Page 18 of No Artful Refusal
“Probably not.”
She accepted that with as much grace as possible.It was clear he’d leave out her name if he could.But he wouldn’t lie and put the investigation in jeopardy.
“Devyn?”Janice aimed a pleading look at Devyn.“You don’t have to press charges.”
“Not up to her,” Cade said, reaching for the door.“Charges are up to the state’s attorney and the victims.In this case, that’s the college museum as well as the rightful owner of this painting.”
Janice’s shoulders sagged and she seemed to shrink in on herself, fear filling her eyes.Devyn felt sorry for her, but there was nothing she could do.
Cade ushered Janice into the hallway and Devyn started to follow, but Hoffman asked her to wait.“It’s all set, Devyn.We’ll log the Sorensen into evidence, but it will be held at the museum under proper care to protect the painting.”
“Proper care and additional security?”Devyn asked.
“Yes, for sure.”Hoffman smiled.
“Thank you.”On impulse, Devyn hugged the slender detective.
“You’re welcome.”Hoffman stepped back and planted her hands on her hips.“It was easy really.Just had to remind the powers that be what it was worth and the claim the Sorenson heirs could file if we screwed up.”
“Is that all?”
Hoffman preened.“We’re here to serve and protect, right?”
Devyn smiled.“Marlene will be thrilled.You should probably expect a gift basket.”
“I’ll look for it,” Hoffman said.“Of course, if she wants to share winning lottery numbers, that’s fine too.”
Devyn laughed.“You looked her up?”
Hoffman shrugged.
“I’ll let her know she has options,” Devyn promised.
Once the painting was returned to the museum, she and Marlene would celebrate the recovery.Tomorrow, Devyn could get home and back to the work she enjoyed most: the day-to-day connection with her counseling clients.
“Think you’ll open up a new service?”Hoffman queried.
“Searching for lost art?Not a chance.”Devyn marveled at how easy it was to discuss her talents with a person who believed.Talk about a precious gift.“For me, I see people far more clearly than objects.”In fact, she was sure her success here was more about tracing Marlene’s emotional connections than Devyn’s specific skillset.“And the occasional search and rescue for people is more than enough adrenaline for me.”
“Fair enough,” Hoffman said.“But if there’s more trouble in Chicago, you can always reach out to me.You’ve got a friend in the CPD.”
“Not Cade?”That shouldnotbe disappointing.
“Oh, him too.”Hoffman flashed a grin.“Just don’t bother being subtle next time.”
“Noted.Thank you.”
A lightness flowed over Devyn.Friendship, she realized.It didn’t happen often, due to an abundance of caution.Still, new and fresh, making a friend was a wonderful balm to the soul.
***