Proof of Murder (Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery #4) - Lauren Elliott Page 0,12
running interference later, but Philip finally withdrew his charge—with an apology—and said he had made an error in assessing my appraisal skills, and it was all dropped.”
“Good,” Blake said, grinning. “Then it all worked out.”
“Look, Blake, Philip would only be here for one reason, and that’s because something was advertised in your catalogue that one of his clients wants desperately.”
“That’s what brokers do, isn’t it? They track down and acquire pieces for their clients.”
“Yes, but this particular broker has no scruples and will do anything to get his hands on what he’s after.”
“I can handle Philip Atkinson. Remember, I learned about how brokers operate from one of the best, your father.” He patted the back of her hand. “Now you get home, little lady, and get some food into that belly of yours. Okay?”
Addie’s heart resumed a healthy rhythm. “Okay.”
“Promise?”
“I promise. If you promise me you’ll keep a close eye on Philip. I don’t trust him.”
“You have my word.” He kissed her cheek.
Addie followed Kalea, but as they started out onto the porch, frigid air swirled around Addie’s bare legs like an icy fog. The fine hairs on the back of her neck tingled, and like earlier today in the library, she had the same overwhelming sensation of being watched. She glanced over her shoulder and down the corridor, half expecting to find Philip staring at her, but out of the corner of her eye she glimpsed a shadowy figure at the top of the staircase. Her mouth went desert dry. She gulped, trying to swallow the grit lodged in the back of her throat.
“Are you okay?” Blake waved his hand in Addie’s face. “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”
Addie glanced at the top of the stairs, now apparition free, and then back at her old family friend. “I’m fine, really. It’s just been a long day, I guess.” She refused to double-check for ghosts.
“Kalea,” he called, “I think it’s best you take Addie out for a strong coffee and get some food into her immediately. The day appears to have gotten the best of her. Working with Charlotte tends to do that.” His laugh was short and humorless. “Now scoot. I’ll see you tomorrow. And thank you both for saving my butt today.” Blake waved as the door clicked shut behind them.
“Mind telling me what just happened to you?” Kalea leaned into Addie’s ear and whispered. “I’ve never seen the color drain so fast from your face, not even that night you took me to the bar for tequila shots on my twenty-first birthday.”
Addie paused on the pathway and glanced back at the house. The derelict hanging shutters, framing the windows, gave the impression the house had eyes, and they were mocking her. “It was nothing, just overtired, I guess.” What else could have caused her ghostly sighting—hallucination, she corrected herself.
“You probably just need food and some rest.”
“Yes, and I can’t wait to tear into a steak at the Grey Gull Inn.”
“Well . . . there’s kind of been a change in plans.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean I’m going to have to reschedule our dinner. Something came up at the last minute.”
“Would that something be Garrett Edwards?”
“Look, I’ll call you first thing in the morning. We can come to the auction together. How’s that?”
“I told Blake I’d come in early to help with the setup. I’m pretty sure you won’t want to be here at eight a.m.”
“Eight’s fine. I’m happy to help out and it will give us more time to visit.”
“Okay, then. Call me”—Addie pressed her business card into Kalea’s hand—“and we can meet here, or you can stop by my house for a quick coffee first, and then we come over together, whatever you prefer.”
“I’ll meet you here,” Kalea said, stuffing the card into her pocket, “but I’ll let you know if I’m running late. Mornings aren’t really my thing.” She chuckled as she steered Addie through the front gate. “At least let me drive you to your shop now. You’re so pale. I’m guessing that you’re in no condition to drive.”
Addie’s head jerked. “That white Lexus LS is your car?”
“Yes. Well, Nolan bought it for me as a birthday gift, but it’s mine. Why, is there a problem?” She looked blankly at her cousin.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll drive myself.” Addie swung on her heel, now fueled by adrenaline, and marched up the street toward her Mini.
“I’ll call you first thing in the morning,” Kalea called after her.