Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 102071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
“Ruby!”
I craned my neck and saw Clarissa, the club’s assistant manager, coming down the steps to intercept me. Her chestnut hair and banana-yellow dress made the empty club seem even more drab.
“Cal told me you were here,” Clarissa said as she reached the bottom step. “Eli’s in his office working,” the assistant manager continued, “but he’s looking forward to your lunch together.”
“I’m excited to see him too.”
And his artwork. I’m incredibly excited to see that.
“He told me you had a scuba tour next week,” she said as she turned around and climbed the steps with me.
“Do you dive? I’ve got room if you want to join us.” I made the offer casually, not expecting her to accept. But I wouldn’t mind filling a slot on the tour either. I told her what day we were diving.
“Must be fate. I have that day off.” We neared the top of the steps as she said, “Are you enjoying your extra time?”
Enjoying didn’t cover it. I was intrigued, frustrated, and anxious about the mystery. I was savoring the time with Jake.
“It’s been the experience of a lifetime,” I said honestly, with a private little grin. “Have you lived on the island long?”
“A while. Circumstances were making work difficult in the mainland, but I came down here to get away from it all for a bit and ended up staying.” The corner of her mouth twitched in private amusement. Maybe there was a special someone behind that secret smile for her too.
“Anyway,” she said as we turned into the hall that led toward the office, passing the three Lynx artworks. I tried not to stare at them, to bide my time. “This is a great job, and I love working for Eli,” Clarissa finished, her permanent smile fixed in place.
With impressive timing, we’d reached the office, and I heard Eli’s voice through the open door. “Perfect. So glad the deal is working out.” He was on the phone from the sound of it. “She’ll simply be thrilled.”
Clarissa pushed the door farther open and I went in. Eli’s back was to me, and I took the chance to inventory the walls. There was only one piece of framed artwork, and the frame didn’t look too heavy. I stifled a quiet sigh of relief. I could do this.
I patted my purse absently as Eli turned around in his chair. His blue eyes twinkled when he spotted me, and he waved, his lips curved in a broad grin.
I should feel guilty for smiling to his face and then hoodwinking him. But, oh, wait, that was what he’d done to Mom.
So I didn’t feel so bad about it after all.
Eli hung up and then raised his wrist to look at the face of his Rolex. “Am I late for lunch? Did I get the time wrong?”
I waved off his concern with a bright smile. “Nope. I’m just early. I was doing some shopping in the neighborhood and thought I would pop in to see you in your element.”
Eli strode across the plum-colored carpet of his office and wrapped me in a big embrace. “Sit,” he said when he’d released me, and he patted a plush black leather couch. “It’s good to see you regularly like this. How was shopping?”
“I went with my friend Tommy,” I improvised. I didn’t think I’d need more of a cover story than “shopping,” but this worked out fine since “Tommy” would be calling in a matter of minutes. “He’s helping me on my tour in a few days.”
“You should have invited him along for lunch!” Eli said. “I’d love to meet your friend.”
Somehow, I managed not to choke at the thought. Jake, AKA Tommy, would love that.
“He’s checking on some of the equipment we need for the tour. He’s very particular. A little high-strung.” I leaned over and clasped Eli’s hand, giving it a squeeze. I had my own smoke-and-mirror show, and the clock was ticking slowly to eleven-thirty. “So that gives us plenty of time together to catch up.”
“Why don’t we head to the restaurant?” he suggested. “I’ll drive, and we can see if Tristan can seat us a few minutes early.”
“Oh no!” I exclaimed, and at Eli’s surprised stare, I laughed airily, hiding the way my heart skittered. “I couldn’t possibly leave without seeing the Lynx paintings.”
Or, more accurately, I couldn’t leave until eleven-thirty.
I pointed to a design on the wall, about twelve inches square. “Is this one?”
“Yes.” He smiled proudly as if he’d painted it himself. “I heard you stopped by the gallery the other day but couldn’t stay. Willow told you what happened, right?” he asked, dropping his voice to a whisper, and he pointed to his neck as if gesturing to an invisible piece of jewelry.
“Yes. She did,” I said. “That’s just awful. I can’t believe they took it right off her neck.” I gave a convincing shudder. “Do you have any idea who could have taken it?”