Page 31 of One Last Step

“Come on, Luc,” Lukas says.“I think it’s time for us to go home.”

“Yes, I believe it is,” Elena says.She doesn’t sound angry, just exasperated.“And Sophie, I believe it’s time you went upstairs and left the museum to run itself for the day.”

“We were just exploring,” Sophie said morosely.

“And listening to grownup conversations that don’t concern you,” Margot snaps.

Elena whirls on her, and for a moment, I think she might actually strike her.I wouldn’t condemn her for it.

She uses her words instead.“Margot, it waslovelychatting with you again.I can’t wait for our next delightful conversation.Would you like some hot chocolate before you leave?”

Margot’s lip curls in contempt.“Your position isn’t as strong as you think it is,” she warns.“I wouldn’t be so dismissive of me if I were you.”

“You wouldn’t be anything if you were me,” Elena counters.

Margot stiffens, pales, then flushes.She takes a deep breath, pushes it out in a huff, then stalks toward the exit.The clicks of her heels echo through the exhibit when she leaves.

Gustaf and the female employee look inside, their eyes wide.I feel for them.From their perspective, their easygoing boss is having multiple nervous breakdowns, the governess is nearing one herself, guests are alternately fleeing or being thrown out, and law enforcement visits almost daily.It must be quite an adjustment.

Evelyn rubs her face.“Gustaf, is there anyone here?Any guests?”

“I’m not sure, ma’am.”

She rolls her eyes.“Could you check?”

Gustaf blinks.Then he catches on.“Right.Yes, of course.”

He shambles through Exhibit One and heads toward the elevator.Lukas clears his throat and reaches for Luc’s shoulder.“Luc.Come on.”

Luc gives Sophie a hug goodbye, then follows his father out of the door.Elena looks at Sophie and says, “Upstairs.”

Sophie pouts and stomps toward the back.I should go with her, but I’m interested in listening to Elena’s explanation of what she and Margot were talking about.So I wait until the door closes behind Sophie and ask, “What were you two arguing about?”

“None of your business.”

Well, all right then.

“What did you and the Interpol detective talk about?”Elena asks.

I'm sorely tempted to say, "None of your business," but I control myself and instead say, "She was just asking me basic questions: How do I like Geneva?How long have I been working for?Have I tried the strudels at the café, and so forth.I think she had a more thorough line of questioning planned for me, but once she discovered that I'm new here, she let it go."

Elena nods.“That makes sense.I’m sorry you have to deal with all of this.As you can tell, my life has picked this particular moment to fall apart.”

“Are you worried that Interpol can take your museum from you?”

“Interpol can’t do anything,” she scoffs.“The best they can do is threaten me.If they act on that threat, they’ll find themselves in trouble.That whole bit about Mossad is probably just a bluff.I’ll bet you anything she’s trying to confiscate historical items so she can resell them.”

Gustaf returns then, pale and trembling.“Doctor?”

“Yes, Gustaf?”Elena replied.“Are we clear?”

Gustaf swallows.“Well… There are no more guests, but…”

I have a feeling I know what he’s about to say.Elena still seems left in the dark.“Come on, Gustaf, out with it.What is it?”

“The Kaiser Wilhelm clock is missing.”

Elena’s eyes widen.At the same time, her shoulders slump.She rolls her eyes and throws her hands into the air.“Oh, God damnIt!Are you serious?”

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