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“Steven!” I called out, sounding bright and happy. I had no idea how I pulled it off when I felt like I was about to throw up. Maybe Collin was right about me being a natural con artist.
Steven looked up, confusion flickering on his face, then smiled when he caught sight of me. “Ellie, what a wonderful surprise. What are you doing here?” He didn’t act like a man who was wracked with guilt over the kidnapping of his colleague and the boyfriend of his girlfriend’s daughter.
“David’s in Chapel Hill doing some research. I’m surprised Myra didn’t tell you.”
“She did, but she said you were headed back yesterday.”
“We got delayed.”
Steven’s gaze had turned to Collin, not that it was surprising. Collin had a commanding presence, despite what he said about his ability to go unnoticed. I was far from convinced that he was capable of blending in anywhere.
“Steven, this is my friend, Collin.”
His eyes flickered with uncertainty for a moment before his mouth stretched into a smile. He extended his hand. “Hello, Collin.”
“Nice to meet you Dr. Godfrey,” Collin said, shaking his hand.
“What are you two doing at Duke? I believe Myra has a free period this morning if you’re hoping to see her.”
I smiled up at him. “Actually, I wanted to see you.”
“Me?”
“David has come across some interesting information in his research. I was hoping to ask you a specific question about what you found at the colony while you were there.”
“Why didn’t David just call?”
Oh, crap.Think, Ellie. Think. “There was a departmental staff meeting today. Since he’s been out of town, he felt he should go.” I leaned closer. “He wanted to cross-reference some information he found in the library, which is why he asked me to talk to you.” My smile widened. “I hope that’s okay.”
His forehead wrinkled and he looked unconvinced. “Sure, but can we talk on the way to my office? I believe I have a student waiting for me.”
“Of course.”
I fell into step beside him, with Collin on his opposite side. Steven cast him a quizzical glance and then turned to me. “What do you need to know?”
“Did you find any weapons at the site? Maybe some spears or swords?”
“Or any other weapons of significance,” Collin added.
Steven slowed and his face paled. He glanced at Collin and back to me before he continued to walk. “Of course, Ellie. It was a colony on the brink of a war. We expected them to have weapons, and they did.”
A heaviness filled my heart. It was obvious from Steven’s reaction that he was involved, and although Collin said he’d take over the questioning, I saw another way to draw Steven out that wouldn’t occur to Collin. “David’s ex-girlfriend was an expert on weapons from the Middle Ages. She told me about a special sword from the Crusades. She showed me a photo of it too.”
He rubbed his forehead, breaking eye contact. “Myra mentioned that you were in Chapel Hill this weekend because David’s ex-girlfriend had seen a collection of weapons and he wanted to speak with her about it.”
Sweat broke out at the base of my head. I only told Myra David was meeting a colleague—no other details.
Collin moved in front him. “Dr. Godfrey, do you happen to know anything about the Ricardo Estate?”
His mouth opened then closed like a fish’s.
“Ellie’s mother spoke to you about it fifteen years ago. I’m sure you remember it. It happened shortly before her murder.”
Steven took several more steps before stopping and turned back to look at him. “And who are you again?”
“I’m Ellie’s friend.” His face hardened. “And you didn’t answer the question.”
Steven turned to me, anger tensing his shoulders. “Ellie, what is the meaning of this? Does David know this man is here?”
