Read Online Once a Thief by Kay Hooper - Free Book Online Page A

remind me. Just as I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that this situation is getting more complicated with every day that passes. Security systems are being overhauled right and left, thanks to that gang walking off with everything they can carry. Even if I can get you the schematics, I can’t guarantee they’ll be up-to-date.”
    “Let me worry about that.”
    “You? Worry? Show me that face the next time you’re wearing it, will you? Because I’ve never seen it.”
    Quinn chuckled. “Oh, I have a few concerns, believe me. That gang, for one. If their activities aren’t stopped, and soon, armed guards are going to be standing elbow to elbow around anything of value in this city.”
    “And not even you could break through that line.”
    “Well, let’s say I’d rather not have to try.” Quinn barely paused. “I’m going to check out a few likely targets and then head back toward the museum. If you get your hands on those schematics, let me know. Sooner is better than later.”
    “Right.”
    Quinn ended the call and for a few moments considered his options. Then he shrugged and started the car. If he had learned anything, it was that sometimes the universe had its own plan in mind, and a smart man learned how to go with the flow.
    Quinn was a smart man.
     
    Morgan was familiar with the exquisite paintings and other pieces in Leo’s impressive collection, but that didn’t stop her from wandering through his beautiful house in order to look at them again. She had noted without comment the presence of several unobtrusive plainclothes guards dressed as formally as the guests as they kept an eye on the valuables, and she took it for granted that display cases and paintings were protected by an invisible, but no doubt extensive, security system.
    That was a given.
    She wound up, finally, back in the big front room where Leo tended to hold court during his parties. He was a very handsome and charming man in his late forties, popular with both men and women alike.
    “Where’s Wolfe, Morgan?” Leo asked.
    “He abandoned me for a blonde,” Morgan replied without rancor, and then giggled. “He seems to be irresistibly drawn to them. I suppose I should have reminded him that the one he’s dancing with now is a shark with a full set of teeth, but he’s a big boy. I decided to let him fend for himself.”
    Leo smiled at her. “Are you talking about our Nyssa?”
    “The very same,” she replied promptly. “Not only does she have a habit of snaring my dates without mercy, but she’s tried twice tonight to get my promise that she’ll be allowed to see
Mysteries Past
even before the private showing to open the exhibit.”
    Leo lifted a brow. “I should have thought she’d ask Max,” he commented.
    Morgan grinned. “She’s tried everything but blackmail on Max for months and finally admitted defeat. She told me so. So now it’s my turn. Lots of sweet smiles and honeyed words.” Shaking her head, Morgan added, “She also asked if Max would consider selling any piece of the collection. I thought everyone knew that answer.”
    “She knows,” Leo responded. “She just doesn’t give up easily.”
    “Rabid collectors don’t,” Morgan agreed with a sigh. “Still, I hope she’ll stop wasting her time on me. I have enough to worry about without her pestering me.”
    “Maybe she’ll start pestering Wolfe,” Leo said with a grin.
    Morgan looked through the wide doorway into the ballroom and chuckled as she watched Wolfe dancing with the tall and stunning blonde. “Maybe she will.”
    Leo murmured, “And as far as men are concerned, she’s also extremely talented in the various arts of . . . persuasion.”
    “Do you know that firsthand?” Morgan asked with a lurking smile.
    In a meditative tone, Leo said, “I turned down an offer of thirty thousand for my Greek chalice.” He smiled, said, “Excuse me,” and strolled away.
    Morgan couldn’t help but laugh as she watched her host move away.