Framed Shadows: Shadows Landing #6, Kathleen Brooks [great novels of all time TXT] 📗

“What?” Paxton yelped before quieting down. The last thing he wanted to do was disturb Tinsley as she was working. Plus, this was not the conversation he wanted her to overhear.

“What can I say? Tinsley is loved by all. Everyone wanted to make sure you were worthy of her.”

“What did you say?” Paxton asked, sounding a little too much like a high school boy hoping the girl he had a crush on liked him too. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath. “Not that it matters. This is between Tinsley and me and no one else.”

He didn’t think it was a good sign when Peter snorted with amusement. “Don’t worry. I told them you were better than Stephen.”

“I need to meet Stephen.”

Peter laughed again over the phone and Paxton wanted to shake him. “I’m sure you will soon. Seriously though, I told them you were a damn good agent and to give you a chance.”

“I guess I owe you then.” Paxton paused and looked back toward Tinsley’s studio before dropping his voice. “Have you heard anything from Atlanta?”

“Already looking to leave? Not so serious about Tinsley then?”

“It’s not that,” Paxton admitted. “I put in for a transfer as you know, but now I’m not so sure what I want. One thing I do know— something isn’t right. I should have been promoted. I was just curious if you’ve heard anything.”

“Your transfer was denied an hour ago. It’s one of the reasons I’m calling. The reason for it did strike me as odd. It said you weren’t qualified. I looked up who got the promotion and you have five years of seniority over him. Plus you have more street experience. From what I can tell, you were blackballed. I’m curious as to the reason.”

“Who was appointed?” Paxton asked as he clenched his fingers into a fist.

“Mark Trevino.”

“That asshole? Something is definitely up.” Mark was always the one to cut corners. Paxton had no evidence of it, but he thought it was Mark who had blown Paxton’s cover, causing him to be shot.

“I tend to agree. What else is interesting is that your file has been changed. I have a copy from when you were transferred to me. I’m old school and printed it off. I pulled up the file online after I was told you weren’t qualified. There’s a ton of disciplinary actions that weren’t there before. The question is: who is Mark Trevino and is he powerful enough to alter your file?”

“Pull his record,” Paxton told him as his mind tried to understand this new development. He’d thought he was crazy thinking there was a conspiracy against him but now, it didn’t seem so crazy at all.

“I could, but he’d probably get notice of it. I didn’t think you’d want that yet.”

“No, you’re right.” Paxton took a breath and focused his mind. “Mark transferred in last year from the gang unit in the Boston office. He said he was tired of the cold weather when we asked why he transferred.”

“Okay, I’ll ask around to see if anyone has any contacts in the Boston office. See if we can find out the real reason for his transfer. Meanwhile, keep Tinsley safe and wrap up this art theft ring.”

When Paxton turned around, he realized the music was off and found Tinsley standing in the door to her studio drying her hands.

“I didn’t want to disturb your call since you looked upset. Is everything okay?” Tinsley asked.

“Yes, just Bureau politics. Peter has everything set up for a wire transfer. You’ll call a number and talk to one of our agents. He’ll send a wire with hidden software to trace it to the account number Maurice gives you. Then have Maurice sign over the sales papers and we’ll swoop in to arrest him.”

“Okay, I’ll call him tomorrow after lunch and set it up.”

Paxton nodded and then held out his hand. Tinsley walked across the gallery and slipped her hand into his. “Can I take you out to dinner tonight?”

“As in a date?” Tinsley smiled up at him. There was truly no better feeling in the world than that.

“Yes, as an official date. I’ll even take you home and kiss you goodnight.”

“I’d love that.”

“I know this great place to eat and it happens to be right across the street. I have an in with the owner. I work with her boyfriend,” Paxton teased as they locked up the gallery and headed to Karri’s restaurant.

Paxton and Tinsley enjoyed shrimp and grits that were elevated way above any shrimp and grits Paxton had ever had before. The grits were made with a special cheese, then deep-fried to make grit cakes before being smothered with Lowcountry shrimp, sausage, and gravy.

Then there was the company. Tinsley had him laughing with stories of growing up in Shadows Landing, the pirate history of the town, and how they’d met their relatives from Keeneston, Kentucky.

“Wait, your cousin Greer is with FBI Hostage Rescue?” Paxton asked for clarification. He’d heard of a woman joining HRT but not her name.

“Yup, she’s in New York City. Her father is retired FBI, her oldest brother is the FBI agent in charge in Lexington, and her other brother is with hostage rescue, too,” Tinsley said proudly. It was clear that while the two families had only known each other a couple of years, they were already very close.

By the time they left the restaurant, it seemed second nature to slip her hand into his as they walked. Tinsley leaned against him as they took in the warm night air on the short walk to the cars. Paxton stopped by Tinsley’s driver door as she opened it and tossed in her purse. She turned back around and smiled up at him. “This was fun. I’ll see you at home?”

Home.

The thought of Tinsley at home waiting for him had him reaching out and grabbing her hips. He stepped forward and pressed her against the side of the car before kissing her. He