  He glanced at her and nodded. “Of course. Thanks for allowing me to meet you. I know you’ll take good care of my work.”

  “That I will.” Mr. Brown took the box Ms. Standish handed him. “Wonderful doing business with you.” With a nod, he turned and left.

  Eugenie turned and saw the man get into a plain grey four-door sedan. It was as unremarkable as the man himself except for a dent in the fender. For a supposedly wealthy man, she’d have thought he’d own something more upscale. Frowning, she watched him drive away before turning back to the gallery owner and Ben.

  “Well, that’s taken care of.” Ms. Standish rubbed her hands together. “I hope you’re satisfied now, Benjamin. I’ll send you a cheque with payment for this and for the other pieces at the end of the month.”

  “Thank you.” Eugenie tugged at Ben’s arm leading him towards the door. “We need to be on our way as well.” Zeke had left to follow the buyer and she wanted to check in and see what was happening. Plus, she really needed to use the washroom!

  Chapter 18

  Ben ordered coffee while Eugenie went to use the facilities. He found a table in the corner and sat down, nursing the mug while he stared out at the street.

  It was decorated for Christmas with wreaths hanging from the streetlamps and urns full of greenery and bows dotting the sidewalks. Funny how he hadn’t even noticed the decorations before. But then again, since Eugenie had appeared in his life, he was seeing a lot of things that had escaped his notice before. How the light sparkled against the icicles that hung near the door to the shop, birds in trees, animal tracks in the snow. Her child-like delight in simple things was fascinating and contagious. Just the other day he’d caught himself studying the designs in the frost that coated the truck window rather than grumbling about having to scrape the windshield clear.

  He sipped his coffee and shook his head. With her looks and knowledge of antiques, he was sure Eugenie would soon be off to the bright lights of the big city. There was nothing in a backwater, small town like this to hold her interest for long. Life wouldn’t be the same once she was gone, though. At least he had the painting that looked like her, and the carving…provided he actually got it back.

  While he wouldn’t admit it to anyone, he was pretty torn up about possibly losing that sculpture. Sure, it was technically a chunk of wood but he’d put his heart into carving it. Plus, it was a tangible reminder of Eugenie. If anything happened to it, that cop was going to have hell to pay.

  After leaving Ben to get coffee, Eugenie found the women’s bathroom and checked all stalls were empty. Even though no one else would be able to see her angelic colleague, standing in the washroom talking to herself would definitely cause some stares. Confident the coast was clear, she contacted Zeke.

  “Zeke? Where are you? What’s going on?”

  “Hey, Babe.” He appeared beside her and glanced around the washroom. “Interesting choice of meeting venue.”

  “This was the only place I thought we might have a modicum of privacy.”

  “Modicum? Sometimes you talk like you’ve swallowed a dictionary, Eugenie.” He chuckled as he shoved his hands in his pockets. Eugenie noticed he was wearing a dark leather jacket, ratty old jeans and had stubble showing on his jaw. It was a far cry from the clean-cut officer who had appeared on Ben’s doorstep.

  “Why are you dressed like that?”

  “I’m an undercover cop. Gotta look the part.” He slouched and changed his expression to a brooding scowl before grinning. “What do you think?”

  “I think you enjoy this far too much.” She folded her arms and shook her head. “What’s happening with Ben’s carving?”

  “Right, to business. The guy, Brown, is taking it to the processing location. It’s a small farm outside of town, not too far from Ben’s place actually.” He pulled his phone out from his jacket and showed her a map. “See?”

  A rattling at the washroom door stopped her from replying and, reacting before she had time to think, she dived into a stall dragging Zeke with her.

  “Eugenie, I could have just disappeared.” Zeke made a face at being squished so close to her in the small space.

  “Shh.” She hissed. “Stay quiet until whoever is out there has left.”

  “I feel like some kind of pervert,” Zeke muttered. “I’ll be back in a minute.” And just like that he disappeared.

  Well, at least there was more room in the stall now, she thought to herself as she impatiently waited for the person to leave. As soon as the washroom door clicked, she exited the cubicle.

  “Coast is clear, Zeke.”

  He reappeared with a sign in his hand. It said ‘out of order’.

  “What’s that for?”

  “To keep us from being interrupted again.” With a wave of his hand, the sign seemed to flow through the door. “Now it’s posted on the other side. You can take it down when you leave.” />
  “Good idea! Now, back to the business at hand. What’s going on with that Mr. Brown character and Ben’s carving.” She proceeded to wash and dry her hands while Zeke spoke.

  “I’ve been in touch with the RCMP and they’re on their way to the farm.”

  “Aren’t they curious as to who you are, or did you call them anonymously?”

  “Umm… I may have committed a tiny felony. I altered police records and Ezekiel Andrews is, for the time being, a bona fide detective-constable in the RCMP.”

  “Zeke! You didn’t?”

  “I’ll erase all the records as soon as this is over. And I’ll do some mind wipes. No one will remember me. Don’t worry, Eugenie.”

  “I am worried. I’m in a constant quake thinking of possible exposure.”

  “You’ll get used to it. You just have to think on your feet and be prepared to roll with the punches so to speak. Plus, humans are easily distracted. They’re busy with their own lives and see what they expect to see. Small inconsistencies are rarely noticed.”

  “I suppose.”

  “Trust me.” Zeke gave her a nod. “Now you head on back to Ben; he’s going to wonder where you are. I’ll zip over to the farm house and make sure the RCMP get their man or men.”

  “If it’s at all possible, please try and protect Ben’s sculpture. He’s very worried about it.”

  “I will and I’ll let you know the outcome as soon as it’s all over.”

  “Thank you, Zeke.” Eugenie stretched up on tip-toe and kissed the GA’s cheek before returning to Ben who was sitting hunched over a mug with steam rising from it.

  She sat down opposite him and placed her hand on his.

  “Ben. It will be okay. You know that, don’t you? You will get your work back and the police will break up the smuggling ring.”

  “I hope you’re right, Eugenie. But I doubt I’ll ever see the sculpture again, at least, not in one piece.”

  “You have to have faith that everything will be all right. And regardless of what happens to the carving, assisting the RCMP was the right thing to do. You couldn’t live with yourself if you hadn’t helped stop a crime, could you?