Alaric clenched his fist, pursing his lips to keep his anger from spilling out."How did that happen?" he asked, keeping his voice low.
Richard didn't answer immediately. Instead, he reached for Alaric's glass and took a sip from it.
"I haven't gotten the full information yet," Richard said, "but apparently, he came back to the office like he was returning those ones, and then he took another."
"Oh, fuck!" Alaric snapped, his hands shaking from anger.
Ian was making it harder to defend him. Why had he come back to steal?
Richard tapped the counter, calling the bartender's attention. "Adam, please give us another bottle and another glass."
"Coming right up, Mr. Allens," Adam replied.
Richard nodded and then turned back to Alaric. "This situation is already getting out of hand. Four important paintings are all gone."
Alaric rubbed his face, allowing the uncomfortable reality to settle inside him. Ian had relapsed.