Page 62 of Code Name: Harbor

She surveys the packed gallery. “Seems like you have a winner with Margaret’s work.”

I nod, taking it all in. This is going to be a huge success by the time we close the doors. “Three of the New York galleries are starting to ask about her.”

“What’s her work going for?”

“I bumped her last month. Five to seven for the small work, twelve to eighteen for the large.”

“Not bad,” she murmurs. “But chump change for what we can make on our imports. I don’t know why you keep the gallery.”

Marcus and Connie make ridiculously good money running for me, and I also give them a cut of the gallery proceeds as a supplement. I share everything with them.

“The gallery is how we stay off the feds’ radar, Connie. You know this.”

“I know,” she huffs. “I’m just always going to be slightly amazed people pay you twelve grand for a blue rectangle.”

I glance at the painting right behind Connie. “It’s not a blue rectangle, it’s—”

“It’s a blue rectangle, Finn.”

Marcus laughs and I stare at Margaret’s piece entitled Blue Haven.

It’s a blue rectangle, and I laugh.

For about ninety seconds, the three of us—smugglers dressed up in our best finery—are easy with each other like we were still running the streets in our youth.

But I should know better than to relax because I see Josie making her way to me through the crowd, coming up just behind Connie. She crosses the floor toward us with her wine in one hand and a smile on her face that suggests she’s having a good time.

The lights catch the green sparkle of her dress and if I thought men looked at Connie when she passed, I realize it’s Josie who’s the showstopper here.

A flash of jealousy hits me as every man swivels their head or surreptitiously darts a glance so their wives don’t see the vision walking my way.

But her eyes are on me and me alone. I lift my arm without thinking, an invitation to tuck into me.

Josie slides under it and my hand tightens on her waist to pull her in close.

She glances up at me, blue eyes shimmering. “Margaret is such an interesting woman. A little dark, but she’s got a brilliantly creative mind.”

My eyes drop to Josie’s mouth and I forget I’m in my art gallery, amid a hundred guests and on display for all to see. I can’t fucking help myself when I bend down and brush my mouth over hers. “She’s a gem, that’s for sure.”

Josie breathes out against the kiss, looks a bit dazzled, then collects herself. She turns, takes in Marcus and Connie, and a new smile lights her face. “Hi.”

“Hi, Josie,” Marcus says warmly.

“I don’t think official introductions have been made,” I say to Josie. “You met Marcus the other night, but this is Connie. She also… works for me.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Josie says to Connie, leveling a smile at Marcus.

My eyes cut to Connie and her expression tells a story I don’t like.

Marcus, who’s been watching Connie and the temperature of the situation, steps in. “Josie… what do you think of the show?”

“Honestly? I think Margaret’s incredible. The one in the back room with the green band of light through the trees… I could look at that for an hour. And the gallery itself is beautiful, between the brick and the lighting.”

“Margaret’s terrific,” Marcus says. “Finn just told us that some New York galleries are interested in her work.”

Josie turns her head to look up at me. “That sounds like a pretty big deal. Amazing.”

Before I can agree, Connie’s voice cuts through, harsh and shredding. “You know what’s amazing to me?” My stomach tightens as I turn her way. “It’s amazing that we’re all pretending like it’s okay that she’s standing here.”