Chapter 31

Tariq frowned as he stepped into the cool, marble-floored interior of the Al-Badr Gallery. The air inside was heavy with the scent of expensive cologne and old paper. Jawad Al-Hashemi stood near the center of the hall, his eyes locking onto Tariq immediately. A smirk pulled at the corner of Jawad's mouth, a sharp contrast to the furious glare he leveled at the newcomer. "You're late with the painting, Tariq," Jawad said, his voice carrying across the silent exhibition hall. He stepped closer,...