Romance: The Billionaire's Desire Read Online Free PDF Page B

where she is today by being harsh.
    Her apartment is large and a picture of 1940’s opulence.  There are outsized chandeliers, grand old bookcases and many great paintings hanging on the walls.   
    The Fifth Avenue apartment is a place of splendid grandeur.
    “You’re a big fan of art?” I question as we sit at a table in her lounge room.
    “Yes I am, and I have been all my life.  The Vin Gang painting was my prized possession.”
    “I know we’ve asked you a lot of questions already, but I would like to go through it again.”
    “Haven’t you arrested someone for the theft?”
    “We have,” I nod as David glares at me, “But we would like to be certain of all the information before we take him to court.”
    Mrs. Jackson nods knowingly, “Certainly.  Ask whatever it is that you wish to know.”
    “Can I confirm that there is no security footage for that night?” I ask.
    “Yes.  I have security cameras in my apartment and there are security cameras for the block as well but it was all erased for that night by someone unknown.”
    “At what point did the alarms go off?”
    “They didn’t,” she looks upset, “I pay a lot of money for the alarm system and it didn’t even work when I needed it.”
    “What did the security company say when you told them that it did not go off?”
    “They said I must have switched it off but that is silly.  I may be old but I am still diligent.  I always put the alarm system on before I leave.”
    “And who knows the code for the security system?”
    “Only my close family knows the code.” 
    “And who is that exactly?”
    “Myself, my daughter and my grandson.”
    I stand and wander around the room as David continues to ask more questions about the theft.  On Mrs. Jackson’s long mantle sits pictures of her close family.
    “Is this your grandson?” I ask, picking up a picture.
    “It is,” Mrs. Jackson replies, “He looks so happy there.  He has had a hard time since his father passed away.  Robert took it really to heart.” 
    “When you say he has had a hard time, what are you referring to?”
    “He’s…” she sighs deeply, “He has had a hard time with drugs.  He was very close to his father, who was my son-in-law.  He married my only daughter but lost his life two years ago in a random mugging.  It was very sad.”
    “Drugs?” David questions.
    “He got addicted to them after his father passed away.  It has been a horrible two years since then.  He has been in and out of rehabilitation clinics and unfortunately my patience has run dry.  I haven’t seen Robert in months.”
    “But this picture is before his father passed away?” I ask.
    “It is.  That was the day after Robert graduated from MLA University.  His father was very proud.”
    “MLA University?”
    “Yes.”
    “What did he study?”
    “He majored in Visual Arts.”
    “And where is Robert now?” 
    “He lives downtown.  I have the address over here.  But Robert would not have had anything to do with the theft.  He’s still my grandson.”
    “Do you lend him money?” David enquires.
    “Not any more.” 
    “But you used to?”
    “I did.  I used to lend him money every week but I stopped because he was only spending it on drugs.  I thought if he could not afford to buy the drugs, he might kick the habit.”
    David and I exchange a knowing look.
    “Have you ever seen this witness before?” David slides a picture in front of Mrs. Jackson.
    She squints and studies the picture closely for a long time.
    “Oh yes,” she remarks, “He looks familiar.  I think he may be a friend of Roberts.”
    “Thank you,” David smiles and stands to leave.
    “But Robert or his friends wouldn’t have anything to do with this.  Robert may be an addict but he is still family.  He wouldn’t steal from me.”
    “Maybe… but he might know something we don’t.”
     
     
     

 
    Chapter 10
     
    Checking Up

 
     
     
     
    I take a deep breath of city air as we