Chapter 42

The next day I tried to focus on work instead of Waschbars. Time moved slowly as I kept glancing at my watch. It was going to be a long day.

Finally at five I rushed home to get ready. Monroe arrived right as I was putting on my blue sapphire necklace.

"I thought this gala thing wasn't until seven."

"It is, but I want to get there early before Natalie arrives, so she doesn't have a chance to hug anyone."

"Oh, that won't be a problem even if she does," Monroe replied. "My nose is in tip-top shape, and that gallery isn't compact like the yoga studio. We'll know for sure this time, I assure you of that."

I breathed out a bit. "Okay, good. So we don't have to rush."

Monroe smiled at me. "You look amazing, by the way."

I grinned. "Thanks. I like that blue tie." I ran my hand across the material.

"It goes well with your dress, I think. When you said sapphire, I was kinda at a loss for the right blue," he replied. "But I think I found a proper shade."

Monroe had done well. The blue looked sharp against his white shirt and navy jacket. He'd come a long way from tan vests and burgundy plaid ties. Either way, he always looked good to me.

I evened out my makeup from the rush job I'd done and did one last once over in the mirror. I gave myself an appreciative nod. I'd probably taken more time getting ready that I'd actually spend being there tonight. Maybe Monroe would find interactive art more interesting and we could stay a bit longer. At least we could have a free glass of wine if nothing else.

I grabbed my jacket and clutch as we headed out.

The drive was quick, and I took in a much needed breath as we parked by the Imago Art Space building. Monroe reached for a brown fedora hat from the back seat and put it on before he got out of the car. He moved to the other side and opened the passenger door.

I stood and then curiously pointed at his head. "Are you going to wear that inside?"

Monroe reached for the brim. "What's wrong with the hat?"

"Nothing, it's just that the brown really doesn't go with your outfit."

"But it..."

I shook my head at him. "Leave it."

"But I like the hat," he muttered as he grudging took it off and laid it in the car seat.

I have him a small kiss as I closed my car door. "It would've messed up your hair anyway."

"So do you remember the code phrases?" Monroe asked as we approached the studio.

"Yes." I tapped my forehead. "I have them right here."

Monroe grinned like a kid. "Good. Let's do this then." He reached for the studio door.

We walked into a circus. At least that's the first thing it reminded me of. People were dressed in strange outfits, moving about to music, while others were making shadow puppets on walls, and some were showing films of abstract shapes on projector screens. It was loud and very animated.

"Are you sure, uh, we're in the right place?" asked Monroe as we hovered in the entranceway.

"Yeah, this is it. Welcome to interactive art."

Monroe sighed as he shook his head. "I never thought these things could get worse, but they just did."

"It's still an open bar," I said while suppressing a laugh.

"Well, at least the good part is remaining consistent."

Monroe and I walked around while I searched for Natalie's red hair. Monroe was dodging and ducking his head as we passed by each exhibit.

"Dude, they're like flying over me. How the hell is this art?"

"Art comes in all forms. This is just theirs."

"If this is art then I'm a monkey's uncle."

I grinned at him. "If you bought a costume, I'm sure you could turn that into art, too."

Monroe wrinkled his brow. "Not funny."

Finally I caught a glimpse of red in the far corner. "There she is," I exclaimed. "Let's go over there."

Natalie was wearing an off-the-shoulder violet gown with satin that flowed out to the ground. It must have been another one of Madame Dazzles' hand-me-downs. It was breathtaking.

"Hey!" said Natalie as we approached.

"You look stunning tonight," I said with a smile. "Turn around and let me get a good look."

"It's a Versace! I am wearing a real Versace! I've been thanking Lydia all night." Natalie beamed then did a slow twirl as I looked toward Monroe.

"The carnations aren't in bloom," said Monroe in an awkward voice, pursing his lips.

"What was that?" asked Natalie.

"Nothing," I said quickly. "Natalie, that is an amazing dress."

"Yours is beautiful, too, Renée."

I smiled. "Thank goodness for Sandra."

"So, what do you think about all this?" She moved her hand around the room.

"It's really… busy," I said. That was the kindest word my mental filing cabinet could come up with.

"Yeah, but isn't it just exciting though? Johnna is already getting some notoriety for tonight, and this is just her first one. I even talked to a friend of mine at the paper who's doing an article about it."

"It ought to be an interesting article," I replied while trying to hide my smirk. "Well, I think we're going to look around some more."

"Make sure you say a kind word to Lydia. She could use it with all this robbery stuff still going on."

"Is she here?"

"Oh, yeah. She wanted to celebrate Johnna's first gala."

Natalie pointed to Madame Dazzles, who looked odd without her other bookend standing beside her. She seemed kind of lop-sided that way. She was dressed as sophisticated as ever in a saffron gown that went well with her sandalwood hair. Only Madame Dazzles could pull off saffron. The dress was just as amazing as the one Natalie was wearing.

I nodded. "I'll stop and talk to her before I leave. We can't stay too long tonight."

"Oh, that's too bad. Well, I'm going back over to talk with Johnna. You guys have fun, and if I don't see you before I leave, have a good night." I gave my human friend a quick hug.

I leaned in close to Monroe as she walked off. "So, that's a relief."

Monroe shook his head. "I guess my nose was off after all." He made a sour face as he scowled slightly to himself.

"It's okay. It was raining really hard that night. Maybe it was a raccoon outside."

"I dunno, man. I mean, I'm just not used to being off my game like that."

I reached for his hand, giving it a tight squeeze. "So, if it's not Natalie, then it still could be Johnna."

"Or it's possible it's some other crazy Waschbar," Monroe replied in a whisper. "It doesn't have to be this one."

I nodded slowly. I really wanted to solve this puzzle. It was frustrating. But maybe Monroe was right. It could be someone I'd never met.

We walked over to the bar for our consolation prize of free wine. It was at least something I could enjoy. Interactive art was not my thing, and it surely wasn't Monroe's either.

"I'm glad it's not Natalie," I said as I took a sip of cabernet. "If nothing else, that part of the mystery is solved."

"Yeah, glad you still have that friendship…" He trailed off as he squinted his eyes. I turned to see Natalie dancing around with one of the performers. "But she is one odd bird, I gotta admit."

I chuckled. "She's fun, and I like her."

He shrugged as he took a long sip of wine. "Then that's all that matters, man."

We watched the circus from the sidelines while we finished off our free wine.

"So, was there anything… or anyone here you wanted to buy tonight?" Monroe asked with a smirk.

I laughed. "No. It's safe to say that I'm not purchasing anyone. I don't think they would go with my décor." I reached up to adjust his tie as I gave him a smile. "We don't have to stay."

"Good, because this carnival ride is giving me a headache." Monroe glanced at my hand. "Dude, you've got your watch on the wrong wrist."

"Wrong wrist?" I asked bemusedly. "Is there a correct one?"

"Yeah, of course there is." He gave me a disapproving shake of his head like I should have known. "Only left-handed people wear a watch on their right wrist."

"Only left-handed people?"

"Yeah. See, you wear your watch on the less dominant side to prevent it from getting all scraped up," Monroe explained while moving my watch to my other wrist. "But back in the day most wore them on their left wrist since the stems are typically placed on the right side of the watch. It's easier to adjust the time without removing it, you know?"

My mind was taking in what Monroe had just said. Left-handed. My mental filing cabinets began to burst open as my mind starting putting puzzle pieces together. I shut my eyes, trying to keep up with my brain.

"Are you okay?" Monroe's voice sounded concerned, and I held up a finger while I kept my eyes closed.

The memories were flashing back. Watch on right wrist. Signing paperwork. Giving back to charity. Natalie's dress. Goodwill. Blue eyes. Cloaking. Birds of a feather. Could it be? It all fit! No, it definitely wasn't Johnna, but I knew who it was. Well, I was at least ninety-nine percent sure. The only way to be a hundred percent was to confront her.

My eyes popped open. "I'll be right back!" I gave Monroe a quick kiss. "You're a genius!"

He looked back nonplussed. Before he could reply, I moved briskly through the crowd to Madame Dazzles, who was standing with Johnna. Johnna was receiving accolades from a few patrons on her first exhibit. Her watch was on her left wrist. I looked down at Madame Dazzles' wrist. Sure enough, she was wearing an expensive watch on her right wrist. Holy crap!

Madame Dazzles turned as I approached. "Renée. How are you?" she asked with her faux smile in place.

"I'm good. How have you been since the robbery?" I watched her reaction, trying to read any hint of guilt.

Her smile faded and she shook her head. "It's been so tragic. The museum in Florence is up in arms over this, and I'm working to keep up the hope that the perpetrator will be found and the painting returned." I half expected violins to play a maudlin tune behind her, but there was nothing in her demeanor that screamed 'thief.' I had to probe further.

"Could we speak privately for a moment?" I asked her.

She turned to Johnna, who was engrossed in a conversation with a few other women. She turned back to face me. "Yes, I can step away briefly."

We walked to a secluded area near the back of the gallery.

Once we were alone, I crossed my arms, and faced her. "So, I have to ask… Why did you do it?"

She looked at me blankly. "Do what exactly?"

"That's a great charade you gave the police. All the yelling and crying, but it was you who stole the painting."

Her face colored. "Renée, I really don't know where these accusations are coming from. I wouldn't dream of…"

"Save it, Lydia." I was being bold, but I knew I was right. "You pointed that crossbow at me. How did you learn to use one so well?"

She shook her head as her mouth gaped slightly. I was rattling her cage. "I think you should leave now before I call the police for slander and defamation of character."

"I saw your blue eyes stare right at me that day at the museum," I continued, ignoring her threats. "And I also saw your woge."

At those words her raccoon features burst forth, gasping at me. "Grimm!" she hissed out as she retracted.

"Waschbar," I replied in an even tone, fixing my eyes on hers.

"Come with me." Lydia's face relaxed. "I can explain everything, but we need more privacy than this."

Well, that wasn't the kind of a response I'd expected. But I'd been right, so I followed Madame Dazzles to a back room area. We walked inside and she flipped on a light switch. It seemed like a large storage room. Paintings and sculptures, some blanketed in white sheets, some stacked around, were covering the floors.

"Just shut the door, so that we won't be interrupted."

As I closed the door, a wave of unease came over me. This woman was a killer. Maybe I should've had Monroe…

"Turn around slowly," Madame Dazzles said, halting my thoughts.

I let out a breath. Bad idea, Renée. Bad idea.

I did as she asked and was faced with that crossbow once more. My eyes caught a glimpse of the same satchel from the museum on a crate behind her.

"You keep your crossbow with you?" I asked as I held my hands up.

"One can never be too careful," she replied with a more natural smile.

"I could just scream," I replied.

"This arrow would be in your chest before you could get out a breath."

I thought back to the guard. She was right. He was dead as a doornail as soon as she had shot him. I tried not to let Madame Dazzles see my fear, but I gulped in spite of myself.

"This way," she said as she motioned me further back into the storage room.

I did as she asked, keeping sight of that arrow aimed directly at me. We had moved to the back of the room, away from the door and from anyone who could hear us. Why couldn't I have just been smarter about this? My eyes looked toward the door. It was useless. If I tried to run I'd be dead instantly.

"This is good right here," she said.

"So, did you just bring me back here to kill me, or do you want to tell me the whole story?"

Madame Dazzled laughed. "The whole story?"

In the movies this was the part where the villain had a long monologue, which gave the hero time to save the day. This was no movie, but she liked to talk. Perhaps she'd have a story to share before she shot me dead.

"If I'm going to die, I'd like to know why." My woge of recklessness was still doing the talking for me.

Madame Dazzles was silent for a moment as she brandished her crossbow at me. Finally she said, "Renée, there are things going on in the Wesen world you wouldn't understand." Her woge bubbled under the surface of her skin, but she held it back. That woman had control, no doubt. "There's corruption within the system that's beyond anything you can imagine. What I did was for more than just the money. My thefts… The items I took let them know we are aware of their plans."

She seemed more real to me at this moment than all the other times I'd seen her.

"Whose plans?" I asked.

"Them. The Seven Houses." She watched me. "You're a Grimm, you should know. Your kind has been serving them for centuries."

I shook my head. But if I got out of this I'd find out.

"No matter," Madame Dazzles continued. "Their plans can't be brought to fruition, and we must stop them before it's too late. And this is only the beginning."

"But what about the donations?" I asked.

She eyed me curiously. "How do you know about that?"

"Every time something was stolen there was a large, anonymous donation. They announced it on the news. It was too coincidental. Was that part of the plan, too?"

Her crossbow wavered slightly. "The money was just my way to give back to those less fortunate. I grew up in an orphanage. I had to learn what I was on my own. You have no sense of what that does to a Wesen. Growing up… not understanding why all the other kids can't do or see what you can."

"While I may not be Wesen… I understand being different," I blurted out. "I've seen the 'other world' all my life, and the first half of my life I had no one I could confide in. But I realize that's nothing compared to living it."

She shook her head defiantly. "Living it is different. Finding out that you're…" Her woge sprung out. "Finding out you're a creature and not having any family to fully understand what that means… Well, once I did, I discovered my talents were valuable in many ways. But I vowed I'd pay back the ones that took care of me, even when I couldn't control what I was. Shelters, churches—those were my family."

"Of course. That makes sense," I said calmly as she retracted her woge. If I was gonna get out of this alive, she had to believe I was on her side.

Regardless of my agreeability, she maintained her stance and her aim remained steadily fixed continuing to point the arrow at my head. Where was Monroe? Surely he'd miss me or smell me back here. Something.

"But this heist," Madame Dazzles resumed. "Oh, this one had purpose. And the rewards served more function than anything I could have dreamed." Her smile was smugly satisfied. Whatever it was, she wasn't revealing any of it to me. "And with all I've done, I'm not about to get caught and ruin everything that's been put into action."

"Well, if it served a good purpose, then…"

"It did, Renée. And it will even help those like you in the end. More than you'll ever know."

"Then I thank you." I motioned my head toward the crossbow. "Now would you please put that down?"

She extended her arm further. "Not yet."

"Okay, so I know you're fantastic with that, and you know I have no chance even without it. So just leave, and we'll call it even."

Out of the corner of my eye I caught a slight movement coming from the door. Monroe. He held his finger up to his lips as he crept forward. Oh, God. My focus stayed on Madame Dazzles, but I kept watch of Monroe without her realizing it. Thank goodness he was stealthy. But he needed to be careful. One small sound and she'd turn around and shoot him dead. I held my breath at the thought.

"You know who I am," she replied. You'll go to the police."

Monroe moved closer.

"And tell them what?" I bravely stepped forward, my recklessness pushing against my feet and edging me on. "That a Waschbar who was protecting La Bella actually stole it… among other things? Who's going to believe it?"

"Well…" She paused, and I moved a few steps closer. So did Monroe.

"I'm not your enemy, Lydia." I inched nearer while keeping my hands in view. My eyes caught her wavering again. She only had one arrow. While she was fast, I was, too. If she let this one off, that was it and Monroe would take her down. If only we could call Nick.

Lydia laughed. "I don't want to hurt you. For some reason I couldn't shoot you at the museum. But I will if need be."

"So, then don't. Just walk away."

I took another step. By now I was within a foot of Madame Dazzles' crossbow. Monroe was still a few yards back. He edged closer, but then his shoe caught on one of the paintings, scraping it across the floor. He ducked down quickly, but it was too late. Madame Dazzles turned, blindly aiming her bow at the noise as Monroe growled. I pushed her arm hard at the moment she shot, knocking the arrow up in the air. Before she had time to move toward Monroe, I took her to the ground as my reckless woge came forth. She had her woge in return, trying to claw at me, but I held her down firmly.

"Dude," Monroe said at the scene of us both.

"Good timing," I managed a reply between breaths.

He looked down at the crossbow. "I could say the same to you."

Madame Dazzles was snarling and clawing at the edge of my dress, ripping it to shreds. She was strong, but not as strong as the Daemonfeuer, and fortunately she couldn't breathe fire, either. This Wesen I had control over. After feeling so helpless with Miss Fireball, this vindicated those feelings.

Monroe moved in, letting his woge take over.

Madame Dazzles gasped. "Blutbad!" Her body tensed and her struggling ceased.

Monroe reached down and effortlessly took hold of her. I ambled up while pieces of my dress fell to the floor.

"Nick will be here soon with back up," Monroe said while retracting, "which you don't seem to believe in, apparently."

Madame Dazzles struggled against Monroe's grasp. "If he gets to me, then you will all be doomed," she cried. The fear in her eyes ran though me.

"Lydia, you killed people. You knew this was coming."

"Two lives for many in return," she said obstinately. God, she was more cryptic than her blue cards.

"Police!" was yelled out in the distance followed by shrieks.

"If you have her, I'm going out there."

Monroe nodded.

Even in heels I managed to move quickly to the door, open it, and peer out into the gallery. Nick was leading the way, gun drawn.

"Officer, help!" I said and Nick turned in my direction. My eyes narrowed on Captain Debonair moving through the crowd behind him. Wow, this had brought in the captain. My breath caught in my throat.

I went back inside. "You need to get out of here, or hide," I hissed to Monroe, who had moved closer toward the door, with Lydia in tow.

Surprisingly he nodded, and I took hold of Lydia's arms, grasping tightly as Monroe ducked into the shadows.

Nick darted through the room a moment later, holding his gun out toward Madame Dazzles. He reached for her and I let go quickly. "I'll take it from here," he told me. He cuffed her while reciting the Miranda rights.

Captain Debonair gave me a quick smirk then his lips formed a straight line as he holstered his gun. I hadn't even realized he had one out. He nodded, those hazel green eyes piercing me, but then he returned his gaze to Madame Dazzles, and I let out another breath.

Detective Swagger along with Sergeant Jokes-a-Lot had come in, followed by two other officers. The detective looked in my direction and nodded the same way as before to Monroe in the museum. His nod, however, was followed by a smile that said, 'How you doin'?' I simply nodded in reply.

Nick was still holding on to Madame Dazzles. He spoke to an officer to cart her away. She turned quickly, with the saddest eyes ever.

"Don't sleep until you're guilty, 'cause sinners all are we." She called out to me. Then she was gone as the officer led her out of the room.

Nick came forward. "We're going to need another statement from you," he said while trying not to scowl.

I nodded slowly.

He surveyed what was left of my dress. "Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine. I'm just glad you came. Her weapon is over there." I pointed at the bow, hidden in the corner near the remnants of my dress. "And there's an arrow somewhere in that direction." I moved my hand toward the door.

"We've got a weapon over in the corner there, Hank," Nick yelled back to Detective Swagger. "And an arrow by this entrance."

"I'm on it," he replied. He donned blue latex gloves and went to work collecting evidence in large Ziploc bags. He even took some of my dress, which made no sense to me.

Captain Renard walked toward me. "Miss Davenport." He held his hands tightly in his trench coat pockets as he gave me a closed-lipped smile. He then turned to Nick. "Make sure you get her statement tonight," he said. "We need to move quickly with this. The mayor wants recovery of these pieces immediately." Hazel green eyes met mine once more. "I hope you weren't harmed in any way tonight, Miss Davenport."

"No, sir. I'm just fine."

"I'm glad to hear it. I'd hate for anything to happen to you."

I glanced around at the scene. "I got lucky today."

"It seems good fortune has smiled on you twice." The captain nodded with a slight twinkle in his eye. "You are a lucky woman." He said something to Nick about prelims and seeing him back at the precinct. As Captain Debonair walked away, I eyed Nick.

"There's going to be a trailer statement, too," I told him.

Nick shook his head. "Where's Monroe?" he whispered.

"He went to hide, but he's in here somewhere."

"Great." He sighed in reply. "I'm going to talk to my partner and see if we can clear out before he's found."

"Okay."

"I need you to head to the station. You heard the captain."

"Well, I came here in a yellow Volkswagen." I held in my sarcasm.

"Wait out in the gallery. When you see us leave, come back in so you and Monroe can get to the station. Understand?"

"Aye, aye, detective." Some of the sarcasm leaked out and I walked off.

As I moved toward the open bar, I received several curious stares. Oh, God. My dress! I looked like I'd lost a battle with a paper shredder. I quickly sat down, tucking my dress in as much as I could. Eagerly I watched the door to the back room.

Natalie rushed up to me. "What's going on?!" she cried out.

"I think they've located the Portland Art Museum thief."

"No way! Do you know who it is?"

"Lydia Swift."

Natalie gasped as she clasped her hand to her mouth. "No! Are you serious?!"

I nodded slowly. "They just escorted her out in handcuffs a few minutes ago."

"Oh, my gosh! This is just…" She was beyond words.

"The world is full of deceit," I said with a sigh. "And she deceived us all."

"I've got to find Johnna. This is tragic. She doesn't need this kind of negative publicity at her first gala. Oh, what is she going to do? Lydia, oh gosh…" She was still mumbling as she walked off. I shook my head. Poor Natalie. Her hero had turned out to be a villain. That was going to rock her world a bit.

I turned back to the storage room area. Where were they? I needed to check on Monroe.

"Can I get you anything?" asked the bartender.

"Tequila sunrise," I idly said not moving my head away from the door.

"Uhh… I'm sorry, Miss, but it's not that kind of open bar. How about a nice chardonnay?"

"Sure. I'm all about sophistication tonight."

(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)

As I finished my glass, Nick came out with Detective Swagger right next to him. They were absorbed in their own conversation and didn't glance at me. Sergeant Jokes-a-Lot and the other officers exited shortly after. Without looking too obvious, I crossed the gallery and entered the back room area.

"Monroe," I called out.

Monroe reemerged. "I thought they would never leave." He scooped me up in his arms, holding me tight. "Thank God you're okay."

"I'm all right now that you're here." I took in his embrace and relaxed.

"She aimed that crossbow at you again," he growled.

"I was more worried about her shooting you."

"One second more and I would've looked like a pin cushion. But you know you could've been killed!"

"She wasn't going to shoot me. If she was, she would've just done it."

Monroe looked down at me. "There you go again, assuming. Renée, what am I going to do with you?" Exasperation coated his words.

"How did you know to call Nick?" I asked back. His question was rhetorical.

"Well, when I couldn't find you, I let my nose figure things out," he began. "I noticed that curator you ran off to talk with wasn't around. I smelled Waschbar and Chanel No. 5 and I put two and two together. When I called Nick, he'd already figured out it was the curator, too, so I gave him the address here. Then all it took was to follow the scent, and… Well, you know the rest."

"I'm glad you called him. And I'm also glad you found us. While I don't think she would've shot me, she was definitely going to escape."

Monroe shook his head. "There was also a scent of your fear lingering in the air."

I flushed slightly. "Sure, I was scared. But, it doesn't mean I wasn't still convinced she wouldn't kill me."

"You know what they say about assuming, man."

"Do they say that it helps Grimms catch thieving Waschbars?"

"No, it makes you an ass," he smirked.

"At least I'm a smart one." I grinned up at him.

"Don't I know it." He snorted. "So, what was all that she was saying before they took her away? 'Don't sleep until you're guilty'?"

"Yeah, that… It's a song," I replied. "While it's still cryptic, I know what it's from. The next line is, 'There's others doing far worse than us, so be glad that you are free.'"

"And that means?"

"Not sure exactly. But it's a song by Prince."

A/N: Monroe tried to wear his undercover hat. LOL!

Whew! So, Madame Dazzles was the culprit after all! But there are more cryptic clues she's leaving for Renée.