Page 166 of The Chase
I hung up and walked toward Adley.
My phone buzzed in my pocket but I ignored it.
“Use my office,” Adley said. “Take as long as you like.”
“You’re not staying?”
“Francis wants to talk with you privately.”
31
Don’t go back in.
Tobias’s words hung like a noose around my neck waiting to tighten.
Francis sat on the edge of Adley’s desk with his arms folded across his chest. He gave a thin smile.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said. “I’ve read wonderful things about your art collection.”
He lowered his gaze. “Which you’ve seen.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’d never forget your eyes, Zara.”
My gaze flittered toward the door.
“It’s refreshing to meet others who share our taste in the finer delights of life.”
I studied his face, trying to gauge if he knew I’d also seen his secret Goya. The thought of Adley finding out what had happened that night made me sick to my stomach.
“I looked for you later,” he said. “That Neanderthal you were with hid you away.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “How can I help you?”
He scratched his nose thoughtfully. “You’d be surprised how many people enjoy our lifestyle.”
“You have a painting to be appraised?”
“We’re concerned with all these thefts. We need our home reevaluated. An expert to secure our paintings. This man’s very good. This Icon. Our system may be outdated.”
“We’ll have our team visit.”
“I want you there.”
“I’m an appraiser, Lord Blandford. Security—”
“Francis, please.”
“We have a fine team here who specialize in security consulting.” My fingernails trailed over the nape of my neck. “We’ll keep your paintings safe, sir.”
He stepped forward. “Sir? I like that.”
“I didn’t stay. You know, for the... Wasn’t my thing. To be honest.”
“Zara.” He stepped closer. “You prefer one-on-one?” His fingers trailed along my throat. I pulled away.
He scowled. “Shall I inform Mr. Huntly about your attendance at my party?”
