Page 13 of The Chase
“Everything goes through Mr. Huntly.”
“Of course.”
“He’ll come get you when he’s ready.”
“Great.”
“Let’s show you around.”
She introduced me to the rest of the staff, and I was greeted with warm smiles. Everyone seemed friendly and acted happy here, which was a great sign. The large windows allowed sunlight to flood in and the warm tone of those cream-colored walls gave the central cubicles a spacious feel.
When we made it to the room that would become my office I saw the small brown paper bag on the desk.
“It’s a muffin,” said Elena. “My treat to make you feel at home.”
“Thank you, Elena. That was so kind of you.” I peeked into the bag. “Now this is a perfect way to start the day.” It made my mouth water just thinking of it.
“Here’s what you’ll need to get started.” She handed me a file. “You’ll find everything on our private website. Just hit Staff Access. Change your codes and shred this.”
“Got it.”
She left me to get settled, and I sat in the leather swivel chair and fired up the desktop computer in front of me.
There was an empty bookcase flush against the right wall, a filing cabinet in the corner and a stack of empty files on top of it. The blank wall in front was just waiting for a painting. That view was something else: the River Thames looked beautiful with the morning sunlight reflecting off it.
I dragged my gaze away and tapped my code into Huntly Pierre’s database and began navigating the software. Taking a bite of that delicious blueberry muffin, undoing all the good of those stairs.
“Good morning, Ms. Leighton.” Adley Huntly leaned a shoulder casually on the door frame. His friendly face beamed a warm welcome.
Brushing crumbs off my hands, I pushed myself to my feet.
His white hair gave my boss an arty flair. He was strikingly tall and slim and his tailored suit rounded out his aristocratic air. Adley was well respected in the community as one of the most successful consultants in the industry. Working for him was going to be life changing.
I made my way over to him. “Sir, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
“Likewise, Zara.” His handshake was firm and his smile reassuring. “Do you have everything you need?”
“Yes, thank you. Elena’s been wonderful.”
“Glad to hear it. Ready to get to work?” He gestured. “We’re in the conference room.”
He led me back through the foyer and down a long sprawling hallway. I’d not seen the east wing yet and tried not to gape at the whitewashed walls upon which hung a line of forgeries of the Old Masters.
“I want to thank you again for this incredible opportunity,” I said.
“We’re delighted to have you onboard.” He checked his phone as we walked.
I paused before the stunning replica of Vincent van Gogh’sThe Starry Night.
“Good, aren’t they?” he said.
“They are.” I let out a sigh of wonder as we strolled passed a Salvador Dali. “Will I be part of the Jaeger team?”
“Perhaps. The painting’s gone. Lost without a trace, apparently.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
“Actually, we have a new assignment for you. A client needs an authentication on a piece he’s considering purchasing.” His face crinkled into a smile. “Thought we’d break you in slowly.”
