A second attempt. Nothing. After picking the lock, she slipped in. Listening for any sounds, she moved quickly, placing listening devices in key locations. She entered the master bedroom suite and placed a bug on the back of the headboard. The door to the walk-in closet/dressing area was ajar, so she peeked in and spotted the jewelry safe. She snapped a few photos and tried to decide if she should open it. With a little patience and the right technology, any lock could be picked. She tapped her watch to access the listening equipment she had assigned to Marcus’s office. She could hear the two women chatting at the front desk.

“What do you suppose is going on with the doc?” one asked.

“What cha mean?” asked the other.

“You know. Him running in and out, that creepy kid who keeps coming around. And his moods. One minute he’s a snarky old bear, and the next he’s dancing on his tiptoes.”

“Well, you know that wife of ’is drives him crazy with all the money she spends!”

“Do tell!”

As much as Eileen wanted the dirty gossip, she needed to find out if he was still in his office. Then she heard the response.

“She’s out drinking bottles and bottles of champagne, buying diamonds like they’re candy, clothes, shoes. She’s really something. I overheard him say she was going to send him to the poorhouse!”

“Get out! Really?”

“Aye. She keeps Harrods in business! And I know she’s out spendin’ again today. He was talkin’ to her earlier. He told her he was going to the pub.”

That was all Eileen had to hear. She hoped the information was right and she had some time. With great speed, she pulled out her pick tool. Next to the number pad was a small plastic piece that covered a keyhole. The keyhole was a backup in case the safe’s battery ran out. Most people didn’t know this tidbit. She pried off the plastic cover and inserted her pick tool. One full turn to the right, and it opened.

She snapped photos of the contents. Lots of diamonds and gold. Lots. She immediately sent the photos to Avery, who would relay them to Charles.

After setting everything back into place, she slithered her way out the door and down the hall to the stairwell. The doors opened out, as required by law. Avoiding the cameras, she removed her latest disguise, down to her leotard and tights. She wrapped the shawl around her waist, making it look as if she were on her way to a yoga class.

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

New York City

The three women exited the Acela train that had brought them from Washington to Penn Station. Annie could not help but comment on the difference between Union Station in D.C. and what she called “this poor excuse for a transportation hub.”