Chapter 56

“You’re taking what doesn’t belong to you,” she said. “I was brought up to believe that was wrong and Rob’s argument that you only steal from people who are keeping a piece of art for themselves, except on rare occasions, doesn’t hold water. When you take it, said piece goes from there to someone who will hide it away for their own enjoyment and no one else’s.”

“Hardly a defense,” I replied, “but if we didn’t take it, our clients would find someone else to do so. At least some of the money we earn goes to worthy causes, like the cleanup after Katrina. We also support several animal shelters and environmental causes.” I smiled ruefully. “After all, given how long we’re going to be around, it would be nice if the world remained habitable.”

“A very good point,” Flo agreed, looking thoughtful. Then she asked, seeming apropos of nothing, “Do you know who Geraldine Clifton was?”