Page 18 of Smoke Screen
She pointed to a wall mural of Thompson’s swearing-in. In the background, the Capitol Building loomed large. “This area obviously represented the swearing-in. The female mannequin is wearing the First Lady’s dress. Reinforced glass protected everything in the displays. The FBI thinks they smashed it with an ax. This mannequin wore a diamond bracelet and a pink diamond brooch from the queen’s collection. Both stolen.”
She ran her high-heeled shoe over scattered pieces of glass, pushing them into a pile. “So many people put work into this exhibit. The loss is devastating.”
Maddy moved to her right, where another wall mural showed the National Statuary Hall, a chamber within the Capitol building containing sculptures of prominent Americans. Inaugural luncheons took place in the chamber.
While interning for the lobbying firm where he’d met Kayla, Phin had had the privilege of touring the Capitol building, something the then-hopeful politician in him had been energized by. He’d wandered through the building, imagining himself taking meetings, running to a vote, rising in the ranks of Congress, and making positive contributions to his country.
That was idealist-Phin.
Another time.
An old dream.
Maddy pointed to a round banquet table, the top set with formal china. A wineglass and water glass lay on their sides, unbroken. In the middle sat a display case, its glass top shattered.
“We set the table to replicate the inaugural luncheon. The First Lady wore a Pierre brooch that was in that destroyed case.”
Maddy continued on, walking them through the abused exhibit, pointing out where the other boosted items had been.
“Seconds.” She sighed. “That was all it took for them to break in and steal priceless historical treasures.”
Phin turned, took in the room again, and faced Maddy. “Can we get photos and video from before the break-in?”
“Of course. Do you have any initial thoughts?”
Zeke looked at Rohan, the two of them exchanging some kind of voodoo magic that meant they were reading each other’s minds.
“I’d have to see the video,” Rohan said, “but there’s no way this wasn’t highly organized. They made it look impromptu with the broken window and lack of finesse, but these guys were pros. They knew they’d only have a minute, maybe two.”
Cruz gestured to the room at large. “They knew what they were looking for.”
“You’re saying they’d been here before?”
“I’d bet on it,” Zeke said. “A heist this big? Takes planning. You probably have video of them walking through.”
“My gosh,” she said. “Everything is saved. It’s all digital. We have every day since the Center opened.”
Phin nodded. “Then we have work to do.”
“Does that mean you’re taking the job?”
Zeke met Phin’s gaze, then moved on to Cruz and Rohan, all of them offering a barely perceptible nod.
“Oh,” Zeke said, “we’re taking the job.”
4
Maddy pushedthrough the executive suite doors with heartthrob Phin trailing behind. The rest of the BARS team had gone back to the office, leaving Phin to collect whatever data they’d need to start their recovery attempt.
Aileen peered up, her single-woman radar locking on the insanely handsome man entering her orbit. Phin Blackwell had that way about him. His long, easy strides and chin-high posture created an oxygen-consuming confidence that announced his presence before he’d even said hello. The broad shoulders and sparkling blue eyes didn’t hurt.
“Aileen,” Maddy said, “this is Phin Blackwell. Phin, meet Aileen. She keeps this place running, so if you ever need anything, she’s the one to call.”
Hellos were exchanged, and Aileen did her best to tear her attention from Phin while handing Maddy a note.
“Maintenance called. They fixed the burned-out light bulb you found on your walk-through yesterday.”
Maddy took the note, held it up. “Excellent. Thank you.”
