Spartan Heart, Part One

by Kristine Cheney

  “So, you’re my assistant?”

  “Yes, Miss Montgomery.”

  “Please call me Evan.”

  “Yes, Miss, I mean Evan.”

  “Excellent. We have a big project we must get started on right away. I’m going to need your assistance.”

  “You can count on me. May I ask what type of project we’ll be doing?”

  “We’re going to plan the First Annual Grande Ball for the museum’s sponsors.” Ella’s eyes lit up with excitement. “You mean a real ball with costumes, dresses, and musicians?”

  “Yes. The whole fairytale. Are you up to the challenge? We have only a couple of weeks to plan.”

  “Absolutely! It sounds perfect. What will be our theme?”

  “Considering this is our maiden Ball, I think we must have a Grecian theme.”

  Ella nodded. “I agree.”

  “Perhaps next year we can go with 18th Century? But we have plenty of time to come up with the next theme.”

  “This year will be famous.” Ella chimed.

  Evangeline winked. “I think so, too.”

  “Time isn’t on our side, but we are resourceful women. The Ball will be held in the museum’s ballroom on Saturday, July twenty-fifth, at five o’clock. Please compile the guest list consisting of our current sponsors. I’ll order the invitations right away. Here’s the contact information for London’s best event coordinator, Lady Sarah Blackstone. She’s a dear friend, so please give her my regards. Sarah’s talents will relieve us of having to deal with hiring vendors, decorating, and tying up loose ends.”

  “Yes, Miss.” Ella nodded.

  “I’ll need you to call the press right away. Make sure to take out a full page ad in the paper. That should get everyone buzzing about the Ball. Oh, and by the way, if you happen to speak to an Ember Thornton, please inform her that her kitchen’s on fire.”

  Ella’s dark brows came together. Her dark gaze questioned.

  Evangeline lifted a hand. “She’s a new enemy, don’t ask.”

  Ella smiled in understanding. Evangeline glanced at her watch and flinched. It was almost night.

  “Ella, it’s late. I appreciate all of your help. I couldn’t do this without you. When you’re done with the ad, please go home. Don’t worry about coming in until noon tomorrow.”

  Ella nodded. “Have a good night. Will I see you tomorrow?”

  “I’m still on bereavement leave, but I’ll be available by phone and email if you need me. Here’s a list of a few more tasks to wrap up tomorrow. This should keep you busy for a while.”

  “Yes, Evangeline. I’ll see you soon.” Ella shut the door as she left.

  Fairytale thoughts created her costume. Her gown would be crimson red. The color made her think of Dorien. Seamstress Alice Rhinehart would need to get started on it right away.

  She already had the perfect jewelry for the occasion; Her mother’s Greek gold necklace with matching drop earrings, head band, and upper arm bands. The jewelry was an heirloom. Every piece was encrusted with fiery topaz stones that matched her family’s famous copper eyes. The set had been passed to every copper-eyed female for countless generations. It became hers the day she was born.

  Packing her briefcase, there was one other task to do before she headed home. She wanted to see the Spartan statue from the Treasure Recovery Room. For whatever reason, she he couldn’t get the piece off her mind.

  The museum elevator doors shut. Evangeline pushed the lower level button for the basement. Her heels clicked loud against the marble tiles. Stepping into the Treasure Recovery Room, she spotted the familiar table of lanterns, she headed towards the center of the room. Evangeline’s head turned in search of the statue. Her brows furrowed in confusion. All that remained of the statue was an empty marble platform base. Did someone move the statue? Steal it? Did she dream or imagine it? She was sure there was statue of a Spartan warrior down here. Now it was gone!

  A gnarled voice came from behind her. “Can I help you, Miss?”

  Evangeline whirled around. “Oh, you startled me!”

  The man smiled in hedonistic pleasure. “Pardon me. I’m Phebus. Visitors are not allowed here. I’m afraid I‘ll have to escort you upstairs.”

  Evangeline controlled her reaction to the hideous man. In an instant, she didn’t like him. His scarred, distorted face reminded her of unmatched puzzle pieces fused together with thick burned scar tissue. A shiver of fear bolted down her spine. Rubbing her hands down the length of her arms, she tried to ward off a chill. Instinct told her to run.

  “I’m not a visitor, Phebus, I’m your new boss, Evangeline Montgomery.”

  His demeanor changed in an instant. Phebus looked furious. Offering a scarred limb, she knew he forced his smile. In the same token, she accepted his mangled hand. At the unnatural touch of his cold skin, she shivered. It made her think of Dorien. The uncanny resemblance was troubling.

  “I apologize, Miss Montgomery. Welcome back.”

  He was lying, she saw it in his eyes. Withdrawing her hand, everything about him repulsed her.

  “Why, thank you, Phebus.” She played along.

  “May I ask what you’re looking for?”

  “I thought a Spartan statue was down here. I can’t seem to locate it.”

  His scarred brow furrowed. “Funny you mention it. One has been missing for weeks,” he shouted in anger.

  Evangeline took a protective step back.

  “My apologies. I’m afraid I’m quite protective of the museum’s treasures.” His greasy, black hair seemed to slither towards his mangled face. “I almost caught the thief on the night of the statue’s disappearance. The intruder somehow escaped the room before I could reach him. Perhaps he stole the statue you seek.”

  “Did you call Scotland Yard? Why wasn’t I notified of the theft?”

  “You were on bereavement leave, Miss Montgomery.”

  “I don’t care what I was doing, Phebus. Something this important should have been reported immediately.”

  His eyes narrowed.

  “Another oversight and you’ll lose your job. Do I make myself clear?”

  Phebus took a menacing step towards her. His smile was evil. It made her stomach feel queasy. Taking another step back, Evangeline felt threatened. She cried out when she bumped into someone behind her. Whirling around, she let out a sigh of relief.

  “Mr. Cornwallis!” She was grateful for his presence.

  “Ah, Evangeline. I was told you were down here, my dear.”

  Phebus pulled back. He appeared angry at the intrusion.

  She released a held breath. “Reginald, what can I do for you?”

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to get more details about the upcoming Ball. My darling wife Bonnie is so excited. She has already told all of our friends. News of the Ball is already spreading like wildfire.”

  “Of course! Would you mind walking me to my car?”

  “I would be honored.”

  “If you’ll excuse me, Phebus.” Evangeline taunted.

  Phebus nodded once. “Accept my sympathies for the murder of your dear parents. Did they ever catch the perpetrator?” His tone was sarcastic.

  Her heart raced in fear. Reginald walked towards the exit. Evangeline pivoted on her heel and followed after him, almost running. Avoiding Phebus would become a top priority.

  * * * *

  Dorien approached the dark silent house. He felt Evangeline’s presence. She was home, but the early silence was unlike her. Concerned for her welfare, he entered the house through the back door and paused just outside her bedroom. He relaxed to hear her light, even breaths. It was impossible not to notice the erratic beat of her heart.

  With a chuckle, he side-stepped the path of clothes she had strewn all over the bedroom floor. Slipping into bed, he pulled Evangeline into his arms. He smiled in triumph as goose bumps covered her flesh. She let out a soft sigh and nuzzled deep into his chest. She wasn’t fazed by his cold skin. Running his fingers through
a curl, he left a trail of cool kisses on her cheek.

  His little sprite had been a busy bee today. Peering into the depths of her mind, he felt pride in the woman he loved. She had been brave and accepted the helm at the museum. He filtered through her plans of saving her beloved gallery. Proud in admiration, her spirited strength and creativity had won the battle. He considered her plans for the upcoming Ball. In a rush his mind soared. She still thought of him often.

  Crimson would be the color of her gown. Such a smart girl! He would love to see her in costume from his own time. Without a doubt, the color would match his cloak. After all, he already had a fitting costume. What he didn’t have was a ticket for the Ball. So, she was giving away tickets to anyone who would sponsor the museum? That would be easy enough. He’d put Tommy on the task tomorrow. What would her reaction be if he surprised her? He couldn’t wait to find out.

  Chapter Ten

  Evangeline woke feeling well rested. Dorien had left a single budding rose on her pillow. Twirling the long stem nimbly between her fingers, she smiled at his thoughtfulness; he always removed the thorns. Inhaling its sweet fragrance, she sighed. His presence hadn’t been a dream. He had held her as she slept.

  She glanced at the clock and squealed. It was almost noon! She never slept this late! Jumping from her bed, she stole a quick shower. She threw on a red tank top and some khaki shorts. With a hop, she ran downstairs.

  The doorbell chimed its elegant tune, forcing her to stop mid-stride and pivot her foot towards the door. Peeking through the stained glass window, curiosity got the best of her. Who was this red-haired visitor with a huge grin on his adorable face?

  “Cheerio!”

  She hoped he wasn’t selling anything.

  “Cheerio, Miss. My name is Tommy Wilson. I’m here on behalf of my employer, Mr. Agiad.”

  “And what can I do for your employer, Tommy?”

  “Well, he is in the market to secure a rental residence. He asked me to inquire if you would kindly consider leasing your fine cottage house. Mr. Agiad is a man of influence, so privacy is of the utmost importance to him.”

  Evangeline pursed her lips in suspicion. “I see.”

  Tommy handed her a large envelope. “If you’re willing to consider his request, he asked me to offer you this.”

  Evangeline accepted the envelope and broke the crimson wax seal. The intensity of its color didn’t escape her attention. Removing a check from the envelope, her eyebrows came together in surprise.

  “He is serious! He wants to move in immediately?”

  “Yes, Miss. He’s provided a check for three hundred thousand pounds, enough to cover a fair year’s rent.”

  Evangeline hid her shock. “Indeed. Your employer is quite generous.”

  “Mr. Agiad.” Tommy countered.

  “Does this Mr. Agiad have a wife? Any children? The cottage is fully furnished and has only three bedrooms.”

  “I’m afraid it’s only him, Miss. The furnishings and size will suit him fine. There is another check in the envelope, if you will.”

  Searching the bottom of the envelope, Evangeline found the other check. She almost choked. “Tommy! One million pounds! Whatever on Earth for?”

  Tommy grin was devilish. “That check is for the benefit of the museum.”

  Her head shook in stunned confusion. “The museum?”

  “For sponsorship, of course.” Tommy boasted proudly.

  A sponsor!

  “Oh! Why, yes! Please…thank Mr. Agiad for his kind generosity and support. And the answer is yes!”

  “Yes, Miss?”

  “For leasing the cottage house! Mr. Agiad can move in right away! I’ll have the lease and keys ready in a few minutes. Allow me to go print one off of the computer.”

  Tommy smiled in mischief. “Mr Agiad will be quite pleased. I do have authority to sign on his behalf. Will that be a problem?”

  “Of course not. Mr. Agiad has paid his lease in full. I don’t foresee any problems at all.”

  “Excellent, I shall wait here then.”

  “Perfect. Oh, and Tommy?”

  “Yes, Miss?”

  “Please tell Mr. Agiad that his sponsorship entitles him to two complimentary tickets for the museum’s First Annual Grande Ball. I do hope he’ll consider attending. I would love to thank him proper.”

  “Mr. Agiad will be most delighted. I’ll be sure to tell him about the tickets. I am quite confident he will enjoy meeting you, um, proper.” The mischief in his smile was back.

  “Okay. You stay right here. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  “As you wish.”

  Evangeline reminded herself to breathe. This Mr. Agiad was something else. She would have to personally thank him. What he was like? Without a family, he was probably an older gentleman. If he wanted quiet and privacy, then he came to the right place.

  Rushing to her computer, her thoughts went back to Dorien. She missed him. How could she have such strong emotions for a man she barely knew? Everything red or cold made her think of him. She shivered to think of his frosty touch. He always seemed a step ahead of every thought and feeling. He read her like an open book. Why did thinking about him make her heart beat so erratic? Tickled by tiny flutters in her lower belly, she laughed out loud.

  But what if Dorien lost interest? Her chest squeezed tight with pain. Tears threatened to spill.

  “What is wrong with me?” she chastised herself.

  Reaching for the box of tissues, she grabbed one and dabbed at her eyes. Life without him made everything seem worthless. It was obvious the loss of her parents left her fearful of losing anyone else she loved.

  Love?

  Realization slammed Evangeline in the gut. She searched her feelings. Her thoughts raced wild, but it was no use. Her mind was already made up. It was true. She loved him. But what if she meant nothing to him?

  The horrid thought was forced from her mind. Evangeline reminded herself to look at the facts. Dorien had never given any reason to believe he didn’t care for her. Still, she wasn’t reassured. Why was she so insecure? Printing out the lease, Evangeline grabbed two tickets and ran back to the foyer. Her fingers pinched her cheeks to force some color back into them.

  “Here it is, just as I promised. If you will sign right here, Mr. Agiad can consider the cottage house his for the next year.”

  Tommy bent over and signed the document. He accepted the keys and tickets with a freckled smile that bordered on scandalous. The large front door closed behind her, Evangeline’s stomach growled in mayhem. Queasy and unsettled, she was already tired again. Grabbing a bottle of sweetened iced tea and an old pair of sunglasses, she slipped through the open French doors. The breezy warmth of English summer air greeted her fondly.

  Just past the large expanse of covered patio, a navy and white-striped tree hammock beckoned. Strung up between a timeless pair of old live oaks, it had been her mother’s favorite retreat. How many blissful summers had she watched her mother read in the safety of its soothing shade?

  Sauntering through the soft green grass, she kicked off her flip-flops and eased herself into the curve of the hammock. Rocking back and forth, it teetered unsteady; she needed to shift her weight. Finding her balance, she rested her head against the plush striped pillow. Her bare foot stirred lazy in the grass. The day sunny and bright, she slipped on her sunglasses. Cheerful chirps of happy birds caressed her ears. Drifting in and out of slumber, she noticed the sudden sound of silence. The sounds of tweeted bliss stopped in an instant.

  An angry growl drifted from the opposite side of the patio. Her skin covered with the rise of goose bumps. Every hair stood straight on end. Evangeline willed herself to remain still. Her eyes widened in frozen panic. Her pulse thudded against her throat. She prayed the animal couldn’t hear it. Unable to look, she could hear the grass bristle as the beast approached steadily. Afraid to turn her head, a rotten and foul scent was adrift. It consumed her nostrils. A slow hand cupped over her mouth. Her eyes
watered. Attacked by sudden waves of nausea, spasms assaulted her stomach. Holding back her reflex, she fought the urge to gag.

  The crunched snap of a broken twig was way too close. Bolting from the hammock, her bottle of tea went flying. Sunglasses launched off her face. Evangeline flew into a panicked run. An adrenaline rush shooting throughout her body, she ran as fast as her legs would carry. Angry growls snapped close behind her legs. She could hear the thudded echo of large paws thundering against the ground. With the turn of her head, she needed self-assurance. How much space lingered between them?

  Crying out in horror, Evangeline was sorry in an instant. A large brindled mastiff was almost on her heels. Large rabid jowls were thick with foam and dripping. Trying to run faster, this was her only chance for escape. She dashed towards the cottage house, but she was unable to reach the safety of its refuge. The heavy shove of paws came down hard against her back. She shrieked as she struck the ground.

  Evangeline skidded flat on her belly. She hollered from the sliding burns of grass. Screaming for help, the expanse of her estate would ensure that no one would come to her rescue. The dog caught her stare and inched closer. Rabid eyes were crazed, full of sickness. It was as if he were possessed by a demon. White, sharp teeth were bared and snapping. Infected saliva oozed from his jaws. She stood on grass stained knees. Her body shook. In position to attack, the diseased dog circled, charging every time she moved. He bid his time, but soon the dog would tire of playing with her. Tears flowed down her cheeks.