The Scotland Yard Exchange Series

by Stephanie Queen

  “Hello,” he said.

  “Oh, David! I’m so glad I caught you. I’m at Rick and Theresa’s loft,” Grace said. Her live voice was so lively that he was instantly reassured.

  “I got your message. As it happens, we’re on our way there. ETA is less than five.” He looked out his window to check their whereabouts and looked at his watch.

  “You have no idea how much I love hearing that official police talk—especially right now,” she said. He could hear relief and amusement at the same time in her voice. But he also sensed there was another shoe to drop and decided to postpone it until they’d arrived. He suspected it would go better for all involved if he and Dan were there in the flesh.

  “I’ll be there within the minute. Then we can talk more police-talk. And you can tell me why you happen to be there,” he said before they signed off. He sighed and turned to Dan. As he knew, his friend was incredulous, resigned and bemused. Dan met his eyes and shook his head.

  “I’m impressed with your expertise—and I’m impressed with how much you enjoy all the kid-glove handling of, should we say, ‘para-professionals.’” Dan arched his brow. He pulled the car across the garage entrance to Rick’s loft building, effectively blocking it.

  Once they entered the townhouse, Theresa and Grace rushed toward them. Rick and Nick approached more slowly, but were nevertheless visibly glad he and Dan had arrived.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” Grace said.

  “You have to send us some bodyguards to protect us,” Theresa said.

  “We’ve had an attempted intrusion, but I scared him away. I meant to bag him—sorry,” Nick said.

  “We have to go somewhere. We can’t stay around this place waiting like sitting ducks,” Rick said. Since they’d all spoken at once, it was a credit to his hearing acuity that David had sorted it all out. But Dan stuck his fingers in his mouth and blew a whistle to wake the dead.

  “Stop talking all at once! Nick, tell us what happened.” Dan turned to the professional among them.

  David locked eyes with Grace to see that she was all right, if concerned. He winked at her to reassure her, and she winked back. They were somehow all standing in the middle of the loft’s living area. No one was comfortable enough to sit; they were all keyed up. While Nick spoke, David walked over, sat on the couch and lounged deep into the cushions, spreading his arms across the back of it.

  “I was in the guest room on the computer doing some research,” Nick said, “while Rick and Theresa were getting coffee in the kitchen. I heard a noise, looked out the window and saw that someone wearing a knit hat was up on the fire escape and trying to get the window open to the next room—and partly succeeding. It was Rick and Theresa’s bedroom window,” Nick said.

  “What if we were in there?” Theresa buried her face in Rick’s shirt. Rick held on to her and looked grim.

  “I wonder why a burglar would try to get in your window in broad daylight and risk you being at home?” David asked in his most conversational tone. “And what about the police detail out front?”

  “We were supposed to be on our way to an event at City Hall,” Rick said. “I told the detail to go and we’d meet them there. We were running late, very late. And since our car is in the garage, I guess the so-called burglar had no way of knowing we were at home until Nick caught him.”

  “Almost caught him. I should have had him,” Nick said. “I ran into Rick’s room. The guy didn’t know I saw him, so I caught him opening the window. When I went to grab him, he slashed me with what appeared to be a screwdriver and jumped back out the window. He had that hat and a mask on, so I can’t even ID him,” Nick finished. He sounded disgusted with himself.

  “So we can add attempted burglary to the attempted murder, the smuggled artifacts and the murder of Lester Lump,” David said. “And we have no idea who the burglar is, but since he did his homework and planned the break-in while you were supposed to be at City Hall, we can assume he’s highly motivated and after the artifacts. He’ll probably try it again. You sure you noticed nothing about him that could help us identify him?” David asked.

  “I’m sure,” Nick said.

  “I can tell you exactly who it was,” Grace said. Looking at David, she sat on the arm of the couch nearest him swinging her crossed legs. Everyone’s eyes popped at first. Nick rolled his eyes and shook his head. Rick raised his brow. Theresa narrowed her eyes. David knew better than to be skeptical.

  “How do you know who it was?” he asked.

  “When I arrived at the front door, he’d just jumped down from the fire escape—I heard him land and saw him fall. He yanked off his hat or whatever he was wearing and turned around just before he ran off. I got a good look at his face and recognized him,” she said. Everyone was now riveted. Dan was open-mouthed and scowling at the same time. David held his smile back. After all, this was serious police business.

  “Please continue, Grace,” he said.

  “I knew something was wrong when I waved and called out to say what a surprise it was to see him here and he took off without a word.” Grace frowned. “But I’m sure it was him. It was Arturo Diego, the soccer star from Peru. I met him at a benefit not too long ago and would never forget him. He was strange. He had two gold teeth.”

  “That’s unusual, but not strange,” Nick said.

  “Oh, but his gold teeth looked like fangs. They were the two upper incisors—except a bit larger than they were supposed to be. It gave him a vicious look and a not-quite-right air.”

  “Excellent job, Grace. Congratulations. You’ve just helped us crack this case wide open.” David rose from the couch and took her by the hand to stand from where she was perched. He was disconcertingly concerned for her welfare, but there wasn’t a chance he was going to let her know the danger she was in. It obviously hadn’t occurred to her yet that she might be a key witness against a very dangerous killer and his smuggling organization.

  Everyone else in the room, especially Dan and Nick, was immediately aware. Dan’s face had gone from incredulous to worried in a flash. He and Dan knew the soccer player was likely the killer, based on what Oscar had told him and what Interpol had said.

  “Yes, this gives us enough to haul him in. Thanks, Grace.” Dan sounded tense. Theresa gave Grace a quick squeeze. Then, putting aside what she or anyone else might think, David put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

  “Grace, you’ll need to come in to police headquarters to give an official statement. Why don’t I go with you in your car?” He’d just appointed himself her bodyguard, and Dan nodded in approval.

  “Thanks for the help, Nick. I think Rick is right about you guys moving out of here—maybe go on a little vacation,” Dan said as they walked out. “In the meantime we’ll beef up the police detail out front. I’ll put my special man on it.”

  “Let us know where you’re going,” David said.

  “I thought you were off the case?” Theresa said. She looked more concerned than confused.

  “Yes, officially speaking, but I seem to have a stake in it nevertheless.” He held onto Grace all the tighter.

  “Consider yourself back on the case—officially. I’ll talk to the mayor,” Rick said. “The sooner we find that bastard the better.” Rick stepped up to him and extended his hand.

  “Whatever you say, boss,” David smiled and shook Rick’s hand.

  “I’m so glad you’re here, David. I’m surprised. Did you take the red-eye from London? You must be exhausted,” Grace said. She realized that even though he was the most poised person in the room dealing with their crisis, he was probably also the most tired and drained after flying all night and dealing with his own personal crisis.

  “Yes. Lucky thing you’re driving. That’ll give me a chance to catch forty winks with at least one eye closed.” He gave her his cheeky half smile. Her heart melted even more, and the car slowed to a crawl as she forgot all about driving.

  “You poor man.”

  “Don�
��t you think you should watch the road and step on the gas lest this poor man ends up getting rear-ended by the car behind us that might be assuming we’re a moving vehicle?” He looked at her sideways out of one eye with not a hint of a grin on his face, but it was in his voice. She laughed and tried paying attention to her driving again, making the turn onto Cambridge Street where the police headquarters was right around the corner. She pulled into one of the spots out front reserved for police officers and furrowed her brow.

  “You’re shouldering all the burden on this case, figuring everything out, and then the mayor fires you? What was that all about?” She felt a spark of outrage on his behalf, and even though it was probably the last thing she should bring up when he wanted to rest, she couldn’t help it. She turned off the engine and turned to him. He looked at her and for a second he showed his emotions—his deep down emotions. There was sadness and a twinkle of something she hoped was adoration or longing. She was sure of it—there was something. Then he snapped back to the urbane wit that he usually was. She let all her longing and adoration for him show. She heard him take a sharp breath and hoped it was a small crack in his resolve to remain at emotional arm’s length.

  “Don’t worry; you heard Rick. I’m as good as back on the case and once I solve it, the exchange program with the BPD will be approved and I’ll be officially appointed its chief. So no more ‘poor old David,’” he said with a smile. When she thought he was going to dismiss her and get out of the car, he leaned back and put a hand to her face in a gentle caress of her cheek. She captured his hand there immediately and held it for more than a second.

  “Grace, I’m a lucky man to have you concerned for me. Sometimes I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.” He said the words in a light voice, but his eyes shone with emotion that went deep down to the bottom of his soul. She felt every word and every breath. It wasn’t pretense. It was who he was—a serious man who was so self-possessed that he could remain lighthearted and under control in the most serious and stressful situations.

  “I have a few ideas when you’re ready,” she said and winked. She would match his mood because she knew how he felt, and she wanted to be there with him.

  David walked Grace into the police station and couldn’t help the special feeling it gave him to hold the small of her back, claiming her and protecting her from all the interested glances from the front desk, down the hall and up the elevator to Dan’s office.

  Dan had an officer present to record Grace’s statement, and she didn’t leave a thing out. When they were finished, Grace and David stood, but then neither of them moved.

  He realized he needed to come up with an excuse to stay with her—for her safety—and exchanged a glance with Dan. They both knew she was in danger of being a new target, but David didn’t want to alarm her if he could help it. He’d have to come up with some other excuse to stick with her, and he’d have to try not to take advantage of her affections at the same time.

  “Shall we go to my townhouse and check on the progress?” he suggested, hoping she didn’t need to return to her office.

  “Oh no! I forgot all about the plumbers!”

  “Plumbers?”

  “Yes—we have to get over there right away. I’m so sorry. I left a message but I forgot to tell you that the plumbers would be working on your bathrooms and kitchen for a few days. Your townhouse won’t be livable until they’re done.” Grace looked into his eyes as if for a sign. He could think of no response, so he laughed.

  “So I’m homeless and, more importantly, showerless?”

  “Yes, I’m so sorry. You can use my shower of course…” She eyed him. “You’re taking this awfully well.”

  “Would you rather I rant and rave?” He raised a brow. “Let’s go and check on the plumbers and then I’ll take you up on that offer of your shower.” He reached out to put his arm around her back and his hand in its familiar spot and glanced over his shoulder to see Dan shaking his head and stifling a smirk.

  “I’ll talk to you later, David. Thank you for your help, Grace. Let me know if anything else comes up.” Dan called behind them.

  “I’ll see you again soon, I’m sure, chief.” Grace smiled.

  David observed that she was in a lighthearted mood and he had to make sure that he didn’t burst her bubble. He didn’t want her to know the level of danger she was in—from either him or the smugglers.

  They were about to leave when David’s cell phone buzzed. He wanted to, but he knew he couldn’t ignore it. Both Dan and Grace watched him with interest as he answered the call.

  “Hello, Oscar—news?” he said. Now Grace was wide-eyed with interest, and Dan rose from his seat to come closer.

  “I have a location for the soccer player. I suggest you check him out as soon as possible—unofficially. He’s staying in Chelsea at the City Line Motel. The word is he’s looking for the artifacts and in a frenzy because they’re missing.” Oscar’s voice sounded tight.

  “You’re right. He paid a visit to Rick Racer’s loft, so he knows who had the vase last. He didn’t get in, so he may be back,” David said. Then he picked his words carefully because Grace hung on them. “Grace helped us by identifying him. Apparently she’s met him before.” David turned so Grace wouldn’t hear Oscar’s response.

  “Shit! That’s not good, David. You keep her under wraps and I’ll have someone follow the mark. If he makes a move toward her, I’ll let you know. But he’s in deep with an organization and I’m not sure who they are. Be careful.”

  “Done. I’m in transit now.” He shut his phone and slipped it back in his pocket. He turned to Grace and smiled.

  “You got an address?” Dan asked. He folded his arms across his chest.

  “Yes.” David told him. “But there’s not much you can do with it unless he’s at home, so I thought I’d check it out first and let you know.” David eyed his friend. Dan paused and considered the proposition.

  “Good idea. By the way, Rick already spoke with the mayor. You’ve been given a reprieve, but he made it clear the future of the program is entirely resting on this case.”

  “So what does this all mean?” Grace looked from one man to the other. David caressed her back to reassure her with his award-winning smile in place.

  “For you, it means nothing. But thanks to your positive identification, as soon as we find the man Dan can bring him in and charge him, and hold him for a long time to question him.”

  “Is the case wrapped up then?” She looked excited.

  “No,” he and Dan spoke at the same time.

  “Oh.” She deflated.

  “We’ll need more evidence to attach him to the murder.” He didn’t mention the rest of the smuggling organization that they needed to find and deal with. “Did the crime scene guys get anything?” David asked Dan. Dan shook his head.

  “I didn’t think they would. Everything points to a professional operation. Oscar is right that Arturo is…not alone.” He had to choose his words carefully. “Probably hired someone to kill Lester,” David said, and Dan grunted in understanding.

  “Oh,” Grace said with knitted brows. “Then how are we going to catch them?”

  David caught an alarmed look on Dan’s face and gently turned Grace to finally go out the door. With a kind voice he told her.

  “You aren’t going to catch anyone. Your help has been invaluable, but now it’s up to the police.”

  They stepped into the hall and he punched the down button for the elevator.

  “And you. You’re still in charge of the case,” she said, but she didn’t sound too happy.

  “Yes, I am. I suppose I should count Oscar as my consultant—maybe I’ll pay him a fee for his services,” he said and stepped into the elevator with Grace, still holding her proprietarily with his hand on her lower back. He intended to keep his hand there for the duration. He vowed never to be farther than arm’s length from her until this mad soccer player was caught. He smiled into her upturned face with the lovel
y almost pout on her lips. He supposed he should be concerned about why she might be pouting, but he was too bemused by the picture she made to care—for the moment.

  “If you’re still on the case, then I am,” she said and folded her arms. “And maybe you should put me on the payroll as a consultant too—after all, I found Lester Lump and Dr. Doris for you, didn’t I?”

  “And all this time I thought you were helping for the pure enjoyment of it,” he said. She bopped his arm.

  “I was—I am. I don’t really want to get paid. I just want to be appreciated. After all, you have to admit, I’ve contributed to the case. Haven’t I?”

  He had no chance to do more than nod in agreement before she continued.

  “I don’t want to be shut out now,” she said. The elevator doors opened and he guided her out, back to the street and to her parked car, which, he was astounded to see, did not have a parking ticket on it.

  “Home, James,” he told her as he opened her door for her to get in, all the while his eyes sweeping the area for anything or anyone out of place. He quickly got in his side.

  “Well?” she whispered the word and didn’t bother starting the car. He realized he would not be able to gloss over the danger. She was too smart.

  “You can’t be involved with the case any longer. You’re not a trained professional, and it’s gotten very serious and dangerous.” He kept his voice firm without any gentling of the nasty truth. His smile was automatic.

  She didn’t speak for a moment, but her face spoke volumes. He was not surprised to see not an inkling of fear. She was concerned and adoring and serious.

  “I repeat, if you’re in danger, then I’m with you,” she said in the same soft whisper as before with no hint of flirtation or fluff.

  “That’s actually my line, sweetheart. You are in danger. So I’ll be sticking with you—literally. You may consider me your bodyguard.” He reached over and turned the key in the ignition for her, winked and put his seatbelt on.