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“What?”
“I’m Rory O’Toole. Didn’t you notice the name on that print you have?”
Shocked, Sophie shook her head. “No, I never paid any attention. Wait, so you painted the mysterious wedding present?”
“Seems that way. What does it look like?”
“I don’t know. I never actually saw it. When did he commission that painting you mentioned?”
Liam thought about it. “It was a few months back.”
“So, you mean that when you finished it, he would have already been dead?”
“That’s right. Once it was finished, I left him a message saying as much and the next day I received a text message asking that I deliver it to his house and leave it with his secretary.”
“You never saw him or spoke with him again?”
Liam shook his head. “No. I remember thinking it was strange that he didn’t want to look at it with me there.”
This was unbelievable! The others needed to be told.
But they could wait—at least until she and Liam finished what they’d just started on the sofa.
Chapter16
Sophie had barely finished getting dressedwhen she made the call. She wasn’t sure why she expected her aunt Nan to be anywhere other than with Darcie right now. Of course, she was at Darcie’s. That was where Sophie should have been, too, and guilt tugged at her for not visiting sooner. But in her defense, she’d been… shall we say preoccupied.
She shoved that thought aside as she grabbed her coat and keys, and kissed Liam goodbye. She really ought to have brought him with her, but the only reason she was going to Darcie’s now was to talk about the painting, not to subject herself to an interrogation. And that’s exactly what it would turn into.
Or at least, that was the plan.
By the time she arrived, the house was full, the fire was crackling, and the tea was brewed. Sondra was sprawled across the couch like she had no intention of moving anytime soon, Sylvia sat comfortably with baby Sylvie asleep in her arms, and Nan was swaying back and forth rocking baby Hal in her arms. The room hummed with warmth and quiet laughter, the kind of easy comfort that came with the O’Brian family. Sophie smiled for a moment at the cozy scene. It was only recently she realized just how much she missed being here with her extended family.
“You’re late,” Sondra said, watching Sophie over the rim of her teacup. “Missed all the fun. Darcie was just trying to convince us she’s perfectly fine and doesn’t need to rest.”
Darcie sighed in mild frustration but smiled. She was sick to death of being stuck on bed rest. “I’m recovering, not fragile.”
“That’s debatable, love,” said Sylvia, as she gently tucked baby Sylvie’s blanket around her a little tighter.
“Would you like some tea?” asked Sondra. “There’s cake too. Don’t worry, I didn’t bake it, I bought it.”
“No, thanks. I actually came to talk to Aunt Nan, but it’s good that you’re all here. You need to hear this, too.”
That got their attention.
Shivering from the cold after being outside, Sophie settled herself beside Bootstrap, who was sprawled in front of the crackling fireplace. The warmth seeped into her chilled skin as she took a steadying breath, gathering her thoughts. Then, she explained what she’d learned about the painting, and Liam’s unexpected role in the whole unsettling business.
It didn’t take long, seeing as there wasn’t all that much to tell. There were still questions that needed answers obviously but at least part of the mystery was now cleared up—sort of.
Seeing as nothing more could be resolved, Sondra moved the conversation on. “Not that this isn’t fascinating but I want to hear about you and Liam. So, how was it?”
Sophie frowned. “What?”
Sondra waved a hand. “The sex, Sophie. You slept with him, right?”
Sophie nearly choked on absolutely nothing. “Excuse me?”
Darcie didn’t even look up from her cup of tea. “Just tell her, Sophie. She won’t stop until you do.”
