“I worked on a story about the artifacts before they were moved from New York to DC. I’d seen a picture of it. I never thought I’d see it in person, so I was shocked when you pulled back the curtain. That’s an amazing replica. Kwame said you’re quite the art collector. Besides the modern art on the walls, he said you’ve got sculptures from all over. I’d love to see that,” I add with a smile.
He doesn’t return it. “What a pity. Everything has been moved to the lodge because we have so many contractors here setting up for the party.”
I don’t know him well enough to be certain, but he seems rattled. I pretend not to notice and close my notebook with a smile. “Could I walk over to the lodge?”
“No, we’re having some work done near it and it’s not safe to access.”
“Ah, maybe next time Kwame and I—”
His smile is tight. “Don’t hold your breath. He avoids this house like the plague.” He glances at his watch. “I hope you got everything you needed.”
I’m dismissed and he’s clearly done with playing Lord of the manor. “Thank you for the everything. I did. My photographer will be here tomorrow morning.”
“As long as they’re gone by one o’clock.”
He’d said they could have the whole day when we arranged this. I don’t know what changed but I don’t miss a beat in agreeing. “We’ve scheduled for them to be finished by eleven-thirty.”
“Fine. I have to run,” he says and turns toward the door.
“See you at dinner,” I call after him.
He stops short and turn to face me. “I’ve had a last-minute invitation that I’m going to accept. I will see you on Sunday. I look forward to reading your draft. Enjoy your stay at The Palms.”
Just like that, it’s over, and he’s gone. It felt like a hard goodbye. Like he didn’t intend to see me Sunday or ever again.
Oh Sin, stop. Why would that be true?
Because he has the stolen stool.
But how? I know Oz worked for him but is it possible that he’s one of The Wizard’s buyers?
It’s not out of the realm of possibility.
They’re related.
“Are you ready?” A woman’s voice from behind me startles a scream out of me and I whirl around to find Alice standing.
I glance at the closed door. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
“I came through the wall panel. It’s an access hallway only used by staff.” I scan the wall and can’t see any indication of a hidden door.
I turn back to Alice with a forced but friendly smile. “Wow. I thought I’d seen every corner of this house. It’s endless.”
“It’s not but I know what you mean. Let’s be on our way.”
She cups my elbow and steers me back in the direction we’ve just come from.
I wiggle free of her hold as casually as I can. She’s not nearly as friendly as she’d been the first time we met.
“Is Kwame back?” I ask as we start up the grand staircase and take the left side wing.
“Not yet.” She stops at the first door along a corridor with black walls and gold sconces lighting the artwork that lines it.
I smile in thanks and then step into the room. It’s bigger than my entire apartment was in NY. It’s the same black and gold motif of colors but white walls make the space bright and welcoming. The views of the river are astounding. I’ve never seen anything like it.
“If you’re hungry use the call button to let the kitchen staff know.”
“Can I just go downstairs and get something if I need it?”
