Page 78 of Little Hidden Fears

But before my focus could shift to happier days ahead, I had a murder to solve.

CHAPTER 31

I was sitting in Alexander Beaumont’s study with Giovanni, waiting for Alexander to finish the call he’d just taken behind closed doors in his office. A few minutes passed and then he joined us, his eyes laser-focused on my wig.

“New hairstyle, I see,” he said.

“I needed a change,” I said.

“Can’t say I’ve known many women to don such a color, but you, my dear, you pull it off well.”

“Thank you.”

Compliment aside, he shifted his attention to Giovanni. “You have a familiar look about you. Have we met somewhere before?”

“I don’t believe so.”

“What’s your name, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Giovanni Luciana.”

Alexander ran a hand along his jawline, repeating the surname under his breath. “Luciana... might be a longshot, but you wouldn’t happen to be related to Matteo Luciana, would you? He’s of the New York Luciana family, lives on the family estate, if I’m not mistaken.”

“Matteo is my uncle.”

“Ahh, yes. You look a lot like him.”

“How is it the two of you are acquainted?”

“I own several homes, one in the heart of New York City. I spend the fall season there. When I’m visiting, I participate in a weekly poker game with some buddies of mine. Your uncle has attended a few times. Nice fellow.”

“Small world we live in,” I said.

“Small indeed, Miss Germaine.” He flicked a finger left to right. “So ... how do the two of you know each other?”

“Giovanni is my fiancé,” I said.

“Ahh, and does he accompany you during your investigations often?”

“Sometimes.”

I leaned back and looked Alexander in the eye. If he had anything to do with my assault, nothing in his placid demeanor indicated as much. Then again, he struck me as a man who had plenty to hide and was good at hiding it when it suited him.

As I thought about the best way to catch him off guard, an idea came to mind. I grabbed my wig, yanking it off my head, a gesture that came as a surprise to both men. It was just the reaction I wanted.

Alexander slapped a hand to his lips. “The new hair, I understand now. What happened to you?”

“Someone assaulted me as I was leaving my workplace.”

He glanced at Giovanni, offering a slight nod, suggesting he had a better understanding of why I wasn’t alone today.

“The man who attacked you, did you get a good look at him, at least?” Alexander asked.

“I never said amanattacked me.”

“I ... I, well, I just assumed. Are you all right?”

“A little banged up, but I’m fine.”

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