Chapter 51

“The curator at the museum where it lives, a man named Arthur Wood, should be able to authenticate it for you,” Patrick said. “It’s a big house just a couple miles up the river. I’m surprised he hasn’t come for it or had one of these fine officers take it from us.”

“I’ve spoken with him,” Isabelle said. “He was nervous about the piece but was happy to see it was taken for a cause. Now that it’s in my hands, however, I’m pretty sure he’ll be wanting it back.”

“Yeah.” That broke my heart. “Jefferson?”

“Yes.”

“You’re still here?” I asked him.

“Yes.”

Several people looked at me as if I was mad. I didn’t care.

“Don’t go,” I said. “Not yet.”

“I’ll try not to.”