Page 18 of Falling Fast

Sighing, she glanced over her shoulder at Baker. “Sorry, one second.” Then she focused back on Jamie. “What?”

“There’s a gun in the hall.”

A tiny crease appeared on her forehead, but he caught the leap of understanding in her eyes. “What kind of gun?”

“I dunno.” He knew exactly what it was. “Bet you’ll like it.”

“Are you a collector?” Baker asked her with new interest, and straightened.

“Not personally.” She pushed the plush office chair back from the desk and strode out into the hallway. “Where?” she asked Jamie, glancing around.

He pointed to the antique rifle mounted in a display case near the far end of the hall.

“Oh, an Enfield!” She hurried over to gaze up at it, then looked back at Baker, who’d followed her. “Is it yours?”

He blinked at her. “Yes.”

She studied it a moment longer. “It’s in great condition. What year is it?”

“1863.”

“Is it Union or Confederate?”

He seemed both surprised and impressed that she’d asked. “Confederate, but it’s a non-issue. Was never actually used in the war.” He peered at her more intently, his expression full of amazement. “How do you know about Civil War weapons?”

“Oh, my dad has some old firearms at home.”

“Does he collect?”

“No, he inherited his great-great-grandfather’s weapons from the war. He was a corporal in Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.”

She said it so perfectly, as though it wasn’t a big deal, when it was the exact hook they needed to snag Baker’s interest. And since it was the truth, it was that much easier for her to relate the story.

“Was he really?” Baker sounded fascinated.

“Mmhmm. We’ve got his service revolver, cartridge belt and forage cap as well.”

“Incredible. Have you ever had them appraised? With a family history of a particular Confederate soldier attached, those things could be worth a lot of money.”

“No, we’ve never looked into it. They’re family heirlooms we wouldn’t sell anyway, but one day I’d like to do more research on them. Find out where they were issued from, what battles he fought in.”

“I’d be glad to put you in touch with some experts if you like.”

Charlie looked back at Baker, gave a tiny smile. “Even if I can’t fix your computer problem?”

“Yes, of course,” he answered, all sincerity now. “I’ve got quite a collection myself, I’ve been adding to it for years now. Maybe you’d like to see it sometime.”

Bingo.Jamie did a mental fist pump. Their first hint at another meeting with Baker.

Charlie didn’t react, not so much of a flash in her eyes or a tensing of her muscles at the victory. God, she’d been incredible so far. Once she’d miraculously “solved” the virus problem, Baker would be hooked. “I might,” she murmured, her answer and slightly coy tone perfect.

Baker stepped closer to her, gazed up at the Enfield. “It’s quite extensive. One of the best in the U.S. I’ve had museums after me for years, trying to get me to sell them some of my pieces, including a Confederate cannon I bought from a dealer down in Louisiana.”

It was both fascinating and nauseating to see Baker trying to impress Charlie with his money and prestige. Somehow Jamie managed to keep a straight face as he watched them. Baker appeared to have forgotten about him completely, which wasn’t a bad thing.

“I’m sure it’s wonderful, but I’m not sure it would be appropriate,” she murmured, shutting Baker down before he could continue. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d better get back to work and at least earn the outrageous down payment you agreed to give me.”

With that she turned and headed back to the office without a backward glance. Leaving Baker to follow.

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