Page 92 of The Prize

“I’m fine, thank you. And you?” I braved to look at Adley.

“We’ve been better,” she answered. “Jet-lagged but we’ll survive.”

“Zara.” Tobias gestured where he wanted me to sit and this move was his way of controlling the narrative.

Our small talk was polite and the mood not unpleasant. It would have been easy to forget we weren’t close colleagues enjoying this fine hospitality. Tobias ordered a bottle of P2 champagne and within minutes we were holding tall flutes of bubbly as though I’d not failed my company on the grandest level.

Tobias lifted his glass in a toast. “To old friends.”

Adley looked uninspired. “Well, I’m here. Ready for answers.”

Tobias conceded with a nod. “I owe you an apology, Adley.”

His gaze drifted to mine and then returned to Tobias. “To say the least.”

“I respect that my actions have been unconscionable,” added Tobias. “First, I wish to point out Ms. Leighton’s behavior has been consistently professional.”

Adley’s expression became marred with confusion as he tried to process this. Abby’s laser focus zeroed in on me. My heart missed a beat because we’d not discussed any of this.

Tobias drew out the tension by taking a few sips of champagne. “This is good.” He looked at me. “Can I get you anything else?”

I shook my head, trying to work out what he was doing.

Tobias continued with a nod. “I’m showcasing the work of a man who has been hailed as the next Rembrandt.”

Adley didn’t flinch. “Where did you discover him?”

“A monastery here in New York,” Tobias replied. “Brother Bay is a monk and his art is extraordinary.”

“Why did you need Zara for this?” Abby asked brashly.

Tobias’s hand rested firmly on mine. “Sfumatois a dying art. Not many artists have the talent or the patience for it. Zara accompanied me to meet with the artist and validated he was indeed creating these masterpieces.”

Adley’s stare found mine. “Is this true, Zara? Why not let us know?”

“The last time Ms. Reynolds interacted with Ms. Leighton she accused her of having a connection to Icon.” Tobias held Abby’s gaze. “I felt responsible for her reputation. I wanted to clear her name.” He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “My reputation is important to me too, as you can imagine.”

“This was all to protect her?” asked Adley.

“Completely.” Tobias’s tone was infused with kindness. “Zara works by the book. You have a stellar employee, Adley. Don’t let her go.”

Abby slid her glass aside having not taken a sip. “Can we discuss the evidence of her being at the Burells’ home in Arizona?”

“She’s good isn’t she?” Tobias faced Abby. “What occurred the day after her appearance in Phoenix? I believe the discovery ofThe Storm on the Sea of Galilee, a Rembrandt that remains hanging in Burell’s Arizona estate—unless he’s moved it, despite it being proven to be a stolen piece. Zara led the FBI to a gold bullion collection worth a fortune with a shady history. Garnered from warmongering.”

“That painting was never authenticated,” replied Abby. “And the investigation into the gold is ongoing.”

“Because Burell shut you out.” Tobias tilted his head. “He’s locked down, Abby. There’s not going to be a continuation of that investigation. Burell won. Bravo for being part of that disaster.”

“Tobias,” I chastised him.

“How did you find out the painting was even at Burell’s home in Arizona?” Abby’s gaze narrowed on me.

“Tip-off.” Tobias gave a tight smile. “I’m glad we’ve gotten this all behind us.”

“This has been a serious breach in our protocol.” Adley caressed his jaw. “The FBI is ready to speak with you.”

“I know,” said Tobias. “My next meeting is with them.”