The Monuments Men Murders (The Art of Murder 4)

“You and Roy didn’t serve together?”

“No. Different units entirely.”

Being in Bavaria was a link, but not enough of a link. Still, not necessarily a complete dead end.

“You and Roy shared an interest in art. Was Roy a painter too?”

“He wanted to be.” Doc said regretfully, “He just wasn’t very good.”

“But he taught art for a while. He collected art.”

“Sure.”

“Did Roy show you his art collection?”

“Sure. Roy showed everyone his collection.”

If that was true, that would sure make his and J.J.’s job easier.

“Can you describe what you remember of his collection?”

Doc said vaguely, “His taste was eclectic. There were some things he bought from local dealers, things he picked up at art shows, things he bought on eBay, though I used to warn him not to trust those descriptions.”

“And some things he shipped back from Europe during the war,” Jason said.

“Now that I couldn’t say.”

“That’s what his family says.”

“Like I told you, Agent West, I wouldn’t take anything Quilletta tells you too seriously.”

“What about you? Did you bring back a few souvenirs?”

Doc said dryly, “We all brought back souvenirs of one kind or another.”

“Did you bring back art?”

“No.” He was definite on that point.

“The Thompson family tried to sell a panel from a van Eyck altar piece,” Jason said. “That, along with a couple of valuable paintings they also put up for auction, was part of a trove of art looted by the Nazis and stored in Bavaria.”

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Doc said wonderingly. “Looks like some of Roy’s eBay buys paid off after all.”

Jason was both amused and exasperated. “Doc—”

Doc glanced at the clock above the refrigerator. “I don’t want to be inhospitable, but I’ve got to get to a doctor’s appointment in a little bit. Once you get to be my age, doctor appointments are the highlight of your social calendar. Was there anything else you wanted to know?”

“Yes. There are plenty of other things I want to know. Did Roy ever mention the name Emerson Harley to you?”

Doc squinted as though watching a distant parade fade from sight. “I don’t think so.”

Was he telling the truth? He sounded sincere. Jason relaxed a little. “What about his letters? I understand you have those in your possession.”

Doc raised his brows. “Whose letters?”

“Roy’s.”

“His letters? What kind of letters?”