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Special Agent di Genova went over the plan one more time, studying the whiteboard in front of him. It had taken quite a few weeks to gather the information they now had about the art thieves. They had just about everything, except actual proof that the painting they were trying to sell was authentic. If it turned out they had organized a full blown sting operation for nothing, the Bureau would not be pleased. And that was where a civilian came in.
“Professor al-Kaysani?” Special Agent di Genova raised an eyebrow. “Why didn’t we call Professor Freeman?”
“She’s in London, won’t be back for a month.” Senior Special Agent Andromache informed him. “And before you ask about Sebastien—”
“Yeah, where is Sebastien? He knows the drill.” Agent di Genova interrupted brusquely.
“The suspects know him, they would know something was amiss if he showed up,” Andromache stated. “Besides, after what happened last time—”
“So I am stuck with this Professor,” di Genova interrupted again.
“Well, unless you promise me you can learn how to authenticate a Rembrandt overnight, Nicky, it looks like you are.” Andromache smirked.
“I just don’t want to babysit a newbie,” Nicky complained.
“I’m sure it won’t come to that.”
***
“Professor al-Kaysani,” Nicky greeted him, telling himself that no, this Professor was not the most attractive man he’d ever seen.
“Please call me Joe.”
“Thank you for accepting to come help us on such short notice, Professor,” Nicky said stubbornly.
“How could I not? Everyone in the Art History department was jealous.” Joe grinned brightly.
“Right. Remember, you’re only here to authenticate the painting. Do not deviate from the script, do not engage in conversation. Nod when you’re sure and leave the rest to me.” Nicky re-checked his wire, more out of the need to avoid Professor al-Kaysani’s—Joe’s—eyes than because he wanted to make sure it was working.
“Surely I can say ‘hello’,” Professor al-Kaysani muttered.
Nicky ignored the flutter in his stomach. “Suit yourself. Our usual guy got shot because he said the wrong thing.”
***
An hour later, agent di Genova was struggling to keep a straight face and fighting the urge to punch Professor al-Kaysani to make him stop talking. No sooner had they arrived at the agreed location, than Joe had started treating the suspects (a Mr. Merrick and his ‘assistant’, more likely his bodyguard) to an impromptu art history lesson.
“What a magnificent masterpiece!” Joe exclaimed, leaning towards the frame until his nose almost touched the canvas. “You can see the artist’s brushstrokes, as vivid as if he’d been working on this just yesterday.” Joe took off his glasses and cleaned them. “How did you get it?”
Nicky froze where he stood, Joe was charming but he was pushing his luck. He looked from Joe to the suspects and tried to come up with something to defuse the sudden tense moment.
“Family heirloom,” Merrick muttered.
“I see. Well, Mr. Merrick, that’s a very beautiful heirloom you have. Shame about how it’s been kept.” Joe kicked the wrapping that Mr. Merrick’s assistant had cut. “I’d advise you to be more careful, if the painting is damaged it’s value will go down. I can teach you a better way to wrap—”
“Speaking of wrapping,” Nicky butted in. “We can also wrap up this meeting, if we are satisfied as to the painting’s authenticity. Are we satisfied?” Nicky turned to Joe, begging him to just nod.
“Very much so.” Joe winked.
Mr. Merrick and his assistant looked dumbfounded, Nicky was praying it was dark enough that no one would notice him blushing. “My people will complete the payment and collect the painting, as agreed.”
***
When they stepped out of the room, they made it as far as the elevator before Joe spoke. “That was it? Where was the SWAT team?”
“Is that why you agreed to do this?” Nicky snorted. “It wasn’t that kind of operation, our job was only to make contact and authenticate the painting. A second team will complete the ‘purchase’ and make the arrests. I’m sad to disappoint you.”
“Oh, you could never disappoint me, agent di Genova.” Joe winked again.
Nicky looked down at his feet. “Thank you for your help. It was very, ah, interesting.”
“It was nice to have a captive audience,” Joe said, beaming.
They didn’t say another word until the elevator doors opened.
“If you’d like a personal tour of an art gallery…” Joe started.
“If I, that is, if we ever need an art expert…” Nicky mumbled.
“I’d love to,” they said at the same time.