Page 55 of Risky Obsession

“Yes . . . interesting.” Gunter’s eyes lingered on a spot on the map and his lips parted like he was about to say something.

My heart pounded in my chest.He recognizes something.

His pale blue eyes met mine. “You say you got this map from your great-grandfather? What was his name?”

I shot my gaze to Kane, hoping he’d answer.

“Yes. Our pops. Why?” Kane smiled. “Is there a problem?”

“Nein, nein, no problem,” he stammered, stepping back from the counter. “It’s just that this map . . . is very old. And some of these places and symbols . . .”

His voice trailed off, and he looked toward the front door as if searching for an exit.

“Is there anything that looks familiar?” I asked, trying to simmer the excitement coursing through me.

“I am sorry.” Gunter shook his head fast.

He’s lying.

Gunter straightened his shoulders and clenched his jaw like he was desperate not to utter another word.

“Oh, that’s a shame,” I said. “We’re only here for a few days. It would be very helpful if you could just?—”

“I’m sorry. I wish I could be more help.”

“What about the buildings on the map? Like this one.” Kane pointed at one of the dozens of churches drawn in great detail.

Gunter looked at his watch. “I am sorry. But I?—”

“It’s okay.” Kane folded up the map. “You have been very helpful. We will buy that map at the back please.”

“Oh yes. Good.” Gunter scurried out from behind the counter and dashed away like his ass was on fire.

I glared at Kane.

He motioned for me to keep calm then he marched in the direction Gunter had gone. I turned my attention to the abundance of paperwork on the desk behind the counter. A corkboard on the wall was covered in business cards, posters, and receipts. None of it was written in English.

Gunter returned from the back of the shop with Kane behind him, carrying the framed map. The map seemed much smaller in Kane’s arms.

“How much is it?” I asked, swiveling my bag around to the front to find Aria’s credit card.

“We can pay cash,” Kane said, giving me a tinyhead shake.

His suggestion to use cash confirmed he was as suspect of Gunter as I was.

Gunter slipped around the counter and hoisted up his trousers. “Yes. Cash is good. It is six hundred euro.” He seemed embarrassed by the price.

Kane placed the map down on the floor and leaned the back of it against the counter. “That is very high.”

Gunter dragged his fingers over his mustache. “The map is a work of art. And as I said, it is very rare to have such a map of this region.”

“How about four hundred, cash?” Kane said.

“I do not need to sell you the map. Another buyer will come.” Gunter gave a slight grin, then busied himself, returning the items he’d removed from the back table to the glass counter.

Kane fetched six hundred euro from his wallet and slid the notes across the counter. “Thank you for your time.”

Gunter slipped the money into his pocket and nodded. “Good luck on your search.”