Then one of George Morehart’s great-grandchildren, Caroline Morehart Weathers, decided it was time to revitalize her grandfather’s legacy and she hired Avery to oversee the restoration. When the museum reopened to the public, the transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Not only was the building renovated and new exhibits added, but also a landscape architect had been brought in to revitalize the maze.
Penelope hadn’t yet taken the time to make her way through the entire labyrinth, but she’d always intended to do so. Now as she stared down at it from her office window, she wondered if the basement doorway had been discovered when the overgrown hedges had been trimmed back and reshaped. And if Avery had kept the discovery to himself because, even then, he had plans for the hidden room.
Turning from the window, Penelope decided to spend the remainder of the day in her second-floor workroom where she had little danger of running into Avery. The artifacts and reproductions that would be sold at auction the following night had all been cataloged, tagged and photographed, and were now carefully packed away in boxes, waiting to be moved to a room off the main gallery where the auction would take place.
Penelope had done all of the unpacking and repacking, so she was fairly confident that nothing had been smuggled into the museum on her watch. Still, she had to admit there were a lot of shipments that came and went from the building. And usually the customs officials at both the airport and the Port of Houston did little more than cursory searches for fear of damaging some centuries-old artifacts. It wasn’t inconceivable that something had slipped by them. Or by Penelope, for that matter.
The museum closed its doors at six, and by six-thirty most of the staff were gone for the day. Penelope usually stayed much later, but tonight she didn’t relish the idea of being alone in the building with Avery.
Going back up to the third floor, she hurriedly retrieved her purse and locked her office door, hoping to walk out with Jane. The older woman waited for her at the elevator, but as Penelope strode toward her, Avery’s door opened and he said, “Penelope? A word with you, please?”
Penelope’s heart knocked against her chest as she eyed Jane and the open elevator door. Jane stepped inside and waved. “I’ll wait for you downstairs,” she called.
Penelope had no choice but to turn. Avery stood just outside his office, talking to one of the security guards. As Penelope approached, the man turned to face her. He was youngish, around thirty or so, with dark eyes and a thick, black mustache. The disguise was so effective that it took Penelope a moment to realize who he was. When recognition hit her, she all but gasped.
“Penelope, this is Larry Jones. He’s taking Tim’s place until he’s back on his feet.”
Penelope reluctantly extended her hand. “How do you do?” she managed.
Simon’s hand closed over hers as he said curtly, “My pleasure.”
“That’ll be all for now,” Avery said. “You’d better get back down to the first floor and make sure all the alarms are activated.”
Simon gave Penelope a brief nod, but as he turned to leave, Avery added, “Don’t forget to check the rest rooms on both the first and second floors. We don’t want any stowaways.”
Simon nodded again and strode off, and it was all Penelope could do not to stare after him.
She turned back to Avery. “How long has he been here?”
“Larry? The agency sent him over a little while ago. I would have introduced you sooner, but you’ve been sequestered in the workroom all afternoon. I’ve also hired a couple of extra guards for tomorrow night.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” Penelope murmured.
Avery noticed her purse then and lifted one brow. “You’re getting out of here early tonight, I see.”
“Yes. I, uh, have dinner plans.”
One brow rose slightly, but he didn’t question her further. Instead, he said, “Well, have fun, but try to get some rest. We’ve a busy day ahead of us tomorrow.”
You have no idea, Penelope thought as she turned and hurried toward the exit.
PENELOPE WOULD HAVE liked nothing more than to go home to a long, hot soak in the tub and then an early bedtime, but Friday nights were reserved for dinner with her parents. It had become a tradition over the years, and everyone was expected to show up unless, like Cassandra, they were thousands of miles away.
“Lucky dog,” Penelope muttered as she stopped by her apartment to change clothes and freshen her makeup. Then she headed over to her parents’ stately home in River Oaks. Her mother’s latest maid let her in and ushered her into the main living room where everyone had congregated for drinks.
Although Friday-night dinner was a family event, there were usually at least one or two extras that someone brought along. Tonight was no exception. Doug Fairchild was seated on the sofa next to Penelope’s youngest sister, and the two of them appeared quite absorbed in each other’s company, even though Penelope knew for a fact that Ariadne couldn’t stand the man. Her outrageous flirting seemed to fluster Doug a bit, and Penelope suspected that Ariadne was having a bit of fun at the doctor’s expense. They both looked up when she walked in, and Ariadne waved gaily. But when Doug would have stood, she clutched his arm and drew him back down. The poor man looked positively flabbergasted and more than a little flattered.
Helen and Grayson stood near the French doors that opened onto the terrace. They looked equally absorbed in each other’s company, but judging from their expressions, there was no flirting going on there. Helen had her back to Penelope, but even from across the room, she could see Grayson’s eyes glinting with anger. When Helen tried to walk away, he caught her arm. She spun back, said something that only he could hear, then jerked her arm free and stormed off. Grayson stared after her for a moment, then disappeared through the doors to the terrace.
“Penelope?” her mother called from across the room. “Aren’t you going to come and say hello to our guest?”
Penelope turned, then gaped in surprise. “Alex! When did you get back?”
His smile was as charming as ever. “I got in a little while ago. Your mother was gracious enough to offer me a home-cooked meal tonight.”
Athena patted his arm. “It was the least I could do considering everything you’ve done for Penelope.”
Oh, no, Penelope thought in alarm. How much had he told her?
Athena turned to her daughter expectantly. “So tell me all about it. Was the villa as magnificent as I hear?”
Penelope tried not to show her relief at the question. “Yes, it’s breathtaking.”
Alex gave her a bemused look. “I’m happy to see that you made it back in once piece, Penelope.”
“Aren’t we all?” Athena said dryly. “I can’t imagine what you were thinking, going off to Dallas like that without a word to anyone. We were all worried sick.”
“I wasn’t expected back until the next day,” Penelope explained yet again. “I didn’t think I’d be missed.”
“I’m afraid I’m the one who let the cat out of the bag,” Alex said contritely. “I called to make certain you’d arrived safely.”
“You aren’t the one who should be apologizing,” Athena said pointedly. “I don’t think I ever did get the whole story from my daughter.” She gave Penelope a reproachful glance. “Why did you decide to come back so early?”
Before Penelope could answer, Alex said smoothly, “I’m afraid I’m at fault. I don’t think she was comfortable staying at the villa once I arrived.”
“Well, how silly,” Athena said with a frown. “I hope you at least thanked Alex properly for his hospitality.”
“Of course, I did. But I’ll gladly do so again. Thanks, Alex. For everything.”
He winked. “It was entirely my pleasure.”
A little disconcerted by that wink, Penelope glanced around. “I see Dad’s tending bar. If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go say hello.”
She sauntered over to her father, who looked as distinguished as ever in a dark gray suit
that complemented his salt-and-pepper hair. “Hi, Dad. New suit?”
“Why, hello, Penelope. And yes it is. Thank you for noticing.”
She leaned toward him. “Hard not to seeing as how you’re the handsomest man in the room.”
He looked pleased by the compliment. “And may I say that you’re looking lovelier than ever tonight.”
“Yes, of course, you may.” She glanced down at her striped jersey dress. It was one of her favorites, but nothing to write home about. Certainly not in the same league as Helen’s black silk sheath or the red miniskirt and black fishnets that Ariadne had chosen. Athena, of course, was perfectly turned out in a new pink Chanel suit.
“Can I fix you a drink?” her father asked.
“I wouldn’t say no.”
“Martini?”
“Yes, please.”
He dumped ice cubes into the shaker, then carefully measured the gin and vermouth. He was as meticulous and precise about mixing a drink as he was about everything else. Straining the alcohol into a glass, he added an olive and presented it with a flourish. “There you go, my dear. Dry martini, shaken not stirred, with just a whiff of vermouth.”
Penelope sampled the drink. “Perfect.”
Her father beamed. “Excellent. Now why don’t you tell me what’s going at the museum these days. Don’t you have some sort of event scheduled for tomorrow night?”
“Yes, it’s our annual gala and auction. I assume you and Mom received your invitation weeks ago.”
“Athena takes care of those things. I just show up when and where I’m told.”
“Well, show up with your checkbook,” Penelope warned. “We’ve got some really great things going on the block.”
“I’ll consider myself forewarned,” he said, mixing himself a drink.
The maid came in then and said something discreetly to Athena. She nodded and turned to the group. “Dinner is ready everyone. Let’s all move into the dining room, shall we?”
She took Alex’s arm and they led the way, followed by Doug and Ariadne, who tossed Penelope a mischievous smile that implied she was, indeed, using the good doctor for her own amusement.
Helen and Grayson came next, but even though Helen had her arm draped through her husband’s, Penelope sensed a distance between them and wondered yet again what her sister was up to.
SHE WASN’T TO FIND OUT that night because Helen and Grayson left right after dinner, and Alex said goodnight shortly afterward. The rest of them had coffee in the living room, and Penelope was just about to make her excuses when Ariadne came over and pulled her aside. “I need a favor.”
“Sure. What is it?”
“Can I borrow your car? I have to get out of here in—” Ariadne glanced at her watch “—five minutes ago. My car’s in the shop again. I begged a ride with Helen and Grayson earlier, but they’ve split and now I’m stuck. And I don’t want to ask mom or dad for a ride.” She grimaced. “The band has a show at this new place downtown, and it’s not in the greatest area. I can just imagine what they’d say if they saw it.”
“Okay,” Penelope said, digging in her purse for her keys. “But I have to be at the museum first thing in the morning.”
“No problem. I’ll have one of the guys follow me over to your place later. If I don’t see a light, I’ll leave the keys under the mat. You have a spare set, right?”
“Sure, that’ll work.” Penelope handed her the keys. “But be careful, okay? This place doesn’t sound like one I’d be too crazy about, either.”
“It’s not that bad. We’ve played in a lot worse.” Ariadne gave Penelope a quick hug. “I’ve got just enough time to run home and change, so do me another favor? Tell the folks I’m outta here. Thanks. Bye!”
She was gone before Penelope had time to catch her breath. When she walked back into the room, Athena glanced up. “What on earth was that all about?”
“Oh, nothing. Ariadne had a…previous engagement so I loaned her my car.”
“Where’s her car?” Athena demanded.
“I think it’s in the shop.”
“Again?” Her mother rolled her eyes. “Honestly, why that girl won’t buy herself a decent vehicle is beyond me. One of these days, she’s going to break down on the freeway, and some lunatic will come along and…” She shuddered. “I don’t even want to think about it.”
“Well, obviously, the reason she doesn’t buy herself another car, Athena, is because she doesn’t have the money,” her father said matter-of-factly. “She’d rather play than work.”
“That’s not true.” Penelope found herself automatically coming to her sister’s defense. “She has a job. She’s a singer.”
“You call that caterwauling she does singing?” her mother scoffed.
“Just because she doesn’t sing the kind of songs you approve of doesn’t mean she isn’t talented. I happen to think she’s very good.”
“Penelope Catherine Moon, you can’t possibly enjoy that absurd noise she and those half-wits she hangs out with call music.”
“It’s called indie punk, Mom, and it’s really hot right now.”
Athena shook her head. “When I think of all the money we spent on her education and all the wonderful opportunities she’s squandered, it just breaks my heart.”
“But she’s happy. Isn’t that what matters?” Penelope rose. “Anyway, I have to be shoving off, too. I have an early day tomorrow.”
“Oh, yes, the auction.” Her mother got to her feet. “What time do you want us?”
“The doors open at eight,” Penelope said. “But I can get you in before then if you want an early peek at the goodies.”
“We may take you up on that. I’ve already got my eye on a few pieces.” Athena paused. “Wait a minute, if Ariadne took your car, how are you getting home?”
“I’ll call a cab.”
“No, don’t do that.” Her father set aside his coffee. “I’ll drive you.”
“Nonsense,” her mother said firmly. “You’re right on Doug’s way. He can drop you off.”
“I don’t want to impose—”
“You don’t mind, do you, Douglas?”
“Of course not. It would be my pleasure.” He rose gallantly.
“See? It’s all set.” Her mother beamed, obviously quite pleased with herself for the way the evening had turned out.
Penelope sighed. “Really, Doug, I don’t want to put you out. I can call a cab—”
“No, no. Athena is right. It’s right on my way. Shall we go?”
Penelope, resigned to her fate, merely nodded. They said their good-nights, but outside the front door, she hesitated. “I’m sorry about this. Mother can be pretty high-handed at times.”
Doug grinned. “I’ve noticed. But I really don’t mind, Penelope. Like I said, it’s right on my way.”
He took her elbow as they walked down the driveway to his vehicle, a luxury SUV with all the bells and whistles. As Penelope climbed inside, she couldn’t help comparing it to Alex’s vintage Aston Martin or even the nondescript sedan Simon had been in last night. The SUV was a little pretentious for her taste, but she had to admit, the leather interior was certainly comfortable. She settled into the seat and fastened her seat belt.
Penelope glanced at Doug as he climbed behind the wheel, and it occurred to her that, for as long as he’d worked with her father, she really didn’t know him very well, other than the fact that he was devoted to his profession and that he’d once dated Helen.
Penelope suspected that he still carried a torch for her sister, although until tonight, she wouldn’t have given him much of a chance. Helen and Grayson had always seemed like the perfect couple to her. Young, successful, good-looking. And so much in love. Penelope couldn’t help wondering what had caused so much friction between them, and suddenly she thought back to that day she’d seen Helen with Alex. Was it possible that Helen was having an affair with her husband’s business partner?
Athena would be horrified, not only because of her d
aughter’s lapse in judgment and morals, but because of the soap-opera aspect to the whole arrangement.
“So tell me about this auction at the museum,” Doug said, pulling onto the main thoroughfare. “Any tips on what I should bid on?”
Penelope turned in surprise. “You’re coming?”
“Of course. I’m quite the aficionado of pre-Columbian artifacts. I have a rather modest collection you might like to see sometime.”
Was that a come-on? Penelope wondered nervously. The equivalent of inviting her to see his etchings? “I had no idea,” she murmured. “You’ll have to come by the Morehart one day soon. I’ll give you a tour.”
“I just might take you up on that.” He flashed her a smile that completely took her aback.
Penelope had never paid much attention to Doug Fairchild one way or another. He was younger than her parents, but still several years older than she. She’d never consider him a contemporary and had never noticed before what an attractive man he was. When her mother had tried to fix her up before, all she’d been able to think of was Simon. But in light of what she now knew, perhaps she should have kept a more open mind when it came to her mother’s match-making attempts.
A few minutes later, Doug pulled to the curb in front of Penelope’s building and reached for the ignition.
“No, don’t turn it off,” she said. “I’ll just hop out here and save you the trouble.”
“I wouldn’t feel right not seeing you to the door,” he said, shutting off the engine. “Too many crazies running around these days.”
He came around to open Penelope’s door, but she’d already climbed out. At the bottom of the stairs, she paused, determined to call it a night before she faced that awkward moment of having to invite him in for coffee or a drink.
She stepped on the bottom stair and turned, subtly blocking his path. “Well, thanks again for the ride. I really appreciate it.”
When she extended her hand, he took it and held it in his. “Would you like to have dinner with me sometime?” he asked unexpectedly.
Penelope blinked. Other than the comment about showing her his collection earlier, the invitation seemed to come out of nowhere. He’d never shown the slightest interest in her until tonight, even with all of Athena’s encouragement. “I’m…not sure that’d be such a good idea,” Penelope said hesitantly. “You know I’m still engaged.”
Unauthorised Passion/Intimate Knowledge Page 31