The Art of Possession

Ex-military, private security operative Alex is wrapping up an operation in Provence when he gets a call from his boss. A potential client has a proposal that requires Alex to attend a gala at the British Museum in London to learn the particulars. A cautious Alex arrives at the rendezvous to find the clients being assessed by an equally wary historian and curator named Malcolm. Malcolm was recently professionally humiliated and dumped by a wealthy, titled, and well-connected ex-boyfriend who now wants Alex and Malcolm to recover and authenticate a stolen artifact in time for an exhibition opening. Distrustful of the client but appreciative of Malcolm’s backbone and expertise, Alex agrees. The two are soon in pursuit of the thief from London to France and then into Africa—dodging snipers and falling in love. The story is well paced; the stolen artifact plotline moves steadily toward resolution as Alex and Malcolm get to know each other and their sudden working partnership, slowly and sweetly, becomes something more. The artifact is recovered, the ex-boyfriend gets his just desserts, and the thwarted thief receives a surprising offer.