Page 89 of High Water

“They were fighting over a replica that night? Why?” Bishop’s brow furrows.

“Maybe they didn’t know it was a replica. They could have believed it was real. Without the damage time and the elements have caused, it might have been imperceptible differences to the naked eye that set them apart.” I put forward a theory, and Charlotte nods along with me.

“If this one is a fake, couldn’t they all be fakes?” Grant asks.

“I mean, theoretically, I wasn’t analyzing them as potential fakes when they passed through our care. But the curators would have taken them through a rigorous registration process when they readmitted them to the collection; I can’t imagine they would have missed it. There are always tells with these kinds of things,” Charlotte explains. “I’ll reach out to them for more information, see what they can tell me, and let them know that we’re continuing to investigate.”

“Never a fucking dull day with this adventure,” Levi grumbles, turning to Zephyrine, who runs her hand over his.

“We’ll figure it out. Don’t worry,” I reassure my brother. I know he’s worried about what this could mean for Zephyrine and for our family. The sooner we put all this behind us, the better.

“Yes. Aspen, do you think you could get us time in the university labs? Maybe borrow one of the professors to help us speed up the process?” Charlotte asks.

“I can see what I can do. I don’t have the same power here that I did in Boston, being new and a lecturer at that.” I feel the anxiety over the tenuous position I have at the university come in full force as I explain it to Charlotte.

“A lecturer? Do they know who you are? Have they read your publications?” Charlotte’s brow lifts in irritation.

“That’s the reason I have a position there at all,” I explain.

“Well. Someone should tell them what they’re missing,” Charlotte grouches. “I’ll do it myself if I have to.”

“Let’s hold off on ripping the administration when we require their help, yeah?” Rowan looks to Charlotte thoughtfully and receives an eye roll for his efforts, but her hand slips over his arm, and he pats the back of hers in a soft, comforting motion of support. “After, I’ll be right there with you.”

“I appreciate the support.” I give Charlotte a small smile of appreciation, and she nods.

“All right. Next steps.” Levi sits forward. “Charlotte and Aspen will handle the testing. Bishop and Rowan will support them. Zephyrine and Charlotte will report back to their contacts at the abbey. I’ll continue to monitor the site with security until we’re sure we don’t need to go back out. Sound good?” He glances around the table, and we all signal our agreement before he calls the meeting to an end, and most of us move down to Seven Sins for a drink.

I fire off a text to Fallon, letting her know we’ll be up to the penthouse in a bit and asking how her homework is going. Bishop runs his hand over my back in gentle circles of support as we make our way down the hall.

“Going from the absolute high of thinking we solved our problem to feeling like we’re right back to where we started sucks.”

“That’s the field for you.” I shrug, and Bishop nods. I have a feeling we’re talking about two entirely different types of fields, but nevertheless.

“It’s a metaphor for life in general around here.” He lets out a frustrated sigh.

“Something bothering you?” I ask, seeing his face falter as we hit the elevator. I hold it for Charlotte, but she waves us on, holding up her cell to show she’s still on a call. When the doors close, I look back at Bishop, who’s leaning against the elevator wall.

“Nothing in particular, just wishing we could solve this quickly.”

“Agreed. I love fieldwork, don’t get me wrong. But I’d love it even more if I could put my full focus into my class and into making sure Fallon’s settling into all of this okay. Do you think you could take her to her therapy appointment tomorrow? I can stay a little later to talk to them about testing options at the university if you do.”

“Of course.” His frown morphs back into a soft smile.

“What now?” I mirror his smile. They’re so infectious it’s hard not to.

“One minute we’re solving decades-old mysteries with a team of experts, and the next we’re being incredibly domestic, trying to figure out appointment times for our daughter.” He runs a knuckle down the side of my arm. “Keeps it interesting.”

“I’m glad I can keep you on your toes with my life of intrigue. Wouldn’t want you to get bored,” I muse.

“Never bored. The only problem is that it’s hard to choose which version I like best.”

“I’m familiar with that problem.” I let my eyes rake over him just before the elevator dings, and I hurry out the doors as they open, only to be swept up into his arms and spun around before he puts me back on my feet.

“Don’t tempt me to break your rules, Jones. I’m trying my level best to be good for you,” he whispers against my ear before he lets me go, and I feel my stomach tumble with the way he looks at me.

He’s right. This marriage is keeping things interesting. Particularly the part where he makes me feel like I’m twenty again on nights like tonight, when it should be impossible after a long day of disappointment. And yet somehow, he makes it possible.

THIRTY-SIX