AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Wow. You are desperate. All right, what is this amazing commission?”
Theo smiled with an air of triumph. “Nothing less than the restoration of the estate of a nineteen twenties–era Hollywood producer named Carson Flint.”
“I’ve never heard of it.”
“The original name of the property was Summer House. It sits on a bluff outside of Burning Cove, about a hundred miles north of L.A. Classic example of the Spanish Colonial Revival. It’s changed hands several times over the years, and it’s been through a lot of renovations. The new owner wants to restore it to its original condition, and money is no object.”
“Money is always an object.”
“Apparently not in this case,” Theo said. “Our client is a tech billionaire. His status in the industry guarantees the project will get a huge amount of media exposure.”
“Which tech billionaire are we talking about?”
“He prefers to remain anonymous,” Theo said. “At least until we sign the contract. I was contacted by his agent.”
“Theo—”
“That’s not unusual when you’re dealing with high-end clients,” Theo said quickly. “You know as well as I do people like that never handle this kind of thing personally. They always have staff to manage every aspect of their lives.”
“I know.” And with that she felt the energy of her anger drain away. A sense of calm resignation and acceptance took its place.There was nothing personal here. It was business, just as Theo said. All she wanted to do now was go upstairs to her room. She was about to collect her messenger bag, get to her feet, and head for the door when a thought stopped her. “Why me?”
Theo looked wary again. “What do you mean?”
“One of the last things you said to me was that it wouldn’t be hard to replace me. Why come looking for me for this project?”
Theo shrugged. “The client toured the Callaway Hotel and was impressed with the interiors. According to his agent, he thinks you captured the dramatic, nineteen twenties glamour aesthetic but transcended it with a warmth and grace that will appeal to the modern sensibilities of today’s upmarket travelers and vacationers.”
Pallas wrinkled her nose. “I love it when the client talks dirty.”
Theo flashed her his trademark grin, the one that had once had the power to make her believe they had something deep and meaningful together.
“So do I,” he said.
“I appreciate the offer.” Pallas reached down and gripped the strap of the messenger bag. “But I’m afraid I’m too busy with the podcast to take on a major project like the one you’re talking about.”
“A podcast investigation?” Theo’s voice got tight. “That’s not a job. It’s not even a hobby. And I’ll tell you what else it isn’t. It isn’t healthy. You should be talking to a shrink about your obsession with these so-called paranormal cold cases. There is no such thing as the paranormal, and you are not investigating real murders or disappearances. You’re chasing conspiracy theories. Rumors. Ghost stories.”
“The Lost Night Filesis not interested in hauntings,” Pallas said. “We do disappearances and unexplained deaths. Good night, Theo.”
He bolted upright out of his chair and grabbed her arm. “Just think about this Burning Cove commission. Please. That’s all I’m asking.”
She looked down at his fingers wrapped around her arm and then raised her eyes to meet his. “Let go.”
His eyes widened. He released her as if he had received an electric shock and took a quick step back.
“Please say you’ll think about coming in on this project,” he said through tight teeth. “Name your price. Whatever you want, it’s yours. I’m begging you, Pallas.”
He was telling the truth. Her intuition pinged.
“Why?” she asked.
Theo scowled. “What do you mean, why? I thought I made it clear. This is the biggest, most important commission I’ve ever been offered and I need you to make the client happy. Don’t tell me you couldn’t use the money. Think of the boost to your reputation. We both know you haven’t had any important work since... you know.”
“Since I developed my little obsession with the paranormal? Is that what you were going to say?”
“It’s true, isn’t it?” he said. “You haven’t done anything except some small condo remodels for months.”
“I appreciate your concern for my financial welfare, but something tells me there’s more going on here. Are you in trouble, Theo?”
