The Flinck Connection (Book 4) (Genevieve Lenard) by Estelle Ryan Page A

even locked in a safe.
    Moving with the stealth born from his career as a thief, he left the bedroom. I followed him, confident that my socked feet wouldn’t make any sound on the solid wooden floors. I didn’t know how he managed to move that fast, but by the time I entered the living area, Colin was a few feet from the front door. He held his gun loosely to his side, but his body language told me he was ready to use it at any moment. He would not be the only one using such deadly force. Vinnie was already at the front door, also in his pyjama pants, also holding a handgun.
    A voice came from the other side of the door, but it was too soft for me to hear. It must have been someone Vinnie and Colin recognised, because the muscle tension in their bodies decreased significantly. Vinnie peeked through the peephole, straightened and nodded to Colin. Then they both lifted their shoulders, simultaneously communicating their confusion. Vinnie held out his hand, took Colin’s gun and stood to the side.
    The few seconds it took them to confirm the identity of our visitor was enough for me to reach their sides. Colin pushed me behind him as he opened the door. Vinnie stood a metre to my left, still ready with both guns.
    “I hope you’re not aiming any weapons at me,” a familiar male voice said from the hallway. I stepped around Colin.
    “Daniel.” I was surprised to see the leader of the top GIPN team at my front door. He was wearing his uniform pants, but a thick ski-jacket with a fur-trimmed hood. The visible muscles on his face were tense. “What’s wrong?”
    “Good morning, Docto… Genevieve. I’m sorry to drop in unannounced, but I was hoping to speak to you.”
    He pushed the hood off his head and unzipped his jacket. His one foot shifted closer, his other nonverbal cues confirming his expectation to be invited in. I considered this. I knew Daniel only from the few times he and his team had assisted us in our cases. There was no reason he should come and visit me at home unless it was important. I took a step back and pushed Colin with my elbow to force him back as well.
    “Come in.” I decided to wait until he was seated before I questioned his unexpected visit.
    He walked through the door and immediately turned to his right, facing Vinnie. “Two guns?”
    “And my charm.” Vinnie’s smile wasn’t friendly.
    “You’re going to need more than that to catch me, bub.”
    Vinnie’s smile disappeared. “The name is Vinnie. Not bub.”
    Daniel took a step closer to Vinnie, not exhibiting any sign of being intimidated. He held out his gloved hand. “Daniel Cassel. Pleased to meet you, Vinnie.”
    It was clearly not what Vinnie had been expecting. His eyes widened slightly before narrowing. His stare went from Daniel’s hand to his face and back to his hand again. After a considerable amount of time, Vinnie tucked one of the guns in the back of his pants and took Daniel’s hand in what looked like a crushing grip. “Don’t fuck with us.”
    I sighed. “As soon as you are finished posturing, Vinnie can make us coffee and you can tell us why you are here.”
    Daniel waited until Vinnie let go of his hand and turned to me. His glance went to Colin, but then settled on me. “Thanks, Genevieve. Coffee would be great. It’s been a long night.”
    I pointed at the sofas to my right. “Let’s sit down. Vinnie?”
    “Coffee.” He nodded once, gave Daniel a look that clearly carried a warning or a threat, depending on the individual’s interpretation.
    “I didn’t know you were all living together.” Daniel walked to the sofa facing the balcony and sat down.
    Colin had been quiet this whole time, observing. In my opinion, it was this skill that made him such an exceptional thief. He took his time learning everything he could about his target or, in this case, his possible adversary before taking action. Without looking at him, I knew his face was in a neutral expression, his eyes absorbing every small