Free Drawn in Blood by Andrea Kane

I’ve been putting him off. I think I should stop, and let him move into the cottage with me.”
    Her father did a double take. “Why? If some organized crime group is after me, why would you choose now to move out of the city? I’m having a hard enough time containing your mother and convincing her she’s in danger. Even after I told her the whole story, she stil thinks she’s invincible.”
    “I have the best security team there is watching both of you. And I’m moving back to New Jersey, not California. I’l drop by constantly.” Sloane gave a firm nod. “I’ve been away from home way too much. And it’s the right time for Derek and me to go forward with our plans.”
    Matthew’s eyes narrowed. “What’s real y going on here? First, that whole gung ho reaction to having Leo and Wal ace redecorate the cottage. Now, this uncharacteristic urgency to get Derek moved in, when you’ve been waffling about that decision for a month. You’re in no hurry to forfeit your independence, so don’t tel me you’re suddenly desperate to play house. Especial y under these circumstances. So why now? How is leaving the city going to help? You’l be an hour plus away from us.”
    “And in close proximity to Derek. In a place that distinctly separates work and play. We’l be living like a real couple. We can talk about our jobs at the end of each day and not have the blurred lines we have now. It’s an important step in our relationship. And, hopeful y, it’l make it easier for me to figure out what you’re up against.”
    “You’re going to spy on Derek?”
    “No.” Sloane’s reply was adamant. “Nor am I going to manipulate him. Number one, I swore I’d never compromise our relationship again—which doing either of those things would. And number two, he’s way too smart for games. He’d see right through me. I’m simply going to take this official, personal step—one I’m excited about taking, even if I am a little scared—and hope that it also provides an atmosphere where Derek is more likely to let me in.”
    “And if he won’t?”
    “Then I’l find another way to get inside information. Classified or not. Even if it means breaking the rules. And even if that means blowing my chances of getting back into the Bureau.”

CHAPTER SEVEN
    MUNICH, GERMANY
    The Kunsthal e München was a rectangular building of concrete and glass, the perfect venue to exhibit modern masterpieces.
    Near Barer Strasse, the area was fil ed with art gal eries. But the three men who were casual y pushing a twin-size baby strol er weren’t interested in window shopping. They strol ed toward the museum entrance, pausing to bend over the strol er, as if trying to appease two fussing infants.
    Al that changed when they reached the main door.
    Straightening, they yanked on their black masks and exploded into the museum, waving their submachine guns and shouting orders to the security guards in Slavic-accented German. They restrained them with Flex-Cufs and, holding them at gunpoint, forced the guards to accompany them upstairs.
    They reached the third floor. The guard at the entrance to the main hal was practical y asleep. From beneath half-lowered lids, he spotted his comrades walking toward him.
    Slowly, he came to his feet—and then froze. His eyes widened with fear as he focused on the MP5K now aimed directly at his heart.
    The third gunman rushed forward and quickly disarmed him, pocketing the guard’s Glock inside his own inside jacket pocket. He then secured the guard’s hands with another set of Flex-Cufs.
    Using their terrified captives as human shields, the gunmen headed down the corridor and toward their objective.
    The outer exhibition room contained the Impressionists on their list: Renoir and Sisley. Using his wire cutters, the tal est gunman made quick work of the wires holding the paintings in place. He tucked the two paintings under one arm, snatching up his submachine gun and gripping it tightly in his other