Page 38 of Heist

He fired off a text to Elijah letting him know she was safely in the hotel and a bodyguard was shadowing her until Patrick picked her up again. Holly would lose her shit if she knew, but the press was still following them, and Elijah Barrett didn’t mess around when it came to Holly’s safety.

By the time Patrick finished his errands, it was time to pick Holly up. Austin phoned to let him know she would be working until six or seven but could dinner and drinks after that.

The schedule she kept worried him because it included very little sleep. The Dom in him wanted to do something about it but he knew she would balk if it seemed like he was trying to interfere with her work life. He just hoped she didn’t flip out on him when she got home and discovered he’d hired someone to handle her laundry.

Now, he stood with Holly in the museum curator’s office while he repeated the spiel with them about how the next two days would go.

“I can’t wait to see the diamonds,” Holly said. “The only one that was ever on display when I was living at home was the pumpkin diamond, but Daddy put that one away after mom died.”

Patrick felt his fists clench at the mention of their mother who had died at the hand of his father.

“Shall we go have a look then?” the curator asked. The press will be waiting in the east wing, but we have time for you to see the gems.”

The curator led them to a back room that housed a vault. He twisted and turned the knobs until the tumblers fell into place and he pulled the large door open.

“Just in here,” he said. Patrick and Holly stepped inside and Holly gasped. “I didn’t realize there were so many of them,” she whispered.

Patrick nodded. “That’s why it’s a big deal that it’s part of his plea deal. These are a big part of his fortune.”

Holly whistled as she stared at the collection that lay neatly arranged. Most were polished gems not in settings, but a few were cut and set in intricate jewelry pieces that would likely be loaned out to high society people for red carpet events in the future.

“Are you ready for the press conference?”

Patrick nodded. He wanted Holly to do all the talking, she was skilled in media relations and he was not. He often lost his temper with the press. But she had convinced him that Patrick was the one people needed to hear from most after he stormed out of the courtroom last week.

The spindly curator stepped to the podium and introduced himself as cameras flashed.

“It’s a great honor to have two members of the Sutton family with us for the unveiling of the collection tomorrow. We’ve taken possession of this stunning historical collection of diamonds and it is currently being cataloged before it goes on display tomorrow afternoon. Does anyone have any questions about the diamonds themselves?”

A few reporters shouted out questions, but when they veered into questions about Patrick and Holly, the curator gently encouraged them to stay on topic, reminding them that both of them would be giving statements momentarily.

Patrick leaned over and whispered to Holly, “Should I take questions today? He said I have to tomorrow.”

Holly nodded. “Take one or two, but if it veers into territory, you’re uncomfortable with, pivot to me and tell them you’ll answer more questions tomorrow.”

The curator introduced Patrick and he stepped to the podium. Reporters began shouting questions, but he held up his hands.

“Please, I have a statement.”

Patrick took a deep breath and read what the teleprompter displayed. It was a good speech Holly had put together, but most of it was bullshit about how he was grateful that a piece of history finally had a proper home.

When he finished, he pointed to a reporter indicating he would take a question.

“Patrick, is it true that you stormed out of the courtroom because the pumpkin diamond was part of your inheritance?”

Patrick scowled. “Where the hell did you hear that?” he snapped. Behind him, Holly kicked him, and he coughed.

“No, that is not why I stormed out. I was upset about what I saw as too much leniency by the courts. I believe my father should pay for his crimes.”

“So, you don’t want the pumpkin diamond? A source tells me you’re trying to replicate it in one of your diamond production labs.”

“That’s all the time I have. I’ll take more questions at the unveiling. My sister would like to give a brief statement now.”

Holly took his place and soothed the press with her skilled speaking style. When she finished, she politely declined questions and they were ushered out and to their car.

“Who the fuck told them I was trying to duplicate that diamond? Only a handful of people know that. It’s a private fucking project.” Patrick combed a hand through his hair as the car pulled away from the museum.

“You know how the press are. I’m sure they got someone to spill on accident. I wouldn’t stress about it. Let’s just get through tomorrow and we’ll be done with this whole mess.”

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