The Florentine's Secret: Historical Mystery Thriller (An Agency of the Ancient Lost & Found Mystery Thriller Book 3) by Jane Thornley

Author:Jane Thornley [Thornley, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Riverview Press
Published: 2021-09-11T16:00:00+00:00

12

Rupert pumped Piero’s limp hand like he was trying to pump air into a tire. Piero stood frozen as if in shock. “I daresay this all comes as a bit of a surprise, dear chap, but there is a bit of urgency to our presence. I have it on good authority that your premises have been infiltrated by unsavory individuals who mean you harm. Indeed, those involved in the food poisoning incident are undoubtedly from the same nefarious clutch. Now, do you mind terribly if I take a seat so we can discuss this more thoroughly?”

Piero stepped back, his mouth agape as he watched Rupert take a chair next to mine.

“Do join us, Signora Corsi. We have much to discuss,” Rupert added mildly while helping himself to a plate of cheese and crackers. “Not the tainted snacks, I presume?” He smiled at Alexandra, who vehemently shook her head.

Piero walked back to the couch. “You had better explain quickly before I call the police, sir.” He was still standing.

Behind him, Peaches shut the door and passed Zann a mug of brackish liquid. “Down the hatch,” she whispered.

Rupert turned to Piero. “The police have already been made aware of the situation. You do know that the Agency of the Ancient Lost and Found are affiliated with Interpol, do you not? As for the explanation, it is a bit complicated and best digested with a calm disposition and a side of tea. Please do sit lest I develop a crick in my neck, there’s a good chap.”

Piero returned to his spot on the couch, his wife having now scooted to the opposite end as if putting as much space between them as possible. Zann leaned toward her and whispered, “It was a long time ago,” but Alexandra only averted her eyes.

“Excellent, thank you,” Rupert continued. “You have heard of the Agency of the Ancient Lost and Found, have you not?”

Piero hesitated. “That is a television show, yes?”

“Oh, perish the thought!” Rupert pitched his voice to his most Oxfordian sounding vowels. “We are an agency established for the retrieval of lost or stolen works of art, and quite famous, I might add. Surely you’ve heard of the lost crown of Prince Carlos or our recent work in Venice? We made the international headlines. Indeed, the renowned Phoebe McCabe sits right before your eyes,” he said while unfolding a cocktail napkin. He shot me a quick look and frowned.

That would be Phoebe McCabe in the blond wig, electric pink lipstick, and frothy candy-colored dress. My credibility factor had taken a nose-dive. “We haven’t had much of a chance for introductions after Zann revealed her identity but I—”

“Providing background, that’s all,” Zann said after downing the last of Peaches’s elixir and making a face. “Sorry for dropping a bomb on you like that, Pietro, but I promise that I’m not here to steal. I’m working with the agency to solve a mystery and we need your help. When the countess revives, she’ll pass you the letter. I gave it to her for safekeeping.

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