Page 133 of The Chase

---

“You don’t have drinks?” Hugo sounded appalled.

“We want to enjoy the art first,” said Tobias. “Give it our full attention.”

“Wilder, you’re ever an art connoisseur,” said Hugo as he turned to me. “Zara, the shell is a Nepalese antiquity. You can hold it if you like. Tell them to take it out of the case. The shell is one of five weapons of Vishnu, and can destroy your enemies if blown by an innocent who is worthy.”

Tobias laughed. “I’m sure there’s a joke in there somewhere.”

They laughed and Violet leaned in to kiss both his cheeks again. “Don’t leave it so long next time. We missed you.”

He led me away from the Maxwells, and I sensed they were still staring at us as we walked away.

“They’re nice,” I said.

“They are.”

“Looks like she did well.”

“She did.”

“She likes you.”

“Violet married for love.”

“She told you that?”

“Yes.”

“How long have you known them?”

“A while.”

I pulled on his arm. “Why are you always so elusive?”

He rested his hand on the lower curve of my back. “Look, there’s the horn.”

In the far glass cabinet rested an old shell wrapped in ornate silver and embedded with blue semiprecious stones. It was so pretty.

Two other guests were also milling around in here. Their attention had fallen on a collection of scary huge curved knives that looked like machetes.

“It’s a kukri.” Tobias pointed to the case. “The Nepalese use them to prepare their food. They also use them to kill. Hopefully not at the same time.”

I waited until we were alone. “I’m serious.”

“My favorite color is nude. Zara-nude to be specific.”

I broke away from him and walked over to another glass case and stared at the conch shell trumpet.

“It’s an instrument.” Tobias neared me. “It’s a means to enlightenment. Want me to get it out?”

“No. I might accidently bop you on your head with it.”

He came closer. “You don’t strike me as the violent type.”

“I’m not talking to you. Not until you agree to open up.” He stood by my side and his arm brushed mine.

I waited until we were alone. “Have you ever been married?”

He hesitated. “Let’s not do this here.”

---