The Hogarth Conspiracy by Alex Connor Read Free Book Online Page B

fraud.”
    â€œYeah,” Victor agreed. “But I can’t get my own back. If it was one person, I could go after him, but a group? Never. Like they say, there’s safety in numbers. The art world doesn’t appreciate being threatened, and if it is, it closes ranks and suffocates the threat.”
    He wiped the condensation off the window next to him and looked out to the street, which was desolate under a downpour. “The only thing they won’t expect is my return.”
    Christian struggled to keep the impatience out of his voice.
    â€œBut why bother if you can’t get revenge?”
    â€œJesus, Christian, what’s the alternative? You’d have me hide ?”
    â€œI’d have you safe,” his brother replied, driving off as the lights changed. “You know they won’t give you work.”
    â€œ Who won’t give me work, Christian? The dealers, the brokers, the auction houses? You think I expect to get work there? You think anyone would trust me now? I’d be lucky if I could get in the back door, let alone the front, of anyone’s gallery.”
    â€œSo who are you going to work for?” There was a protracted pause; Christian stole a quick look at his brother. “Victor, who are you going to work for?”
    â€œIt’s a crooked business. There’s enough work to keep me occupied.”
    Pulling over, Christian parked, turned off the engine, and looked at his brother in disbelief.
    â€œPlease tell me you’re joking, Victor. Please, Victor, don’t get mixed up in anything dodgy. It would ruin your life.”
    â€œIt isn’t ruined now?”
    Christian looked straight ahead, trying to form his argument without sounding like the paternal older brother.
    â€œDon’t give up. Don’t go down the wrong road. They put you there; you didn’t do it. You’re not a criminal.”
    â€œIn the eyes of the world I am.”
    â€œBut you know you’re not!” Christian went on hurriedly. “Just concentrate on keeping on the right side of the law now. I’m sure you could get it all back, Victor. I’m sure you could in time if you work hard, keep your nose clean. People will forget. In time they will.” He blundered on. “You were popular, well known. People liked you; they couldn’t help themselves. They always liked you. People will want to forgive you.”
    â€œYou think I’m guilty, Christian?”
    â€œNo, no! I didn’t say that.”
    â€œIt sounded like that.”
    Christian, confused, blundered on. “No, that wasn’t what I meant. I …”
    â€œPeople will want to forgive you,” Victor repeated and, tucking the parcel under his arm, got out of the car.
    â€œVictor!” Christian called after him. “Don’t rush off. That wasn’t what I meant.”
    Bending down, Victor looked into his brother’s face, his scrutiny making Christian flush. “Ask me.”
    â€œAsk you what?”
    â€œYou know. It’s what you’ve wanted to ask me for years. What you’ve always wanted to ask me.”
    Christian squirmed in his seat. “For God’s sake!”
    â€œAsk me.”
    â€œThere’s nothing I want to—”
    â€œ Ask me!”
    â€œAll right! Did you do it?”
    â€œGo to hell,” Victor said quietly, “but don’t take Ingola with you.”
    And with that he strode away.

Eight

    T HE HOTEL CHAMBERMAID KNOCKED ON THE DOOR, PAUSED, KNOCKED again, waited, then opened it with her passkey. The room was in darkness, so she flicked on the light and walked in, laying some fresh towels on the dressing table. Singing softly under her breath, she turned down the bed and smoothed the sheet, placing a mint on the pillowcase. She picked up the towels and moved toward the bathroom.
    Still singing, she reached for the pull cord and blinked as the light came on, together with the rush of the exhaust