Page 182 of The Chase
I’d taken this brief detour on my way to Huntly Pierre and felt centered again and inspired by these remarkable artists.
The lift doors opened and I headed toward the foyer.
Ahead of me lay an 11:00 a.m. appointment where I’d get to appraise a Raphael. Later, I’d attend a routine staff meeting and somewhere during the day I’d water my bonsai tree.
I paused to admire a corner marble sculpture of Aphrodite. It was new to The Otillie, and I quietly thanked those who’d donated her. She was beautiful, her sweeping dress carved masterfully and her oval face exquisite. I knew what it meant to hand over a cherished piece of art to share with the world and also knew that peace came with such a decision.
My phone buzzed in my pocket and I pulled it out. I turned the corner and huddled against the wall.
A quick glance around reassured me I was alone.
I accepted the incoming video and saw Tobias’s smiling face looking back. His enduring dashing looks concealed the mystery behind the man.
“Have you forgiven me?” He gave a kind smile.
“Yes and no.”
“I’m sorry I... You look so beautiful when you sleep.”
“If you ever drug me again...so help me God.”
“I’m strangely aroused.” He chuckled. “I’m glad you’re open to sleeping with me again.”
“I wish you’d trusted me. You like to live dangerously. I got all the way to New Scotland Yard. You cut it close.”
“I had faith in you. Thank you for returning the artifact. The priests are eternally grateful.”
“Your way of implicating me?”
“Secrecy is our code.”
My heart ached as I asked this nagging question. “Did you use me to get closer to the case?”
“Never... I care deeply for you. I let you in. That’s all the proof you need.”
I closed my eyes and tried to fathom those words and how I’d ever get over him.
“I hear you received a blessing from a high priest Lama?” he said.
“Yes.”
“That’s life changing.”
“You’re life changing.”
“As are you.” He let out a long sigh. “Whenever you want you can haveSt. Joanback. She is yours, after all.”
“You know that for sure?”
“I do, yes.”
I sucked in a sharp breath. “Are you still in England?”
“No.”
“How can you be sure I’m not recording this?”
“It’s my phone.”
