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“Settling in okay?”
“Yes. I thought it was going to be a big adjustment, but they are so well-trained.”
“They have no idea how good they have it now.” Gilmour patted each of them on the head.
“Oh, I don’t know about that. Yesterday they got to lie around and watch the Macy’s parade.”
Gilmour chuckled. “Mel, I have to say, you’ve blossomed in your new life. You look happy.”
“Amazing, isn’t it?” She gestured for him to take a seat. He maneuvered around the German shepherd obstacle course and eased into the sofa. “Did you bring food?”
Gilmour laughed. “Was I supposed to do that? I thought you were going to cook.”
“Hardly. I had way too much to do today. Shopping and all.” She went into the kitchen and opened the fridge. “Leftovers?”
“Oh, no. I don’t think I can stuff more stuffing in my face. How about we order some ribs? There’s a new place a few miles away. It’s called Memphis Pig Out. They might deliver.” He pulled out his phone, looked it up, and called. Much to his delight, he learned two “meat and threes” specials could be delivered in a half hour. He called out to Melanie, “What sides do you want?”
She figured the usual collard greens, corn, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato fries were available. “How about one of everything?”
“It’s called “meat and threes” because you get three sides.”
“Okay. You pick one type of potato, and I’ll get the other one.”
Gilmour placed the order and walked into the kitchen.
“Did you see Patterson?” she asked.
“I did. The exhibit is next Thursday. He told me to remind you he needs photos for your IDs.”
“I’ll be ready for them on Monday, I hope. It’s not easy creating a new persona on such short notice.”
“Come on, Cracker Jack. You can do it,” Gilmour encouraged her.
“Well, I have all my outfits. I can’t believe I spent over twenty-five thousand dollars today. That’s almost a year’s worth of mortgage payments!”
“And there are people who live like that all the time.”
“Do you think it makes them happy?” Melanie asked thoughtfully.
“What, the money?” he asked.
“Spending it.”
“Apparently so. People spend money on the dumbest things.”
“Conspicuous consumption. It was an eighties thing.”
“And it’s back.”
Melanie pulled out one of the dining room chairs and slid her yellow pad over so it was in front of her. “What’s the plan?”
Gilmour explained she would be a guest at a private exhibit at a diplomat’s house. “One of the grand brownstones in Georgetown.”
“And why am I being invited?” Melanie asked, wanting to know her cover story.
“You are a curator for a Greek tycoon. He heard about this new artist, and you asked if you could see some of his work. The artist informed your assistant that none of the pieces on display were for sale, but if the gentleman wanted to commission something, it could be arranged. I suppose the artist wanted to sound legit.”
“And you think he’s not?”
