“Oh, well, I . . .”

“She’s got a meeting she has to go to. Isn’t that right, Mrs Jordan?” Stu cut in.

I nodded. “Yes, that’s right. Actually, I’m late. I’d better hurry.”

“Of course. I won’t keep you then. It was a pleasure to see you again, Rebecca,” said Renfield.

“You, too,” I smiled.

“I’ll walk you out,” said Stu just as Renfield turned and went back inside his house. My heart pounded all the way to the gate. Stu placed his hand to the small of my back and his touch eased some of my nerves. Once we were out of view I quickly pulled off the wig and shoved it back in my handbag before Lee saw us. Both he and Karla got out of the car when we approached.

“So you’re following me now?” said Stu.

“You lost your rag with me this morning for no reason. What was I supposed to do?”

“Well, don’t stalk me for a start.”

Lee let out a gruff breath and ran a hand through his hair. “Look, I know it was wrong of me, but I’ve been worried. You know I have. And then you turn up at a place like this. What did you expect me to think? How was I to know Andie had some rich uncle? You have to admit, it’s looks suspicious.”

I saw Stu swallow, and I knew he felt guilty. He clearly didn’t want to lie to Lee, but he had to. It was the only way to keep his family safe. I didn’t know what I expected him to say, but he surprised me when he suddenly blurted. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve been acting like a moody bastard and you don’t deserve it. It’s taken me a while to get my head on straight after being inside, but I promise you things will be different from now on.”

Lee frowned, but I could tell it was more because he was feeling emotional and didn’t know how to deal with it, especially since he had an audience. Karla and I made eye contact and I thought we were both feeling the same way, like maybe we should give the brothers some privacy. At the same time, I was aware that we couldn’t stand out here for much longer without causing suspicion.

Without a word, Lee stepped forward and pulled Stu into a hug. “No need to be sorry, bruv. I love you.” He drew back, and I felt a little like I might well up. In spite of the urgency of the situation, that had been a heart-warming moment.

“I’ll always have your back, Stu.”

Stu gave his brother a serious look. “And I’ll always have yours.”

With that they hugged it out once more time before Lee and Karla got back in their car and drove off. I stood on the sidewalk with Stu, who had gone very still and very silent.

Taking his hand in mine, I asked, “Are you all right?”

“I don’t like lying to him.”

“I know, but after today you’ll never have to again.”

He exhaled heavily, his gaze tender when it met mine. “Yeah, you’re right. I suppose I better finish this fucking job then, eh?”

I squeezed his hand and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

“Finish the job, and then come home to me,” I whispered.

I was in my car, buckling myself in when I realised how important it was that he do just that. I needed him to come home . . . to me. I wasn’t sure what I’d do if anything happened to him and the thought was sobering.

Twenty-Two

The next few hours were some of the most nerve-wracking of my life. Stu was out of contact as he took care of switching the paintings and then passing the rest of the cargo on to his man at the port. After explaining to Alfie everything that went down over at Renfield’s, I drank copious amounts of coffee and chewed off half my fingernails. I practically leapt up from my seat when at long last there was a knock on the door.

Stu stood on the step and I’d never felt so relieved to see him all in one piece. He was handsome as ever, though he did appear a small bit out of breath. In his hand he held a thin leather case, which I presumed contained the painting.

“Is that . . . did you . . . was everything . . .?” I rambled, my nerves getting the best of me.

“Relax, Andrea, it’s done. Everything went off without a hitch,” Stu reassured. “Well, after my brother decided to show and almost mess up everything, that is.”

I exhaled and motioned for him to come in. Stu stepped past me and inside the flat. I closed the door. Alfie stood and clasped his hands together, his posture practically humming with anticipation.

“I can’t express how grateful I am that you’re allowing me this opportunity, Stu. You don’t know how much it means to me.”

Stu stepped forward and handed him the case, his expression kind as he approached my cousin. “Just be gentle with the old girl. She’s not as young as she used to me.”

Alfie didn’t even register the joke, too preoccupied with the precious cargo. He didn’t need to be told to be careful. He took the case with barely concealed reverence, his palms outspread and facing upward as though he were holding a holy relic. He cleared his throat. “I hope I’m not pushing my luck, but do you mind if I view it alone? I’m afraid I might embarrass myself and tear up in front of both of you.”

Stu and I exchanged a glance. I knew Alfie wasn’t trying to do anything shifty; he was simply an art lover and this was a special experience for him. Luckily, Stu got it because he smiled and replied, “Sure, mate, take it inside your room and do your thing, but I need to leave in ten minutes to meet with the Duke and make the exchange.”

Alfie nodded his understanding and quickly slipped down the hall to his room. I glanced at Stu. “You’re meeting with the Duke? I thought he was still in prison.”

“He got out a few days ago.”

“Oh. Well, are you sure it’s safe?”

“I can take care of myself, Andrea,” he answered, evading the question. I started to worry.

“You should let me come with you, just in case. He won’t be able to try anything if I’m there.”

Stu cocked an eyebrow. “What do you think he’s gonna do? Kidnap me? All he cares about is the painting. So long as I hand it over I’m good as gold.”

“But he still owes you money after he sells it. What if he decides he’d rather get rid of you than hand over the cash? Stu, I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you,” I said, my voice shaky with emotion.