Chapter 54

They repaired to the office, where Dana bargained like a pro, dickering with Saville until the total check was just under a quarter million - less than Beau had expected. She smiled sweetly as she twisted the man's balls into knots - figuratively of course, much to Beau's regret - then quickly and succinctly arranged for shipping.
"Lovely doing business with you again, Dana." Saville walked them to the door. "I'll get with my associate and get back with you about the jewelry."
"Thanks, John." She pressed a kiss to the other man's cheek, then allowed Beau to hold the door for her as they left the building.
Neither of them spoke until they'd turned the corner.
"No way we can break into that building," Beau said. "The only vulnerability might - might - be the roof. Looked like there was some kind of garden up on the top floor."
"Well, the fact that both of us can fly might be an advantage," Dana murmured. "But I still don't think they'd have the good stuff in the same building, would they?"
Beau shrugged. "Possibly. Why have two fortresses when you can concentrate all your effort and money into defending one?"
"Shit."
By mutual decision, they caught a bus back to Dana's neighborhood, sitting up on the top level and taking in the sights like the tourists Beau wished they were. It was a sunny July day and he was in one of the most exciting cities in the world with a beautiful vibrant woman. Beau just wished that dealing with Saville hadn't sucked all the joy out of the afternoon.
"So, is everyone in your clan filthy rich?" Dana's teasing voice was close to his ear. "Or just you?"
He shrugged. "Most of us. Lots of well managed investments over the years. And Marc has done an incredible job managing things for us. The man is a true magician when it comes to finance."
"The four of you are very close, aren't you?" She asked. "Almost like brothers."
Beau nodded. "Very much so. In a community that on average has only seen one child born every year or two, friends are few and far between. But all four of us were born the same year, so we went through everything together. When Remy's parents were killed in a plane crash, he even came to live with my family."
"That's nice," she said. Their linked hands rested on the rail of the bus as they looked out over London. "Family is important - especially the one we make along the way."
Her cell phone chirped a tinny song and Dana let go of his hand. "John? What's up?"
Beau studied her face as she responded to whatever Saville had to say with a few grunts and muttered agreements. Finally she said. "Okay. We'll be there at nine. See you then."
She hung up and turned to Beau drawing in a deep breath. "We're in. There's a party at the penthouse above the showroom tonight. John's boss will be happy to show us some items from his 'private collection'." She made a face. "Don't suppose you packed a tux, did you?"
Beau laughed and touched her cheek. "Of course I did. I hate rentals."
"You are a piece of work, Dumont. What the hell am I supposed to do with you?"
Beau checked his watch. "Well, we have several hours before the party. I'm sure you can think of something."
They managed to just be dressed in time to leave.
Beau in a dinner jacket was every bit as breathtaking as Dana remembered from the wedding. She glanced up at his face as they were greeted by John at the door of the showroom. Beau winked at her before shaking John's proffered hand.
"Good, glad you could make it," John said. "Come on up so I can introduce you to my associate."
Boss, she mouthed at Beau behind John's back as they followed him. Off the reception area for the showroom was a marble-lined lobby, with four doors and a glass elevator. Making a quick note of the other businesses represented - a decorating firm, a financial analyst and an insurance broker - Dana wondered if they were all part of the scam, or if some of them were legit.
"Feel free to walk around and examine any of the exhibit cases," John was saying as they waited for the elevator. "Mr. Sterling is generally willing to part with any of his treasures - for the correct price, of course. And you'll certainly enjoy meeting the other guests. Dignitaries from all over the world enjoy his little get-togethers.
"Thanks, John. I'll let you know if Mr. Dumont sees anything that catches his eye. You mentioned once that Mr. Sterling has an impressive collection of items with occult or mystical significance?" Dana had her impassive buyer persona firmly in place. Magic was what they were after, of course but as John evidenced no power himself, she wasn't sure he knew that some of the artifacts might have genuine supernatural properties. She was pretty sure somebody in the organization did but until they knew who, it was better to stay New Agey and not to mention magic openly.
She felt the comforting glow of the topaz pendant where it lay against her skin, just above the cleavage displayed by her simple black evening gown. She'd checked and it was a protection spell, which was part of the reason she'd worn it. She'd figured tonight they could use all the help they could get. She'd also taken the precaution of calling Bram's Interpol friend, Derek. Knowing the werewolf would be watching their backs tonight, ready to swoop in and raid the place, added another layer of security. Nonetheless, her heart was racing as they stepped off the elevator into a plush lobby, decorated in understated whites and golds. The effect was simple but a perfect foil for the priceless paintings and sculptures that decorated the space.