Eye of the God Read Online Free

statements, and addresses where they could be reached for further investigation. Abby and Ana waited to speak with the detective privately.
    “Director Santos, I need a list of everything that was stolen today,” Rodriguez said, handing her a notepad and pencil.
    “Of course,” said Ana, gracious as always. She rattled the names off while scribbling them on the paper. “Pablo Picasso's The Dance . Claude Monet's Marine . Henri Matisse's Garden of Luxembourg . And Salvador Dali's Two Balconies .”
    Rodriguez took the notepad and stuck it in his pocket without even a glance at what she had written.
    “Detective, these men were professionals. They knew what they were doing,” Abby interrupted.
    Rodriguez glared at her sideways. “And you are?”
    “This is Dr. Abigail Mitchell, Director of the Smithsonian Institution's Natural Programs. She is my guest,” Ana said,an edge of irritation in her voice. “She has some information you will be most interested in. Just moments before the robbery she warned me of the possibility that thieves might be interested in the Salvador Dali painting.”
    Rodriquez narrowed his eyes at Abby. “I see. And how did you come by this information?”
    “A routine alert from Interpol. The art world is small, and we try to keep one another abreast of illicit activity.”
    “Detective, they stole something from Dr. Mitchell as well. A ring. Very valuable,” Ana said.
    “And what does this ring look like, Ms. Mitchell?
    “It has a thick gold band, intricately carved with vines, and inlaid with a single diamond.”
    “Are there any other distinguishing marks?” he asked.
    “Only an inscription inside the band that says, 'Alligator Food.'”
    Ana's brow furrowed. “Alligator Food? What on earth does that mean?”
    Abby shrugged. “I wish I knew.”

    Isaac's cell phone blared to life, and he looked at the display with a grin. He held it in his hand and let it ring twice more before answering. “Yes?”
    “Were you successful?” asked the eager voice on the other end.
    “Yes.”
    “And you have the two Van Goghs from Amsterdam as well?”
    “We do,” Isaac said, glancing at the six cardboard tubes stacked against the wall.
    “Then we will rendezvous at our usual location for the exchange. In the meantime, write down this name.”
    Isaac scrambled for a pen and paper and scribbled the name he was given: Dr. Abigail Mitchell. Washington, D.C .
    “She works for the Smithsonian and has access to something I want. I want you to make her acquaintance.”
    “What's the target?” A malicious smile crept over his face as he listened to their next marching orders. “We'll need some extra time to line up things.”
    “Good. Contact me when you're ready, and we'll discuss the details.”
    Isaac closed his phone and met his brother's frigid gaze.
    “What did he want?” Alex asked.
    “Just checking to see if we had the merchandise.”
    “And what else? I know that smile.”
    Isaac chose his words carefully. “He's got another job for us.”
    Alex shook his head. “This was supposed to be our last gig. I'm out. You know that.”
    Isaac held up a hand. “You may want to reconsider—”
    “We've been doing this for ten years,” he interrupted. “It's getting old. We agreed this would be the last heist.”
    “You don't even know what he wants.”
    “It doesn't matter. We don't need the money, and I'm bored with the work.”
    The corners of Isaac's mouth quivered as he suppressed a grin. “If that's the way you want it, fine. But I'm not afraid to do this one without you.”
    Alex stopped short. “What do you mean? Work alone? What does he want?”
    Isaac flashed his brother a conniving smile. “The Hope Diamond.”

3
    NINE MONTHS LATER
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
    T HE IMAX THEATER ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE SMITHSONIAN'S Museum of Natural History was filled to capacity. Abby stood behind the podium, hands on its sides waiting for the massive screen to grow