The Enigma of Eros

ng to her face. Detective Adrian Cross was already waiting, seated at a corner table, a steaming cup of c

" he said, hi

tly, shrugging off her coat and sl

, I assume," Adrian said, his l

mach twisted.

have someone keeping an eye on Eros in Chains? That painting is

he reprimand she'd expected. Instead

ble," Isabelle said after

. "That's interesting, because from where I'm sitt

ned. "What are y

You knew his habits, his secrets. And now, you're the last person h

e of the table. Adrian wasn't wrong, but sh

"I hadn't spoken to him in years. But I do know that his d

ment, then leaned forward.

frowned.

you're going to investigate, you do it under my terms. No more sneaking

Isabelle asked, n

es, to the evidence, to everything we know so fa

g Adrian meant relinquishing some control, but

fter a long pause.

m his bag and sliding it across the

autopsy report, fragments of messages recovered from his phone. But what caught her attention

she asked, poin

m are artists, collectors, or critics.

llery last night. He said something stra

an eyebrow. "D

" Isabelle said. "But

ho shows off his acquisitions. He's more interested in what's hidden beneath the surface. Obscure sy

volved in Julian's de

to find out. And if you're serious abo

elle said,

. "Not openly, at least. But he might open

s was daunting, but if he held answers about Ju

said finally.

corder. "Take this with you. If he sa

rawling mansion perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. The wind howl

tall man in a tailored suit.

ith a slight bow. "Mr. Voss ha

t a shiver down her spine, but

xterior-high ceilings, dark wood, and walls lined wi

hair with a glass of brandy in his hand. He rose as she

smoothly. "To what d

," she said, her voice steady despi

ing for her to sit. "A tragic l

erous," Isabelle pressed. "

ething beyond art. He believed in the power of symbols, the ability to chan

on Eros in Chains

ncient, tied to myths of transformation and sacrifice. Julian

Isabelle asked, her voic

ly. "That's the q

collector; he was a believer. And whatever Julian had bee

his tone soft but ominous. "Some do