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CHAPTER 31
CASSIE
Cassie entered the Worldwide Witness office and greeted the receptionist. “Good morning, Izzy.”
The office took up an entire floor of a building near Waterloo Bridge. It included a warren of tiny private spaces, a conference room, and a large open space for collaborative work.
“Happy Monday, Cassie,” Izzy called out. Born in Barcelona, Izzy was studying at the London School of Economics and working as a part-time receptionist. She was a free spirit with a fondness for colorful scarves wrapped around her short hair. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw you and Leo Sutton together.”
“What?” She’d been out with him once and the gossip had already started. She didn’t think it would happen so soon.
Izzy scrolled through her phone. “Here. Someone took a picture of you two dancing together at a restaurant Saturday night. Isn’t this you?”
She peered at the photo and her anxiety eased. She was smiling up at Leo while he held her close, his gaze focused solely on her. She had no control over how people would react now that the photo was shared with the world. Glancing at the caption, she winced inwardly.Leo’s New Girlfriend?“Yeah, it’s me.” It would take time to get used to this kind of attention.
“It’s all over the place.” Izzy bounced on her toes. “How in the world did you meet Leo Sutton?”
“It’s a long story.” She looked closely at Izzy. “And it’s private, okay?” It was weird to think her face was all over the internet. She never followed social media, and she wasn’t about to start now. She should be upset, but his expression in the photo grounded her. He looked at her like she was the only person who mattered to him.
“I won’t say anything. I promise.”
“I trust you. Is Dr. Burke in?”
“He is, but he’s only going to be in for a few hours today.” Izzy’s voice filled with concern. “I’m worried about him,” she added in a quiet voice. “He’s always so serious. It’s hard to see him sad.”
Izzy was right. Michael Burke was the epitome of the British stiff upper lip. He never let his emotions show in public. She’d seen the private side of him on Crete talking late into the night and sharing laughter with Beatrice. It was clear how much they cared for each other.
“Don’t forget, you and Zhara have a conference call with the Preston Museum in fifteen minutes.”
“I’ll be ready. Thanks, Izzy.”
Zhara rolled her eyes at the phone console, and Cassie nodded in agreement. She and Zhara worked together to return of an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus to a small museum in Cairo. They were in the conference room listening to Dina Moss, the director of the Preston Museum, offer a long-winded explanation why they couldn’t return the ancient artifact.
Trained in Egypt as an art historian, Zhara Hossam had become a fierce champion of cultural repatriation. She dressed like a high-end model wearing stylish, tailored suits and heels. If only Cassie had an ounce of her fashion sense. Zhara had also become a friend of hers.
“Hello? Are you there?” Dr. Moss asked in an arrogant tone.
“Yes, we’re here,” Zhara said toward the phone. “We didn’t want to interrupt you.”
“Yes, well, that’s our final position.”
Michael entered the room, closed the door quietly behind him, and stood by the window. He was tall, but this morning he was slightly stooped over. He wore a tweed suit with his customary red bow tie. Michael gave her a weak smile, making the lines on his face look deeper than ever. Cassie knew losing Beatrice must be so hard for him.
Zhara gave Michael a small wave. “So, to be clear, the Prescott’s refusal to comply is because the Samir Museum lacks the appropriate technology to protect the structural integrity of the sarcophagus. Is that correct?” Zhara shuffled through a stack of papers and mouthed to Cassie, “Press release?”
Cassie rummaged through the documents looking for the press release they’d received from the Samir Museum.
“Correct,” Dr. Moss replied. “A small museum like the Samir doesn’t have the environmental systems to protect such a fragile artifact.”
Cassie found it. She waved the sheet of paper in silent triumph.
Zhara pointed to Cassie and then to the phone. Zhara wanted her to take over. Cassie shook her head in panic. She’d never spoken to the head of a museum before. Zhara gave her a firm nudge.
Cassie cleared her throat. “Hi, Dr. Moss. This is Dr. Papadakis. As a matter of fact, the Samir recently installed an environmental system approved by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. They are fully prepared to reinstate the sarcophagus.”
“I wasn’t aware of that.”
“They had a press release last week.” She smiled at Zhara. “I can forward it to you if you like.”
