Jayne Castle - Obsidian Prey by Castle Jayne

Author:Castle, Jayne [Castle, Jayne]
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781101129302
Publisher: PENGUIN group
Published: 2009-08-25T14:35:05+00:00

SHE WAS STILL FUMING AN HOUR LATER WHEN SHE walked into the hushed, elegant atmosphere of the Fairstead Gallery with Cruz at her side. She consoled herself with the knowledge that at least she looked thoroughly professional in a skirted suit and pumps. Her hair was up in a businesslike twist. She wore her charm bracelet on her wrist. The usual pair of small, discreet amber earrings gleamed in her ears.

Vincent had been left at home. High-end auction houses did not welcome dust bunnies or any other species that possessed more than two legs. They were also highly selective when it came to the two-legged types. The only way a low-rent amber tuner turned part-time antiquities consultant could cross the threshold of the Fairstead was because she had been invited by one of the gallery’s high-rent clients.

A number of well-dressed people circulated among the display cases, making notes about the various items that were slated to go on the block. Several uniformed guards stood watch. Lyra spotted two other amber consultants. Both moved routinely in these rarified circles. She knew they had noticed her, also. They gave her veiled what-the-hell-is-she-doing-here looks and then did double takes when they recognized Cruz. She returned the acknowledgments with a dazzling screw-you smile.

She heightened her senses and felt the familiar frisson that told her there was a lot of good amber in the room. She glanced at Cruz and knew he felt it, too. An affinity for amber was one thing they did have in common.

A suave, distinguished-looking man with discreetly enhanced patrician features and a wealth of unnaturally bright silver hair appeared as if by magic. Ignoring Lyra, he beamed at Cruz, displaying a lot of perfect teeth.

“Mr. Sweetwater,” he gushed smoothly. “An unexpected pleasure. I’m Valentine Fairstead. I do not recall seeing your name on the guest list, but I am, of course, delighted that you decided to attend the auction.”

“Thought I’d take a quick look,” Cruz said, glancing casually around at the cases. “But I won’t be bidding unless Miss Dore spots something of special interest. I rely on her for all my appraisals.”

Horrified shock flashed in Fairstead’s eyes. He looked at Lyra as if she were one of the multifooted species not welcome in the gallery.

“Miss Dore?” he repeated somewhat blankly.

“I wouldn’t consider buying amber antiquities without her,” Cruz said.

To his credit, Fairstead recovered quickly. He bestowed his gleaming smile on Lyra.

“Yes, of course, Miss Dore,” he said. “Welcome to the Fairstead Gallery.”

“Thank you,” she said. It took effort to keep her voice cool and polite, but she managed. “Actually, Mr. Sweetwater is here only because he very kindly offered to escort me today. One of your other guests has engaged my services this afternoon.”

“I see.” Fairstead was clearly thunderstruck. “Isn’t that a little, ah, unusual?”

“I understand that you are going to be auctioning off some extremely unusual amber today,” she said just as smoothly. “Rare amber is my specialty.”

“Yes, of course,” Fairstead said weakly.

Another man in an elegantly tailored business suit and a black and amber tie came toward them.

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