Deadly Appraisal by Jane K. Cleland

Author:Jane K. Cleland [Cleland, Jane K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Mystery
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 2009-12-28T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

J

ust before I reached the turn-in to my parking lot, I saw a flash of blue go by as Chi unexpectedly passed me. I pulled into a spot near the front, and as I opened my car door, he was standing with his back to the building, methodically scanning the area.

I nodded in his direction and trudged inside. I felt exhausted, confused, and worried. I was pushing myself too hard and I needed to rest. Learning about Maisy’s overseas account and her meeting with Britt added no clarity, except that it showed how little I knew about Maisy. And on the drive back, I’d realized that my hope for absolution notwithstanding, even if Trevor was out of it, that still didn’t explain why someone had tried to run me down last night. But, I thought, stepping out of my car and hurrying into the office, I’ve already racked my brain for answers as to who might want me dead.

The chimes tinkled as a reason occurred to me, and I froze—could it be . . . was it possible . . . could I have seen something damning at the Gala? If someone had poisoned Maisy’s glass before she arrived at my table, I might not have seen anything. Which means no one would be trying to kill me because of what I observed, I told myself. I shook my head, frustrated at the complications.

“Hi,” I said, dragging my attention back to the present moment. “Anything going on?”

“Nope,” Gretchen said. “Just waiting for Dr. Kimball.”

“Oh, yeah,” I acknowledged, remembering, “the Chinese porcelain guy. He’s due at three, right?”

“Exactly.”

I glanced at the clock on Gretchen’s desk. I had about forty-five minutes. “I’m going to my office.”

“Are you up to the stairs?” she asked.

“Absolutely,” I fibbed.

She looked doubtful, but wisely, she stayed silent. I wasn’t in the mood to argue, and she knew it. I turned to Fred tapping away on his computer.

“How are you, Fred?” I asked.

“Fine. Working steadily.”

“Good.” I allowed his imprecise answer to stand. None of my staff ever wasted time. Lucky me.

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