Standing in the Shadows (McClouds & Friends #2)(68)

Her jaw dropped. "Me? But… but I—"

"You may be reticent because of your personal differences with the museum administration. We invite you to think it over. Mr. Mueller will understand entirely if you do not wish to benefit the Huppert with your expertise. They were fools to lose you."

"But if I should, ah… if I should decide not to—"

"Then Mr. Mueller will simply donate the funds elsewhere." Dobbs smiled thinly. "There is no lack of worthy beneficiaries. A thousand places to put every penny, believe me."

Erin struggled for something to say. "I am, uh, overwhelmed."

Nigel Dobbs chuckled. "Of course you are. Think it over."

"Ah, yes. I will. Of course."

"And we do hope you will be able to carve out a moment in your busy schedule to meet with Mr. Mueller when he comes to Seattle."

"Goodness, yes," she said weakly. "Of course. Whenever it's convenient. Any time at all."

"Don't forget our engagement party, honey." Connor's voice had a sharp, warning tone. "It'll be a crazy week. Think before you speak."

Erin glared at him, horrified. "My priorities are very clear when it comes to my work, Connor! You'll have to get used to sharing me."

He slouched in his chair, eyes narrowed. "I don't share, baby."

She turned her back on him. "I will be delighted to meet with Mr. Mueller at any time," she said firmly.

"Very well. We will be in touch with you as Mr. Mueller's plans develop." Dobbs's voice was markedly cooler. "And Ms. Riggs… think long and hard about your priorities. Mr. Mueller's offer represents an enormous commitment of time and effort. If your other interests are too, er, compelling, do be honest. We are talking about a minimum of fifteen million dollars for the new wing. To say nothing of the value of the collection itself. It is an enormous, I repeat, enormous responsibility."

"I understand," she said tightly.

Connor rose to his feet and stretched, popping his knuckles. "Great, then. We're done here, huh? Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dobbs, Ms. Julian. Come on, babe. Your chariot awaits."

Erin smiled over her gritted teeth as she shook hands with Dobbs. "Thank you again, and thank Mr. Mueller for me, too," she said. "I am so gratified by his faith in me. It means a lot to—"

"Et cetera, et cetera, blah, blah, blah," Connor cut in. "Dobbs can make up the rest. It's all filler, anyhow. Come on, babe."

That was it. The final indignity. She whirled on him. "Don't you dare speak to me like that, Connor McCloud!"

The appalled silence was finally broken by a slow, deliberate clapping sound. "Excellent," Tamara said, still applauding. "Much better. Your man needs a very strong hand, Ms. Riggs. Don't let him get the better of you for a second, or you are finished."

Erin opened her mouth to throw the woman's unsolicited advice right back in her face. The look in Tamara's eyes stopped her. Wide and bright and full of false innocence, waiting for Erin's reaction with predatory eagerness. She was taunting them deliberately.

She would not play this sick game. "Thank you so much for your generous advice, Ms. Julian, but I think I can handle him."

"Oh, yeah. Handle me, baby," Connor said softly. "I just can't wait to feel that strong hand of yours wrapped around me."

She gave him a sweet smile that promised instant death. "We will discuss it in the car, honey." She faced Dobbs and Tamara, "I'm so sorry. Connor's acting out. He must be feeling threatened. I'd better get him safely away. Please excuse us, and have a lovely day. I'll be in touch with you. Come on, Connor, let's go. Right now."

He trailed after her. "See you folks later. Have a good one."

Tamara's laughter followed mem all the way down the corridor.

Connor fell into step beside her, his long legs making one leisurely stride for her every two steps. "Erin—"

"In the car."

"Hey. I just want to—"

"Not one word, if you value your life. We will discuss it in the car."

He subsided. They paced silently out to the Cadillac. Connor unlocked her door, opened it. She got in and covered her hot face with her hands. She was literally shaking with rage. She had never been so angry in her life. Not even after Lydia had fired her.

Connor got in. He glanced at her, and looked swiftly away.

"Connor." Her throat vibrated. She swallowed, trying to steady it. "Did you see Kurt Novak lurking behind any columns?"

"No. But I—"

"And did Nigel Dobbs or Tamara Julian do or say anything that would lead you to believe that they intended to do me bodily harm?"

"Not directly, but I—"

"Then what in holy hell possessed you to be such an idiot? You deliberately embarrassed me! Why? What did I do to deserve that? What was the purpose of it? What?"

He winced at her shrill tone. "I didn't like them," he said defensively. "I didn't like that calculating redheaded bitch—"

"Well, she certainly liked you!" Erin cut in, with vicious emphasis.

"—and I didn't like Poker-up-the-Ass Dobbs, either. And just because this Mueller character gets off on playing God with his f*cking fifteen million dollars is no reason to kiss his ass. You—"