Free Gold of Kings by Davis Bunn Page A

very tight with his sources. It was one of Syrrell’s trademarks. Sean built a reputation for total confidentiality. A wealthy family suddenly facing hard times often prefers to unload items without anybody knowing. If they entered the open market, people would talk. Sean was one of a few dealers able to arrange a major sale without word leaking out.”
    â€œSecret seller to secret buyer,” Dauer sneered.
    â€œSometimes. Why are you asking me all this?”
    Emma lifted a file from her shoulder bag. She glanced at her boss. Jack Dauer glowered in response. She set the file on the table between them. “I want you to look at something.”
    She opened the file, revealing a photograph taken of a man stepping from a limo. “Do you know this person?”
    The man had the aquiline features and sleek bearing of a Mediterranean prince. “I have no idea who he is.”
    â€œYou’ve never seen him before?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œDoes the name Selim Arkut mean anything to you?”
    â€œNo. Sorry.”
    Dauer snorted. “You expect her to tell you the truth?”
    Emma continued, “Could you check your records and see what items have originated from him?”
    â€œI just told you. The only record of sources was kept in Sean’s head. Payments for items on commission almost always went through attorneys. Everyone working for Syrrell’s had strict instructions never to look further than that.”
    Dauer said, “Looks like we’ll just have to hold you responsible for the stolen artifacts in your possession, Ms. Syrrell.”
    â€œYou do that.” Storm gathered up her purse. “In the meantime, could I get a lift back to the exhibition?”
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    EMMA WEBB DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING until she pulled up in front of the Palm Beach convention center. When a car jockey reached for her door, she badged him. “Five minutes.”
    Emma took a curbside spot between a Bentley and a Maybach. She left the motor running for the AC and said, “The tests came back on the juice that guy tried to spray you with. A compound the Chinese use for rat poison. Not for sale in this country. The interesting thing about this, it’s harmful only if ingested. Otherwise, nada. You can bathe in the stuff and be okay, long as you don’t swallow or breathe. But inhale one whiff, we’re talking massive liver failure, kidneys shut down, lungs clog up, bang and gone.”
    â€œBut not heart failure.”
    Emma looked over. “Ms. Syrrell, dead is dead.”
    â€œI was talking about Sean. Of course, if the attacker had one killer perfume, he could have others.”
    Emma did not say anything.
    â€œWhat about that guy in London who died in Harry’s arms?”
    â€œWe’re working on that. In the meantime, I’d appreciate it if you kept a close watch on Harry Bennett.”
    â€œNo problem, seeing as he’s sleeping in my living room.” Storm climbed from the car. “Will you call me if you learn anything?”
    â€œMs. Syrrell, letting that con get close to you is a seriously bad idea. We ran a check. His juvie records are sealed. Which means he’s been in trouble before.”
    â€œBut nothing from then until this recent problem, right?”
    â€œHe joined the navy on his eighteenth birthday. My guess is the court ordered him to choose between that and hard time.”
    Storm leaned on the windowsill. “Sean trusted him. I trust him. And you should too.”
    The wraparound shades created a copper sheath to Emma’s face. “He’s a con. You don’t know cons. I do. They will say anything to get what they want. To a con, words are just another lever.”
    â€œWhat was that comment Dauer made about Sean’s operations in Istanbul?” When Emma shook her head, Storm pressed, “I’ve answered everything you wanted. Tell me, please.”
    Emma remained where she was, parked between two