Page 50 of Aftermath
An idea started to form in my head as I walked toward the museum.“I unfortunately have to go, but tell Mom I said hi,” I said.
“I will,” she said and hung up.
I spotted Len’s boss standing nearby as I entered.
I gave a friendly smile toward Francis, who hurried over.
“You’re the one from the other day looking for Lenore,” she said, quickly remembering who I was.
“I was,” I admitted.
“Are you back again to distract her?” she asked, raising a brow.Her tone told me she didn’t approve of me disrupting her best employee more than once.
“I’m actually in town working on a project for the FBI,” I said to Francis.
I saw the interest peak in her eyes, but she kept her face stoic. “And how can we help you with that?” she asked. “You are welcome to request any of our records.”
“The project is a little more extensive than that. I was hoping you might be able to lend me someone who is familiar with the town and its recordkeeping, someone who could help me with research outside the museum.”
“I’m not sure about that. We’re very busy,” she started.
“I completely understand. The FBI would never ask if it weren’t important.”
Her arms folded, and she bit the inside of her cheek.
“Once this project is finished, it’ll be national news,” I went on. “And I couldn’t think of a more worthy establishment to share credit with.”
I knew from the little Len had told me about Francis exactly what words to say to play into her self-interest. Francis valued the museum above all else, and the more prestige it found, the more satisfied she was.
“National news?” she asked.
“Certainly,” I said and shrugged. “Any research or project the FBI is doing is going to catch the attention of national news.” I relaxed my shoulders and let my arms settle by my sides. I kept my features trained to be uninterested, like it was no big deal.
“And you would just need someone from the museum’s help? And we would receive part of the credit?” she asked, and I could tell her full attention was now on me.
Too easy.
“Yes, I was hoping I could work with whoever your best is. That is, aside from you, of course. I know the museum can’t function without you here,” I said, giving her a large smile.
I watched the older woman’s cheeks turn a slight pink. “Well, then Lenore, who you spoke to the other day, would be our next best,” she said.
“Perfect. It’s settled,” I said. “I’ll let Len know myself.”
I left Francis standing with a smug grin on her face. The temptation of the museum making national headlines was far too great for her to resist.
I made my way through the museum, looking for the familiar golden brown skin and long curls. The place wasn’t big, but it did take me a few minutes to find her. She was tucked into the back corner of the museum, dusting off a plaque.
One of the best researchers, and these were the things Francis had her doing. I found my fist clenched and relaxed my hands, not realizing I’d let the thought take over for a moment. Len had a beautiful mind, and it was a waste to have her cleaning up the exhibits all day.
“Here is your caffeine,” I said, holding out the iced latte to her.
“Thanks,” she murmured. She turned back to what she was doing, dusting with one hand and holding the latte with the other.
After a moment, she turned and noted me still there.“Why are you still here?” she asked.
“Francis said I could borrow you for the case,” I said.
She let out a slight chuckle. “There is no way you convinced Francis to let me out of this place,” she said.
