Chapter 39

Talking to somebody he didn’t quite trust.

The address Marcus had given him was the thirtieth floor of a skyscraper in Manhattan. The receptionist seemed to be expecting Jesse, and she greeted him with a very warm smile and immediately gestured him through a pair of glass doors.

“Mr. Brooker is waiting for you in there. Would you like anything to drink? Coffee? Or maybe something to eat?”

“Water would be good, thank you.”

“I’ll bring it right in.” She pushed the conference room door open. “Mr. Brooker?”

He looked much as he had when they’d run into him at the Frick a week earlier. Same immaculate grooming, same brilliant smile, different expensive suit. Closing the file he’d been perusing, Marcus rose from his seat at the head of the long, glass table and came to the door, extending his hand in greeting.

“I’m so glad you called. How are you enjoying your vacation?”

“It’s been very relaxing.” Jesse gestured at the file. “I’m not interrupting your work, am I?”