Art and Murder Read Free Page A

that many stolen cars from Europe or North America end up in Arab countries,” Roche said. “Is that true?”
    â€œMy best clients happen to be Arab,” Kerin replied.
    â€œThose are countries where we would like to expand. Are you willing to help?”
    Kerin hesitated, pretending to consider the offer.
    â€œI can assure you that you will be well paid,” Roche said.
    â€œWell paid?”
    â€œContingent upon your meeting with the Ringmaster for final approval.”
    â€œI see.”
    â€œAre you interested?” Roche prodded him.
    â€œYes, it sounds like it could be beneficial.”
    Kerin was told that he would only meet the Ringmaster face to face once. After that, all communication would be made through Roche. Subsequent arrangements were made for Roche to meet Kerin today at a café, where he’d introduce the Ringmaster.
    It was deemed unlikely that the Ringmaster would say anything to Kerin about the murders during the meeting, but identifying the Ringmaster would be a big step forward in the investigation. Once that was done, physical and electronic surveillance could be utilized, along with whatever other police investigative means were needed.
    * * *
    Kerin was pleased when he saw Roche parking his black Peugeot in front of the café, and a moment later greeted him when he walked inside. Roche declined to sit down and told Kerin that they would walk to another location to meet the Ringmaster.
    A half-hour stroll later, they came to a park. During the stroll, Kerin had caught the occasional glimpse of his long-time partner, Maurice Leblanc, who followed on the sidewalk across the street.
    Maurice was a tall, slender man with a black Fu Manchu moustache that grew to the bottom of his jaw. Kerin grinned to himself when he imagined that moustache twitching as it always did when Maurice was worried. It’s okay, Maurice, the meeting is still on.
    Kerin caught the odd glimpse of other colleagues. They had divided up their eight-person surveillance team, leaving drivers in four cars while the others followed on foot. Two of the team members who’d been in the café switched back to their cars.
    Once at the park, Roche received a call. After hanging up, he said, “The Ringmaster is coming, but is nervous about meeting you. I need you to answer a question.”
    Kerin frowned. “What?”
    â€œWe can walk around the park as we talk,” Roche suggested.
    Kerin fell in step with Roche. and waited for him to speak. Finally, Roche asked, “Where do you come up with your stolen property?”
    Kerin stopped and faced Roche. “Jesus! You’re asking me about that again? I told you about one of the heists in advance!” In reality, the heist was not genuine but a ruse to gain Roche’s trust. A co-operative jeweller had agreed to say he was robbed and the police had released a fake news release.
    Roche gave a sympathetic smile. “Do not be angry with me, my friend. I trust you completely — otherwise you would not be here. That was simply a question I was told to put to you. The Ringmaster will be along shortly. Please be patient.”
    Kerin nodded, unaware that the Ringmaster was already watching with binoculars. Every look and gesture Kerin made was being closely scrutinized.

Chapter Three
    In the hotel room in Vancouver, Brandy sat up after Klaus had flung her onto the bed. She did her best to smile at Liam. “You know, seeing as it is your stag, maybe I could help you fulfill your fantasy of having three girls at once.”
    Liam looked up from a Scotch he was pouring. “Really?”
    â€œI know two other girls. They’re really pretty … classy-looking. What d’you say I give them a call and get this party really rocking?”
    Liam looked at Klaus and Clive. “That’s a great idea!”
    Klaus was skeptical. “Why are you offering to do this?” he asked. “What is it you really