Page 66 of In the Line of Ire

"What ifyou get a real one?"

"Huh.Didn’t think of that."

"Thenyou're welcome, and you should buy one you actually like in caseyou have to keep it."

"I'mcalling it a business expense."

"I thinkthat's a one-time only explanation to your boss."

"Heregoes nothing," I said, spying a cute tan tote that I did actuallylike. Lily accompanied me to the dining room where Charlaine waitedat the table, currently accepting payment from a woman. When thewoman left, she waved me into the now vacant seat.

"I musthave the tan tote," I told her, hoping I appeared as excited as Itried to be. "I can't wait to take it home with me."

"I can'tgive you that one tonight to take home because it will need a goodcleaning after being handled by all my guests. But I can promiseyou that I will have your bag gift wrapped and delivered to yourhome later this evening. All I need is your address and your creditcard for payment. Or cash, if you prefer."

I let myface drop. "I really wanted to take it home now."

"I hatedisappointing you but imagine how excited you'll feel when you hearthat knock on the door before you unwrap your special treat. Youdeserve it."

"Okay,"I agreed rather than letting the sale fall through. A couple ofminutes later, she had my details although my credit card wasconsiderably lighter.

"Whatabout you, Lily?" Charlaine asked.

"I havemost of these already," said Lily. "I'll think about getting onenext time."

"Are yousure? It's a big discount."

"I'msure," said Lily. "Call me for the next party."

"You andLexi are definitely on the list," smiled Charlaine. "Enjoy thedrinks and if you see anything else you fancy, hurry back before Isell out."

"Youbet," I said, standing and moving out of the way for the next eagerwoman. "Let's go," I said to Lily when we were out of earshot. "Allwe can do now is wait."

~

Beforewe headed home, I had one small task to run. My trunk had all thethings Natalie asked for and I didn't want to leave her withoutthem for the night. She’d already experienced enough disruption andwe were conveniently still in the Bedford Hills neighborhood. Ipondered telling her about the attic entry but by the time I got toher temporary abode, I didn’t want to creep her outcompletely.

Iknocked on the door of the main house, the bags at my feet. Hugoanswered it but I could hear the sounds of people talking in theliving room.

"Hi," Istarted, "I have some things Natalie asked me to collect. Should Ileave them with you?"

"She'shere," he said, leaning back to call her name. Natalie walkedthrough from the living room, a bowl of popcorn in her hand,smiling when she saw me.

"I hopeI'm not interrupting anything," I said, sensing I absolutely was.Hugo had shucked his suit for jeans, a t-shirt and a hoody. Nataliewas wearing a short, floral dress with bare feet and a delicate,silver ankle chain.

"We werehaving an impromptu movie night," said Hugo as I heard gigglingfrom the living room. "Would you like to come in?"

"No,thanks. I just wanted to make sure Natalie got these." I pointed tothe bags.

"Natalie, I'll take them over to the guesthouse for you,"said Hugo, reaching for them.

"Isthere any news?" asked Natalie as he walked away. "The girls haveasked me and I don't know what to tell them."

"Weinstalled the camera earlier today and I hope we catch someonesoon," I told her. I hesitated but ultimately swallowed the urge totell her that some creep set up camp in the attic. "It’s a goodidea for you to just stay away from the house until I give you theall clear. I'll be in touch when I know more but don't hesitate tocall me or send me an email if you need anything else picked upfrom there."

"I willand thank you again. I'm sorry I'm putting you to so muchtrouble."

"Notrouble at all, it's my job to help. Enjoy your night!" I waved asI walked back to the car where Lily waited for me.

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