Chapter 5
Merrick turned on the lights, then entered the gallery. Four paintings lined both walls that ran the length of the room. Two eight-foot-tall angel sculptures stood in the center aisle. A small desk sat tucked in the back corner. At the front of the gallery, a sculpture of a giant chicken looked out the large glass wall at the downtown street.
As he unlocked the deadbolt, Merrick took a quick glance at the street. Only a black Tahoe was parked along the curb, so maybe he wasn’t in trouble just yet. Maybe.
As he opened the door for the agent, he forced a smile. “May I help you?”
The agent stepped inside. “I’m Agent Squires with the FBI.” He flashed his badge, flipped it closed and then slid it into his jacket pocket in fluid motion. “I’d like to ask you a few questions.”
“All
