A Bidder End

by Ellery Adams

  No mention of Sabrina trying to persuade him, Molly thought. “Working for Atlas must be very exciting.”

  “It has its ups and downs, like any job,” Helen said.

  “It’s a shame he isn’t going to make any more movies,” Molly said. “I’ve loved every one of them. Why did he decide to retire?”

  “He wants to spend time with his family. He and Whitney married two years ago, and they had a baby last year.”

  “Do they still have a home in California?”

  “No, Atlas decided to make a clean break and move back to Vermont. They built a new house here on the lake. His daughter, Sabrina, lives in his old house, across the street. He and his ex-wife bought that one in 1990. She got it in the divorce.”

  “Julian pointed Sabrina out to me,” Molly said. “And Brett pointed out Whitney. I can’t imagine what it must be like having a stepmother your own age.”

  “Yes, not to mention her having a baby with your father,” Helen said. “They’re not the best of friends, but we’ll leave it at that. Let me introduce you to Atlas before the bidding starts.”

  Molly followed Helen through the crowd and felt her heart begin to pound in her chest. She couldn’t believe she was going to meet the famous actor in person. As they got closer, she saw Atlas’s eyes looked a little glazed over as Milo talked nonstop to him. And as soon as Atlas saw Helen, he interrupted Milo and said hopefully, “Helen, are we about to start?”

  “Brett will be making an announcement very soon,” Helen said. “I thought you’d like to meet Molly Appleby.”

  Atlas turned to Molly with a look of surprise. “What a pleasure to meet you,” he said, pumping her hand. For a brief moment, Molly thought she might actually faint. “I’ve been a Collector’s Weekly subscriber forever, and I have to tell you, your articles are the most informative and interesting.” His eyes are as blue as sapphires, she thought. “I’ve really enjoyed the ones you’ve written about all the murder cases you’ve worked on with the police. I don’t know how you do it. I think you’re very brave.”

  Molly couldn’t stop staring at him. She felt like she’d been cast under a spell. She cleared her throat, which had shrunk to the size of a pencil eraser. “Um, ah, I, I thank you,” she stammered.

  “This is my wife, Whitney,” Atlas said, indicating the blond bombshell.

  Whitney offered Molly a handshake as limp as a dead fish. Up close, her perfect features stood out starkly: straight nose, large green eyes with arching brows, a pile of golden hair spilling in waves to her shoulders. She had a dainty waist, and perfectly shaped legs. Molly could see why Atlas, or any man, would fall for her. She was striking.

  “And I’m Milo Stanton,” he said in a huff. “And if you’ll excuse us, we’re talking here.”

  Molly was astounded. Apparently, so was Atlas. He turned to Milo and said, “Actually, Milo, I think this would be a good time for you to find your wife a seat.”

  Milo opened his mouth to object, but his horrified wife grabbed him by the arm and dragged him away.

  Whitney sighed heavily. “Honestly, Helen, you should have saved us from that awful man ten minutes ago. He’s such a bore.”

  Atlas waved his hand. “It doesn’t matter. He’s gone now. And it looks like Brett is going to make an announcement.”

  Brett had walked onto the podium. He tapped the microphone and said, “Attention, please, everyone. The auction will begin in ten minutes. If you haven’t registered yet, this is your last chance. Catalogs are available at the registration table.”

  As Brett had predicted, people immediately began to move toward the chairs, jockeying for the best seats.

  Whitney turned to Molly. “Are you bidding?”

  “Me?” It was all Molly could do not to burst out laughing. “I’m afraid my job doesn’t pay me enough to bid on any of the lots.”

  Helen said, “Atlas, I think you and Whitney should take your seats. I’ll show you where they are.”

  Atlas smiled at Molly. “Again, it was a pleasure to meet you, Molly. Come by our house sometime. I’d love to hear all about your adventures.”

  “The pleasure was mine,” Molly squeaked. And she meant it. She couldn’t wait to tell her mother she’d talked to Atlas Dolan.

  Chapter 2

  Molly made her way to the back of the room, taking up a position near the registration table. Sabrina was signing up two latecomers, but kept glancing over toward a young woman with spiky brown hair and big, doe-like, dark brown eyes. The girl was pacing the floor, watching Sabrina, and as soon as the couple moved out of the way, she raced over to the table and said, “We really need to talk.”

  Sabrina glared at her. “I have nothing to say to you,” she said. “Go away.”

  “Please, Sabrina.”

  “Iris, you’re in the way,” Sabrina said, indicating a man who had come up behind her. “This gentleman needs to register.”

  Iris walked away looking crestfallen. Molly approached the table and picked up one of the auction catalogs. Sabrina was all smiles as she registered the man, but Molly saw her glare a few times in the direction Iris had gone.

  The glossy catalog was filled with photographs and detailed descriptions of the lots up for auction. On the first page, Molly read about a camel brooch Atlas had bought in Egypt in 1989 when he was filming Mastermind, a movie he’d starred in, and for which he’d won a second Academy Award. He was quoted as saying: “We were in Egypt for two months, and I barely had time to explore the shops, but when I saw this brooch in a jewelry store in Cairo, the piece called out to me, and I just had to have it.” The piece was described as gold, multi-gemstone, with a diamond brooch. Molly thought it was one of the most beautiful pieces of workmanship she’d ever seen. She gulped when she saw the opening bid was fifteen thousand dollars. The camel brooch wasn’t just out of her price range, it was way out of her universe.

  Molly flipped through the pages, and a few minutes later Sabrina put a Closed sign on the table. Molly watched her walk to the front row and join her father and Whitney. As soon as Sabrina sat down, Brett took the stage, and the audience quieted. He introduced Atlas, asking him to stand, which Molly thought was wise. He was making sure everyone got a good look at the celebrity to remind them this was Atlas Dolan’s property about to be placed on the auction block.

  Snagging another glass of champagne from a passing waiter, Molly moved into her position by the wall. The auction got under way, and time passed swiftly. The bids were high, and Brett was in his element. Molly thought his knowledge of the quality, craftsmanship, and history of each piece was impressive. She was truly happy for him. She knew this was going to go down as one of the best days of his life. She never imagined how wrong she could be.

  • • •

  The final gavel came down at four thirty, leaving Molly with time to linger before going home. Almost every piece had sold, and Atlas and Brett looked extremely pleased as they worked the crowd, smiling and shaking hands.

  Molly had marked up the catalog as the bidding had gone on, checking off each item sold, noting the final bid in the margin. She would use her notes to feature some of the pieces in her article. Tucking the catalog into her bag, she turned around to leave and ran smack into Milo Stanton.

  “For God’s sake!” he yelled. “Watch where you’re going, you stupid cow.”

  Molly’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me?” He pushed his way past her, his wife trailing behind him muttering apologies.

  “What a jerk.”

  Molly was shocked. Had Milo’s wife just called him a jerk? Then she realized it wasn’t his wife, it was Sabrina, Atlas Dolan’s daughter, who had come up behind her.

  “He called me a stupid cow,” Molly said.

  “He’s upset because Dad didn’t go with his auction house,” Sabrina said, sticking out her hand. “Hi. I’m Sabrina Dolan.”

  “Molly Appleby.”

  “I know who you are,” Sabrina said. They stepped into one of the aisles to get out of the way
of people who were leaving. “My father pointed you out to me. He’s a big fan. He told me you solve murders, and there’s not a criminal in the world who could go up against you and win. Is that true, or is he making it up?”

  “I have on occasion helped the police,” Molly said modestly. “Your father must be happy. The auction was a great success.”

  “Yeah, he’s happy, but sad, too. He didn’t want to auction anything off.”

  “Then why did he?”

  “My stepmother made him.”

  “I heard you and Helen, his assistant, both had a hand in convincing him.”

  “Dad doesn’t listen to me,” Sabrina said. “But I knew it was only a matter of time before he caved. Whitney doesn’t like antiques. She made him build a separate room for his collections. Did you know that?”

  “Ah, no, I didn’t,” Molly said. “Helen told me you live across the street from your father. It must be nice, being close to your father, and your stepsister. Katie, right?”

  “Yeah, Katie’s a cute kid,” Sabrina said. “My mother got the house in the divorce settlement, so I live there for free, and I get to annoy Whitney, too.” She grinned. “She didn’t like me moving here with them. She wants Dad all to herself.”

  “Is your mother still in California?”

  “My mother is traveling around the world with her new boyfriend,” Sabrina said. “He’s a big-shot producer. She had an affair with him when she was still married to Dad. What a mess that was.” Molly was shocked Sabrina was being so open about something so personal. “When Dad said he was going to move here with Whitney and Katie, I asked if I could come. I wanted a change, and I got one. I love my job. Brett’s been teaching me the furniture restoration side of the business, and he’s helping me train for my first five-K marathon in the fall.”

  “Oh, you’re another runner,” Molly said.

  “First time ever,” Sabrina said. “I only took it up because he encouraged me to.”

  “Did you work on the auction with Brett?”

  “We all did, to some extent, but mostly it was Helen.” Sabrina’s mouth turned down in a sour expression. She had her father’s piercing blue eyes and chiseled cheekbones, but she didn’t have his charm. She was a little hard and rough around the edges. “Helen’s a battle-ax,” she said bluntly. “She’s one of those people who takes up all the oxygen in the room. She’s been bossing us around like we work for her. I told Brett she was getting on everyone’s nerves, but he said to stick it out, the auction was all that mattered, and it would be over soon.”

  “I’m surprised he let her get away with that,” Molly said. “I know he has a reputation for being a perfectionist, and he likes to do things his own way.”

  “Oh, believe me, Brett insisted on having things done his way. Helen caught on real quick. She knows how to yes him to death, and I think he loved the attention.”

  “Maybe it helps that they’re dating,” Molly said. “People tend to be more forgiving and flexible when they’re in a relationship, especially when it’s new.”

  Sabrina frowned. “Where does she think she’s going?” Molly turned and saw Helen racing down the aisle toward the exit. “She’s supposed to be talking to bidders who need their winnings shipped out.”

  Molly thought Helen looked as if she’d seen a ghost. “She looks upset about something,” she said. “I’ll go after her and make sure she’s all right. It was nice to meet you, Sabrina.”

  Molly hurried down the aisle and walked out the front door. She saw Helen getting into a red Mustang and walked in that direction, but before she could reach her, Helen backed out of the space. Molly raised her hand to flag her down, but Helen ignored her and sped out of the parking lot.

  Concerned about her, Molly went back into the shop. Julian was behind the register ringing up a sale. She walked over to him and asked quietly, “Do you know where Helen’s gone?”

  “She should be in the auction room,” he said.

  “She’s not. She drove away in a big hurry.”

  Julian handed the woman her shopping bag. “Thank you so much for shopping with us,” he said, flashing her a smile. Then he turned back to Molly, a look of concern on his face. “Are you sure it was her?”

  “Positive. She looked upset about something,” Molly said. “Do you know where Brett is?”

  “I saw him escorting Atlas and Whitney out to their car. Their driver is picking them up by the loading dock out back. Go down the hall, past the restrooms and Brett’s office. It’s the last door on the left.”

  Molly wasted no time in finding the delivery bay. There were two box trucks parked there with Laurel Wreath Antiques and Auction House stenciled on their sides, and she saw where Brett had propped open the door to the parking lot. As she stepped outside, she found him watching a black Lincoln Navigator pull away from the curb. He saw Molly and smiled. “Atlas Dolan has left the building,” he said with a laugh. “What did you think of the auction?”

  “It was wonderful, Brett, truly, but I’m worried about Helen,” she said.

  “Why?” His smiled vanished. “Has something happened?”

  “I don’t know, but she ran out of the building looking very upset and drove off in a big hurry. Do you know where she’s gone?”

  “I haven’t seen her since the auction ended. I’ll call her.” He took his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed. “I’m getting her voice mail,” he said. Then: “Helen, it’s me. Where are you? Call me as soon as you get this message.” He ended the call and looked at Molly. “Maybe something came up at work.”

  “Did Atlas say anything to you?”

  “No.”

  “Maybe you should call him and ask.”

  “I don’t want to bother him right now,” he said. “He just left.”

  “But, Brett—”

  “I’ll call Atlas later, if I don’t hear from Helen.” He looked at his watch. “I’ve got to get back, Molly. Thanks again for coming.”

  Chapter 3

  Molly knew having a baby was going to change her life, and one of the biggest concerns she’d had was how she was going to juggle being a mom and working full-time. Clara had volunteered to watch her only grandchild, but she was also newly married to Sean Murphy, and Molly didn’t want to impose on either of them. This left day care, or hiring a sitter to come to the house. It was Matt who came up with the idea of asking his twenty-four-year-old niece, Starling Harrison, if she would like the job.

  Starling was a professional nanny. In high school she’d taken babysitting courses at the American Red Cross, volunteered at a local hospital, and participated in after-school programs for children. After graduation, she’d gone on to college and earned her associates degree in early childhood education. She was a member of the International Nanny Association, and had been caring for a power couple’s two children in Ohio for two years when Matt and Molly made her an offer. They would pay her a generous salary, and she could live rent-free in the in-law apartment over their garage, which was empty after Clara moved out to marry Sean. Starling was so excited, she told them she was already packing her bags. She arrived three weeks before Tyler’s due date, and Molly knew right from the start they’d struck gold. Starling was a true professional, and best of all, Tyler adored her. When Molly returned home from the auction, she found them in kitchen. Starling liked to bake and was making oatmeal raisin cookies. She had a batch cooling on the counter and was sliding another tray into the oven.

  “The cookies smell yummy,” Molly said, lifting Tyler out of his high chair.

  Starling handed her a warm cookie on a plate. “Sit down and I’ll get you a glass of milk. I want to hear all about the auction.”

  Molly put Tyler on her lap and bounced him on her knee, which was guaranteed to make him smile. Starling went to the refrigerator and poured two glasses of milk. At five foot four, Starling had not inherited the Harrison tall gene (Molly, no slouch at five foot eight, only reached the level of Matt’s wide shoulders), but she did have
the same light blue eyes and sandy brown hair.

  Starling put another cookie on a plate for herself and sat down. “So, tell me everything. Did you see Atlas Dolan?”

  “I did better than that,” Molly said, picking up her cookie. “I met him, and he was really nice, and incredibly good-looking. And he knew who I was! He said he’s been subscribing to the magazine since it first came out.”

  “No way. Did you get his autograph?”

  “No. It wasn’t really the time or place for that sort of thing. Anyway, meeting him was enough for me.” Molly took a bite of the cookie. “This is really good.”

  “Thanks. How was the auction?”

  “A big hit,” Molly said. “Almost everything sold.” She took a sip of milk. “Something weird happened after the auction was over though. Brett’s girlfriend took off without telling anyone where she was going, and I’m a little worried about her. Brett tried to call her and she didn’t pick up. I hope everything’s all right.” She drank her milk and took another bite of cookie. “I’m making meat loaf for dinner, with green beans and potatoes. Would you like roasted or mashed?”

  “Actually, I’m going to pass on dinner tonight,” Starling said. “Rachel called and asked if I wanted to have dinner with her. Is that all right?”

  “Of course is it,” Molly said. She and Matt had been worried Starling might have trouble making friends, since she worked at home taking care of Tyler and didn’t know anyone else in Vermont except for them. But it turned out there was a network of nannies in the Burlington area, and Starling had joined one of their groups. She had more friends than Molly, who’d been living there for two years.

  “I can help you get dinner started,” Starling said.

  “I’ll take care of dinner.” Molly put Tyler back in his high chair. “And I’ll get the last tray of cookies out, too. Go, get ready. I’m sure you don’t want to wear what you’ve got on.” Molly gasped, horrified. “Oh, my God. I can’t believe I just said that. I sound like my mother.”