Grande Dames and a Vegas Heist by MJ Miller

Author:MJ Miller [Miller, MJ]
Language: eng
Format: epub

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The next morning, I received a text just after I’d woken with the oddest tickling on my face and a significant weight on my chest—and very loud purring.

Devon: Gotta run, new assignment. Keep me posted on the boxes.

His short message without a sorry, a talk to you soon, or even a goodbye was exactly why I didn’t do local. Not that Devon was a local anymore or that we’d done anything. So why did I feel a bone-deep disappointment?

I contacted my mom about the text and found out Devon was off on another adventure, and we were all left to our own devices. It seemed more than a bit odd he would just take off that way. I didn’t like it, especially under the circumstances, but I was sure he wouldn’t leave me alone if he thought I was in any real danger. Whoever had sent the postcard was undoubtedly the person who had broken into my house, but with the new security system Devon had installed, I at least felt relatively safe.

My mom also told me a new shipment had come into the store, and I needed to photograph it all and get it uploaded to the website. That was great news because the shipment meant I had something to keep my mind off stalkers and blackmailers—who very well might be the same person or persons. In addition, keeping busy meant I wouldn’t have to worry about keeping secrets from Devon. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. Or was it absence makes the heart grow fonder?

After giving 99 a complete set of instructions—including not climbing on top of the cupboards and hiding—I headed over to the store, hoping for a little normality while keeping an eye out for any strangers.

When I got to the store, everything waited in the back room for me. Though the items were impressive, it was a huge haul. My mom did like to buy on a hunch, but I was shocked at how much stuff there was.

“Come look at these,” I said as she floated by, seemingly on cloud nine from the influx of treasures.

Two Tiffany lamps sat next to a copper Buddha. A Scandinavian butter box rested next to a vintage tin diner sign. Not the usual assortment, though there must have been a reason behind each eclectic piece.

“Oh, Pippa,” she said with delight in her voice. “You found the Buddha. How wonderful.”

“Yes, but this is an unusual collection. I agree the items are fabulous, but why did you buy so much? Seems a bit impulsive, even for you.”

“Oh, a few weeks ago, I received an email from an auction house stating that a wealthy yet somewhat eccentric woman up in San Francisco had passed away, and they were auctioning her estate online. The estate was divided into two lots, but with great restraint, I only bid on one. I promise we’ll get rid of anything we don’t want.”

Famous last words. I shook my head and decided I’d need to go online that night and research the woman who’d owned all this.

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