Page 6 of Unforeseen Mate

“Of course; I’d love to. I’d like to take a day or two for myself, but then I’ll switch the billing back to you.”

“I won’t hear of it. I’ll ring the Savoy and tell them to cancel your billing and that they are to bill the museum until further notice.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know I don’t, but it would be my and the museum’s pleasure.”

“Well, thank you. I’ll call you in a couple of days and we can set up a time to meet and go over the new project.”

“I’ll look forward to it. I’m going to ring off and let the board know. They’ll be so pleased.”

The call ended and Fallon glanced at the other message. It wasn’t a name or number she recognized. She took her cup of coffee and went to sit by the window overlooking the river. She knew London was a vibrant and bustling city, but here within the walls of the venerable old hotel, looking out on the Thames, it was easy to forget that and just take a few moments to breathe.

Realizing she hadn’t heard from Nora in a few days, she rang her cell and got her voicemail. She left a message saying there was nothing to worry about and that she had just called to let Nora know she was thinking of her. Meandering back to the dining table, she picked up the second message and then answered a knock on the door. It was the Savoy’s head concierge, Felix Spenser.

“Good morning, Dr. Kent,” he said in his perfectly proper and posh voice. “I just wanted to let you know the museum calledand has arranged to be billed for your extended stay. It occurred to me that you might need either some things laundered, or perhaps one of the personal shoppers could pick something up for you?”

God, she loved the Savoy.

“Actually, as I wasn’t planning to stay, I do have some things that could be cleaned, and I could use a new outfit or two. I hate shopping for clothes. I love doing it for antiques, artwork, and other home décor, but as far as clothing is concerned, I am the woman online shopping was invented for.”

“A great many of our clients feel the same way, and our shoppers have impeccable taste. If you’ll give me a list of what you need and an idea of the budget, we’ll get started.” Spenser spotted the breakfast tray. “Can I get that out of your way?”

“Leave the meat and cheese plate.”

“Of course,” he said, scooping up the other dishes and tray after setting the charcuterie plate aside. “Let me know when you have your list finished.”

“Thanks, I will,” she said as he left, closing the door behind him.

Fallon tapped the message on her chin and dialed the number on the Savoy’s landline. That way this stranger would not have her cell phone number.

When the phone was answered, Fallon said, “Good morning. This is Dr. Kent.” Always good to impress them with the title. “You left a message asking that I call you?”

“Good morning, Dr. Kent. My name is Alfie Squire. I am in the employ of a gentleman who wishes to remain anonymous.”

That sounded weird and off-putting. Fallon wasn’t sure she wanted to work for someone who knew who she was but who was unwilling to speak to her personally.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Squire; while I respect and will honor a client’s confidentiality, I will not take on a contract with someone who chooses to hide their identity from me.”

“I understand completely, Dr. Kent. My employer will, of course, respect your wishes in this matter but would prefer for you and I to meet first about the project he wishes you to undertake.”

“Where and for what length of time would this meeting be?” Time to remove the wheat from the chaff. “I would require a non-refundable, twenty-percent payment of the fee we will agree upon for time and expenses before I meet with you.”

“That is outrageous,” he sputtered.

“True, but then your client is the one who wants anonymity, which says to me he’s either trying to play games or he is up to no good—neither of which I am inclined to indulge. I understand he might not want to agree to my terms, but they are non-negotiable.” She paused and was given only silence. “I take it that it is not acceptable, and so I will bid you good day.”

As she went to hang up, Squire said, “No. No. Please. My employer is not a man who likes failure. I just texted him, and he said to send a bill to this phone…”

“Email only. You don’t get my cell phone number until after we have come to terms, you and I have met, I’ve met with your employer, and decided to accept the project.”

“May I assume that you aren’t willing to negotiate on any of that?” Squire said with a surly edge to his voice.

“You’re the one who approached me, Mr. Squire. I have other business here in London. In order for me to take your employer on as a client, it is, as we say in my country, my way or the highway.”

He rattled off his email. “My employer estimates that expenses other than the normal per diem will be minimal, andthe work required will take between ten days and two weeks. If you’ll send me the invoice, I will see that it is paid.”

“Once I have confirmation from my bank that the bill has been paid, I’ll call you again.”

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