His By Design (26 page)

“Let’s run it by Dev and Russ and see what they think. At this late date I don’t see how we have any other choice.”

Meanwhile, I’ll switch to a bigger purse. Now, what can I use to stop up a toilet? She looked around her office but nothing jumped out at her. While Jeff called Dev, she dialed his dad’s number. “Frank? Hi, it’s Zoe. (pause) Good. You? (pause) I’m sorry to rush but I’m short on time. I know this is a weird question, but if you wanted to stop up a toilet and make it overflow, what would you use?” She made rolling motions with her hands to speed him up, which, of course, he couldn’t see. “I can’t explain now, just help me out here, please, Frank?” She nodded. “Yeah, that would work. Thanks a lot, Frank. I’ll explain it all later. Okay, Bye.”

She looked down at Jeff’s feet. “Take of your shoes. I need your socks.”

“What?”

“Come on, come on. Give me your socks, Jeff. Do you have another pair upstairs?”

“I think so, but—”

Zoe ran for the stairs.

Please, God, let this work . . .

Chapter 26

Jeff still had serious doubts, but Zoe was right about one thing—they didn’t have much of a choice. Dev and Russ were all for the new plan so he caved and went along with them.

Barker didn’t just happen to forget those papers. He wanted Zoe in his house, alone, where he could take full advantage of her. The only good part of the plan was that he’d be close enough to come to her rescue. He almost wished he’d have to interfere . . .

He put the painting he would ‘swap’ for the original in the back of Dev’s SUV, next to the copy Russ had retrieved from Judge Abernathy. He wasn’t leaving Zoe’s copy behind. Granted, that would spill the beans the first time Barker went into his study and saw his replacement, but by then it would be too late for him to do anything about it. Besides everyone should have a copy of Dogs Playing Poker, right?

Dev and Amanda were in the front seats and he and Zoe shared the back. Russ would quarterback from the gallery and call in the cavalry if something went wrong.

“You’ve got the check?” Jeff asked.

“Right here.” Zoe patted her purse.

“Everyone have their phone?” Dev asked. With affirmative replies from the gang, he put the car in gear and headed for D.C.

Zoe went over her plan as they drove. “As soon as I’m inside my main focus will be to have Fredrick sign the papers. He shouldn’t give me too much trouble since he’ll still think he has me over a barrel. I’ll saunter over to the sliders and pretend to admire the view while I make sure the door is unlocked. Once I’ve got the papers, I’ll need to use the powder room. When I’m in there I’ll call you, so you can be ready with the painting. I’ll stop up the toilet, make sure it overflows and yell for Fredrick. While he’s dealing with the mess, you swap the artwork. I’ll leave and meet you around the corner.”

Dev parked at the curb a half-block down from Barker’s townhouse. They all sat in silence for a minute. Jeff gave Zoe’s hand a squeeze. “Once you call me from the bathroom, don’t hang up. That way I can keep listening in to make sure you get away safely.”

Zoe nodded. “Wish me luck guys.” She gave Jeff a peck on the cheek. “See you in twenty minutes, Studley.”

The three watched as she rang the doorbell, then went inside.

Amanda groaned, “Oh God . . .”

Dev looked sharply at her. “Honey, what’s wrong?”

Amanda shook her head.

Jeff caught her gaze in the rearview mirror. “Amanda? Tell me. Now.”

“She’s going to try to get Fredrick to confess. On tape.”

“What do you mean, ‘on tape’?” Jeff asked, his voice very quiet.

“She said she’d wear a wire or some kind of recording device.” Amanda looked at Dev. “She told me Andy helped her get it.”

“Shit.” Jeff opened the car door.

“Jeff. Wait.” Dev ordered. “It’s too late to do anything about it now. We need to stick to the plan. That’s what Zoe will expect.”

“That woman is going to be the death of me yet.” Jeff blew out a long sigh. “Okay, Dev. Pull around to the end of the alley behind the townhouse, but make sure you’re far enough away that Barker can’t spot us from his patio.”

Fredrick opened the door and gestu
red her inside. He was dressed casually. Too casually for the gallery. Which meant he’d never been there today at all.

Why am I surprised?

“Hello, Fredrick.” She moved from the foyer into the living room, noting that the green light on the alarm box signaled it was off.

Fredrick came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. She did her best not to flinch.

“Let me take your jacket, Zoe, and make yourself comfortable.”

She reached up and pressed the record button. If she had two hours of recording time she might as well get all she could. “No thank you Fredrick. I’ll keep it on. It seems a bit chilly in here. You must have the air conditioning turned up to the max.”

He slid his hands down her arms then put one at the small of her back. “Come. Sit.” He propelled her toward the sofa facing the fireplace. “Can I get you something to drink?”

Right, come into my parlor said the spider . . .

Resisting his attempt to make this into a social occasion, Zoe sauntered toward the glass doors to his patio and turned toward him. “Fredrick, I’m not here to have drinks with you. I’m here to repay my loan and have you sign off on the paperwork.” She reached into her purse for the check and almost dumped out one of Jeff’s socks. Her heart thudded in her chest and her mouth dried up. Luckily Fredrick hadn’t been close enough to notice.

“I know my dear, but there’s no reason for you to be in such a hurry. This is a momentous event after all.”

I should have worn red. Then I could play Little Red to his Big Bad Wolf. I have no problem acting nervous and the camera better be getting this.

“Please, Fredrick. Just sign the papers. You know you have me trapped. The legal documents don’t matter to you at all. It’s the threat of exposure as an art forger that will keep me in line.”

“How true, my dear. All summer long I’ve left you alone to wonder if I’d drop the other shoe on Mr. Petrosky. My P.I. informs me that you apparently have forgiven him his transgressions, since he is still spending nights at your apartment.”

His P.I.? He’s been having me watched? I should have known. That bastard.

Her eyes narrowed and she huffed out a breath. She watched his mouth curve up in a smirk at her reaction.
Don’t let him get to you. Keep focused on getting his confession
. “Yes. Now that I’ve met his sister, I understand the reason behind him representing those paintings as his own. I don’t suppose you’d consider dropping the idea of outing him?”

“Well, that depends on your attitude toward our continuing relationship, Zoe.” He closed the distance between them and stroked her cheek.

She repressed the shudder his touch provoked. “You know, Fredrick, I think I need a drink after all. Could I have some water, please?” If she didn’t make him back away, she feared Jeff might come storming right through the glass doors.

“Sparkling or still?”

Always the perfect host aren’t you, asshole? So suave and debonair when you think you have the upper hand.

Zoe glanced at his bar and saw only bottles of Pellagrino and Perrier. She’d send him to the kitchen so she could unlock the sliders. “Still, please. With lemon if it’s not too much trouble.”

“Of course. I’ll be right back.”

Zoe quickly unlocked the glass door. As she looked out, Jeff raced across the yard carrying a painting and flattened himself against the house wall a few feet from the doors. Her heart rate tripled.

“Here you are, Zoe,” Fredrick whispered behind her, his breath hot on her neck.

She started and turned to find him so close she practically brushed his chest.

Has he never heard of personal space?

She took a step back, then took the glass he offered and drank. It tasted funny and she wrinkled her nose.

“It’s city water, Zoe. I’m sorry. I never touch it myself. That’s why I keep bottled water handy.” He motioned toward the bar.

Zoe nodded. “Next time I’ll know better.” His eyes lit up at her comment. Yeah, let him think there will be more visits in the future. She put the glass down on a nearby table. “Can we get the legal stuff over with, please? This check is burning a hole in my purse.”

He sighed. “If you insist, my dear.” He removed a sheaf of papers from a folder on the bar.”

“You haven’t signed them.”

“You haven’t given me the check,” he countered.

She thrust it at him. “Here. Take it.”

He looked it over carefully as though expecting it to be a fake.

Zoe rolled her eyes. “It’s real, Fredrick. A cashier’s check for fifty thousand dollars. You only taught me how to forge paintings, remember?” She handed him a pen. “Sign.”

He complied and she folded the papers and stuffed them into her purse. Why did I have to bring white socks? Every time I open this damn bag those things are like a beacon. Her hands shook. Halfway there. Relief washed over her and made her lightheaded.

“You’ve got your precious paperwork, Zoe. Now it’s time to fulfill the other part of our agreement.” He chucked her under the chin with his finger. “The best part.”

She might actually throw up. She backed away another step. “Fredrick, this obsession with me is ridiculous. You can have dozens of women with just the crook of a finger. Why bother with me?”

“‘Bother with you?’” His voice went up an octave and his eyes burned with contempt as well as lust. “Because, my dear, I didn’t spend all of my time and a good deal of money teaching you the intricacies of the fine art business just to have you say ‘thank you very much’ and leave to start your own gallery.” He grabbed her arms and shook her.

She could feel the anger vibrating through his body as he pressed against her. Her hands went icy. A faint ringing began in her ears.

“You don’t even see the irony, do you? You weren’t supposed to be smart, Zoe. You were supposed to be beautiful, and sexy, and grateful for my attentions.”

He leaned over her, so close her eyes crossed trying to focus on his face. She shook her head in an attempt to regain her balance.

“I knew as soon as I saw how talented an artist you were that we could make a great deal of money together. The copy I had you make of Judge Abernathy’s painting wasn’t a lesson to hone your skills, it was the first of many copies we could substitute for authentic works.” He scoffed at her, his grip tightening. “But your beauty is only exceeded by your naivety, Zoe. Such an honest worker you were. You never understood. And then one day you waltz into my office and gush all over me about another gallery. Your gallery. And your foolish plan to start an art colony on the Eastern Shore. He gave her another shake. “You stupid, ungrateful little bitch.”

“Fredrick, let go. You’re hurting me.” She struggled out of his grip and cracked her elbow on the bar. “Ow.” Pain shot up her arm. “Fredrick, I need to use the powder room.” She clapped her hand over her mouth and pretended to gag. She grabbed her purse and looked around wildly. “Where?”

He pointed, and she lurched down the short hall and half-fell into the restroom, shutting the door behind her.

Her hands trembled so badly she had difficulty dialing, even though she had only to tap a single number. It barely finished one ring.

“Zoe. Are you okay?”

She nodded, then realized he couldn’t see her. “Yes,” she gasped. “I’m plugging the toilet now. Get ready.” She thought she might have to use it for real but swallowed the bile in her throat and stuffed three pairs of Jeff’s sweat socks, knotted into a ball, down the toilet. She flushed. The water swirled in the bowl and rose to the edge but didn’t overflow. She waited for the tank to fill and flushed again. Success! Water flooded the floor. She opened the door and gave a pitiful scream. “Fredrick! Help! The toilet is overflowing.” She stumbled out into the hall and stood back as he skidded to a halt through the water.

“What the hell! What did you do?”

Zoe shook her head, her eyes wide. She shrugged.

I’m the stupid bitch, remember?

As Fredrick grabbed towels from the rack to soak up the mess, Zoe saw Jeff dash across to the study. Seconds later, he left with the painting, giving her a wink on the way by.

Zoe walked slowly back to the living room, trailing her hand along the wall to steady herself. She made sure the sliding door was closed and that Jeff was nowhere to be seen outside. Clutching her purse, she called down the hall, “Fredrick, I really don’t feel well, I think I’d better go.” Without waiting for his reply she staggered to the door.

Before she could get it open, Fredrick flattened his hand against it. The man was quick, she had to give him that. The room tilted and she frowned.

He smiled his Big Bad Wolf smile. “I don’t think so, Zoe. If you’re ill, perhaps you should lie down upstairs until you’re feeling better.”

“No. I’ll be fine.” She narrowed her eyes and blinked. There seemed to be two of him. Next thing she knew she was sliding down the wall onto the floor.

Jeff raced down the street, grabbed the metal railing on the steps to Barker’s townhou
se, and literally flung himself to the top. He banged on the door.

No answer.

His cell phone was still connected to Zoe’s. Plainly he heard, “That must be Jeff. He’s supposed to pick me up.” Zoe giggled faintly. “That’s funny. I do need someone to pick me up though. I can’t seem to make my legs work.”

Jeff hammered on the door. “Open the damn door, Barker, or I swear I’ll break it down.”

The door opened. He didn’t see Zoe.

“No need for threats, young man. Your timing is excellent. I’m afraid Zoe isn’t feeling well.”

“Where is she?”

Fredrick pointed behind the door.

Zoe sat with her eyes half-closed, her head leaning back against the wall. “Studley, I’m so glad you’re here. I’m suddenly very tired. I think I need a nap.” She raised both arms to him. “Help me up?”

Jeff lifted her and she slumped against the wall. He turned to the other man. “What did you do to her?” he growled, his eyes steely.

“Nothing. I haven’t done anything, Mr. Petrosky, and I resent your implication.” He spread his hands, palm out. “We finished our business and she suddenly felt ill. Asked to use the restroom. Perhaps this is a reaction to something she ate?”

Zoe hiccupped. “He gave me water . . . It tasted . . . funny.” She yawned.