Tokyo Heist Read Online Free Page B

frame to see. “The trick is to make someone view an ordinary thing in a new way.” Or, “That’s a great composition, kiddo. Now that picture tells a story.”
    I don’t know why my dad moved out of that house, or why we stopped playing the Frame Game. I don’t know why we mostly just meet at the Macaroni Grill now. I don’t know why he hid my existence from his art dealer, his girlfriend, and who knows how many others.
    I look at my dad and Skye, deep in conversation. I hurl imaginary ninja weapons.
    Skye crumples as if a weapon actually hit her. She buries her face in her hands.
    My dad shoves his hands in his pockets and stares at the ground.
    Uh-oh. Big Issues. I crack the window so I can hear.
    “We wouldn’t have had much time to hang out in Tokyo anyway,” my dad is saying. “Between the art show and my artist talks and the mural, my time just isn’t my own.”
    “I don’t care. I have unused vacation days. I’ll pay my own way.”
    “How are you going to afford that?”
    Skye lifts her pointy chin. “I’m getting a little cash windfall soon. I’ll put the trip on my credit cards and pay it off when my money comes through.”
    My skin prickles. Cash windfall? From the sale of some stolen art, perhaps?
    “Skye, it’s just not a good time to—”
    “Stop pushing me away!” Skye explodes. “When are you going to let me into your life? If I don’t go on this trip, it’ll damage our relationship. It’s too much time apart.”
    “Hey, I’m not the one who decided you can’t go to Japan! Don’t pin that on me!”
    “What, you think it’s my fault I’m not going? You know it’s crazy they’re even looking at me in the first place. You know that, don’t you?”
    My dad hesitates, then nods.
    “Of course it is,” Skye says fiercely, taking a step forward. “Think about the facts. Kenji discovered that portfolio in his office archives in February. I told him to keep it quiet, at least until he got the pictures insured. But he made this big deal of loaning the art to the museum. All those interviews. I mean, the Today show? Come on!”
    “His nephew encouraged him to do the interviews,” my dad says. “Both Hideki and Kenji thought it would be good press for their company.”
    “Still, Kenji could have said no or delayed the public relations stunt. So what happened? The news of his little treasure trove gets all over the Internet. As I predicted. I even told him to update his security system. Did he? Nope. I mean, the guy might as well tape a big sign on his back saying ‘I’m a clueless rich guy moving van Goghs around the world. Come and get ’em!’ I tried to help. Now they point a finger at me.”
    “It’s not fair,” my dad agrees. “But you’re going to look like a flight risk until your name is cleared. You shouldn’t go to Japan. That’s the reality. It’s not my fault.”
    “Yeah. You’re always blameless, aren’t you? Must be really nice. Listen, I’d start looking for a lawyer if I were you. Don’t assume you’re off the hook.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “The detectives are going to look really closely at anyone who knows the Yamadas and their collection. Even if the Art Institute confirms you were teaching last Wednesday night, investigators are going to see if you played some kind of backstage role.”
    “Oh, Skye. I can’t take the drama right now. It’s late. And I’ve got a kid in the car.”
    “Right. A kid.” Skye smirks. “So you don’t like drama. But you decide to tell me about your kid by just having her show up here tonight. Oh, no, that’s not dramatic!”
    “I should have given you a heads-up about her. I’m sorry.”
    “A ‘heads-up’?” Skye takes another step toward him. “We’ve had how many conversations about kids? All you ever said was you didn’t want any!”
    He didn’t want any kids? Did that include me?
    Their voices rise and fall like waves. Ugly words crash down. I don’t want to listen anymore. I roll up the