Page 133 of The Prize

My thoughts flashed back to the portrait Tobias had created and then unwittingly destroyed by Jade and it felt right to have witnessed it and seen for myself it was done. This authentic painting felt like a rush of fresh air, and I soaked in this moment as my gaze wandered over her knowing eyes and wistful smile.

“Is she real?” asked Agent Pearson.

“We believe so. We’re hoping Adley can confirm this?” Tobias grinned at him. “Maybe you can track down her provenance and find out who owns her.”

“We’d be honored,” said Adley, standing to make his way over to the portrait. “Well, I’ll be.”

“Where did you find her?” asked Abby.

“We came upon her during a hunt for another painting,” I told her.

“This will make history,” whispered Agent Pearson.

Adley gave me a reassuring smile. “Come back to work, Zara. Start back as soon as possible.”

I did my best to ignore Tobias’s stare that fixed on me.

“Thank you, Adley, that means the world to me,” I said. “I’ll give your offer serious consideration.”

“Make sure you guys get to see the Terra-Cotta Army exhibit,” Tobias offered. “Before you fly back.”

“We’ve already had the pleasure of seeing it,” Adley told him. “Quite something. Very impressive achievement getting it here.”

“I have an amazing team.” Tobias winked my way.

“I’m glad everything is resolved.” Adley’s frown softened. “Things were a little touchy there for a while.”

Tobias faced theMona Lisa.“A greater purpose was hailing us and we responded to the call. She’s one of history’s greatest finds.”

“And the dealer who had her?” asked Abby, throwing me a wary glance. “He’s just willing to give her up for the sake of letting her go to her true owner?”

“He came around,” said Tobias.

And with this painting having been obtained illegally by Elliot Burell, he’d have no recourse to complain. I prayed the person he’d stolen it from was still alive and could experience being reunited with such a treasure. We hoped whoever once owned her or inherited her would shareMona Lisawith the world.

With the meeting wrapping up I held back to watch Abby secure the painting into the specialized carrier provided for them.

She handled it carefully. “We’ll accept Mr. Wilder’s offer of a security escort to accompany us to London. He’s also offered for us to fly on his jet.”

“I’m glad.” I helped her seal the carrier.

She threw me a glance. “So many unscrupulous thieves out there ready to run off with a masterpiece.”

“It’s over. I promise.”

She gave me a knowing look. “Has Icon really given up his heroic deeds?”

“According to his lawyer, yes.”

“I’m pretty good at sussing people up, Zara. You surprise me.”

“Really? How?”

“I thought you were a wallflower when I first met you. Assertive, yes, but not someone who would face off with the likes of Elliot Burell.”

“Life presents challenges and we can either step up and face them or face the consequences.”

She leaned in and whispered, “‘If the meaning to life had a taste you would be it.’”