Page 102 of Family Affair

“They are,” she confirmed in a clipped voice.

“A little different from the offerings I’ve seen at La Vedova.”

So he went…

“You looked at my paintings at La Vedova?”

“I saw three. Spent some time perusing. Very pretty, but I’m afraid not eccentric enough for the chi-chi gallery.”

“I’ll take it as a compliment.” Coco still felt stung by Rosa’sarrivederci.

Ross’s hooded eyes were sharp. “There was no sign of the Pollock drawing.”

She nearly choked on her tea. “What? It can’t be. I had seen it there twice, displayed in the same spot. Did someone buy it?”

“I came in as a customer, spent some time talking to a young lady that works there. She was very nice, extremely forthcoming with the information.”

Coco could just imagine. These looks. The deep honeyed voice. The potent male charm he could turn on at will. Poor Leisha stood no chance.

“And?”

“She vaguely remembered a drawing shown in one of their rooms. With little monsters on it.”

“And?”

“It was recently taken off and replaced by a very ugly, very green abstract cube.”

“I don’t care what it’s replaced with! Where’s the drawing now?”

“She didn’t know.”

Coco slumped in her chair. “Did the police get to it?”

“I doubt it. She would have rememberedthat. They aren’t low-key with search warrants.”

Sharp disappointment swamped Coco. For real, the drawing was cursed. It was still out there, elusive and laden with history, forever a link between the murders and the Sheffields, Cade and Frank. It was gone now, waiting to reappear again, to strike a new blow. Until it was destroyed, Cade wouldn’t have peace and Frank wouldn't get closure. She would have lied to Willis in vain.

Coco shook off her strange premonition.

“I’m sure Cade would be disappointed,” she said to Ross.

“You told Cade?”

“I did, yes.”

Ross’s gaze was intent. “Which tells me you’ve seen him.”

“I have.”

“Huh.”

“What does that mean?”

“How well do you know Cade?”

His question didn’t sit well with Coco because she didn’t like the only answer she could offer. “Not very well.”

He nodded a thought-so. “Let me tell you a little about him.” Ross took a sip of his tea and swallowed, the simple movement sensual in his execution. Putting the cup back on the table he didn’t let go but twirled it around and around slowly, as if deep in the past.