It was terribly suspicious. It was also terribly interesting. The first thought that occurred to Braxiatel is that if the skeletons of others had been dug up, his own may not be safe. He would need to prepare for that.

As it was, that would be taken care of in time. "A painting? I can't promise that I'll be of any help, but of course I would try for no cost whatsoever. I am always happy to help a fellow collector."

Sandoval had not said that his employer was a collector, but that was irrelevant. Whatever art's significance to him, he doubtless had a habit of a certain kind of collection.