Excerpt of The Inadvertant Thief by Leti Del Mar

He approached me with a quick and light step. His eyes crinkled into a smirk that looked especially prepared for me. He was tall and had a strong muscular build that was apparent even underneath his suit and tie. Coming right towards me, the intensity of his green eyes nearly took my breath. I felt the need to look away but was uncontrollably sucked into his gaze. His angular features spread into an even wider grin.

"Vivien Flowers?" The voice was pleasant and surprisingly deep.

"Um, yes." My tear filled eyes quickly swept over his chiseled, razor–sharp features.

"You're just the person I was looking for." Again the smile flashed and my knees weakened. "Walter Johnson. Pleased to meet you."

The insurance guy? That was fast. We shook hands.

"What can I do for you?" I was relived at how even my voice sounded. Now all I had to do was pull myself out of the deep green pools that were his eyes.

"I'm investigating what security is in place, what's been done so far and what still needs to be done on behalf of the paintings."

"I'm afraid I'm rather new at this. What exactly is the protocol?"

"Well, I would like to get the paintings back. If that's possible," he paused and ran his hand through his dark chestnut hair halfheartedly, "or at least, I would like to ensure that the other two paintings in the series are safe from any further theft. We insure all four, you see."

He continued to grin but this time I noticed the smile stopped before it reached his eyes. Further thefts! My career was swiftly going down the toilet. Just hours after my first stolen artifacts, an insurance agent had been sent to make sure I wasn't going to lose any others.

"There won't be any further thefts. I can assure you that the other two of the Four Seasons are safe and sound. They won't come to any harm."

My eyes narrowed as they took in his face. He seemed only superficially placated and his expression was unbearably patronizing. This man didn't believe a word I said. My checks grew warm with anger and I tried desperately to keep calm. "As for these," I gestured to the large empty wall, "don't worry. I'll get them back."

He first seemed surprised to find that his words brought up so much emotion. Then my final resolve made his once contrived smirk finally brake through all the way to his eyes.

"What makes you so sure?" There was a curious edge to his deep voice.

"Because," I paused and met his eyes with passionate conviction, "this is personal."