Page 96 of Eternal Surrender

Our first guests, three well-dressed women, had just entered, and were heading straight for the black-tied waiter holding a tray laden with Champagne flutes.

Marcus went to touch my shoulder and then drew back. “I miss looking into those hazel eyes of yours.”

I gave his arm a squeeze.

Sebastian joined us and stared up at the Brown Odalisque. “Bit saucy, isn’t she?”

“Art is about opening your mind,” I said with a smile.

“Okay then.” Sebastian turned his back on the painting. “Alex is keeping watch outside.”

“We’re right on time,” Marcus confirmed.

“This place should fill up soon,” Sebastian said. “I went to the pub opposite and discreetly mentioned free booze to the punters.” He studied Marcus as though still uncertain of him. “Jeremy Montague has his VIP invitation. He was my custodian.” Sebastian turned to me. “I’m no longer affiliated with them. Marcus knows that, right?”

“He knows,” I said. “You needn’t worry.”

“Sebastian, when Montague arrives, you feel confident to handle him?” Marcus asked.

“I plan to use the fact we’ve met once before to gain his trust,” said Sebastian.

“Hopefully he’ll see something here he likes,” Marcus said.

Sebastian relaxed a little. “Who wouldn’t be intrigued with a gallery offering an undiscovered Gainsborough or the like?”

“Who is that staring at us?” Marcus asked, his frown deepening.

I turned to see two of our men carrying one of our larger portraits toward the back wall, supporting each side. When they finally passed by, my view to the other side was unobstructed.

James Lamont was staring right back at me.

Quickly, I checked if Ingrid was with him. If it was possible to be relieved and disappointed at the same time, I was that man. With no other choice, I made my way through the crowd toward him.

“Well this is an unexpected pleasure.” I wondered if it came out wrong.

Accompanying James was a young blonde woman wearing frosted pink lipstick, overdressed in a cream tweed suit and a little too much jewelry.

She shook my proffered hand and with an upper-class accent introduced herself. “Lola.”

“William,” I said. “Mother a fan of the Kinks?”

She giggled and reached for a Champagne flute offered from a tray by a passing waiter.

“I’ve advised her to use her middle name for business,” James said.

“You’re also an attorney?” I asked, sensing the answer before she gave it.

“Yes,” she said and took a sip of Champagne.

“I have a friend here who studied law. I’ll have to introduce you.” I saw Sebastian deep in conversation with Marcus and my attention fell back on James. “Where’s the inspector tonight?” I flashed Lola another smile.

“Working, I imagine.” James gave an uncomfortable nod. “William’s an art dealer,” he told her.

Lola replaced her empty glass with a fresh drink from another, younger waiter.

“We were in the neighborhood,” James said. “Thought we’d check out the place.”

“Planning on adding to your collection?” I asked, discerning just what James’s relationship to Lola was exactly.