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“I do care about her.” Care about her enough to put you through questions I wish I hadn’t had to. “Look, we’re just enjoying some time together while we deal with the property.”
She studied him in silence and refrained from further comment, but he could tell she was uneasy. She glanced at her watch. “I’d better make tracks.”
Rex gestured for the bill. “I’ll walk you back.”
Once again Rex scoured the busy sidewalk as he escorted his mother back to the gallery, always watchful. It was difficult to concentrate, to keep in mind that he might be being followed, when his mother had given him so much to think about. He already had enough on his mind.
When he bent to kiss her goodbye outside the gallery, she reached up and touched his cheek briefly before they separated, studying him again. “I hope this Carmen is worthy of you.”
More like I’m not worthy of her. “It may never happen.”
“You have got it bad, poor Rex.” She smiled. “I can tell I better get online and find out more about Carmen Shelby.”
Rex gave her a final kiss and then waved as she walked away.
Got it bad? He supposed he did have it bad. One way or the other, Carmen occupied all his thoughts. Between his insatiable desire for her, and his more recent concerns about her safety and well-being, it was as if everything else in the world had become far less important.
He hailed a taxi, giving the driver directions to Slipstream. Then he pulled out his phone to check on Carmen. He thought it might irritate her, but she laughed casually and poked fun at him.
“Promise you won’t leave the building until I arrive.”
“It’s barely even a sprained ankle. Really, I can manage. It doesn’t hurt at all, honestly.”
“Hush now, you’re ruining my excuse to carry you everywhere tonight.”
She laughed softly.
After their call ended, he phoned the manor.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Amery, it’s Rex. I’m thinking of going through those papers in the library myself, so I wanted to ask you to leave the job to me.”
“I can understand that. Rest assured of my discretion, sir.” She was thinking about the letter she’d unearthed.
“I know that.”
“Is there something that you’re specifically looking for, Mr. Rex, I mean...Rex. Surely I can help.”
That was some effort on her behalf. Rex pondered. He didn’t really want to tell her exactly what he was looking for. Then again, she might be well aware of his father’s other property interests and the woman called Olivia. Perhaps Charles Carruthers had even taken the affair to the house, before he met Sylvia Shelby. “Yes, perhaps you can. I’m looking for any paperwork relating to an apartment in London. He bought it ages back, possibly in the ’80s.”
“I’m making notes.”
He could hear the pen scratching. She hadn’t reacted and didn’t seem to know anything. “What I need is the address and any other contact information, names or telephone numbers.”
“What I’ve been looking through is mostly old accounts for the estate, but I’ll have a good hunt for you.”
“Thank you. Call me back if you locate anything.”
“Immediately, of course.”
There was something else he wanted, but he hadn’t decided quite how to go about it. His intention was to have the private investigator check out the house, but he had to make a cover story to introduce that person into the manor. He couldn’t trust any of the staff at the present time, but he’d find a way. “I’ve got some other business in mind. I might want to bring in contractors for some maintenance and renovation work, but I’ll phone you later on in the week regarding that.”
A wary silence emanated from the other end of the phone. “We may not be the workforce we once were, but Bill and his men are very capable.”
“I’m not questioning that.” He had to tread carefully. He didn’t want to offend them. “I’ve given Bill permission to make the necessary repairs on the service stairs, but I’m thinking about drafting in some people to look at other renovations. Don’t worry, Mrs. Amery, no one is criticizing your work. Think of it as a few extra hands.”
She didn’t sound convinced, but at least he’d broached the subject.
When he hung up, he looked at his watch. He had a couple of hours at Slipstream, then he’d head off to collect Carmen. He couldn’t help wondering what her mood would be. There was no telling, but at least he knew how to keep her in check. That thought made him smile.
