Search Me(14)

“I need to see Maudie Sinclair. Immediately.”

The man’s tone and body language told me he meant business. “Um, Dad, I have to go. You and Mom have a safe flight.”

“Okay. Love you honey.”

“Love you, too.”

I hung up the phone. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Is Maudie expecting you?”

Out of nowhere, his dark expression lightened. His lips curled into a toothy smile—the kind infamous of game-show hosts and creeps. “No, not exactly. I need to see Mrs. Sinclair about some unfinished business. Of course, I wasn’t expecting such a pretty young thing to be in her office.”

Yuck. Definitely a creep.

“Let me get her for you,” I said, as I rose out of the chair. I clicked on the pager and then my voice rang throughout the store. “Maudie, you’re needed in your office.” I edged around the desk, trying to put more space between the Creep and me.

Thankfully, Maudie was nearby. At my weirded out expression, she raised her eyebrows before turning to ‘the Creep’. “May I help you with something?”

“My name is Jensen.” He glanced from Maudie over to me. “Thank you for your help, but would you mind excusing us?”

“Um, sure,” I replied. I didn’t like the thoughts of leaving Maudie completely alone, so instead of shutting the door, I left it cracked. I then hid on the other side and peered in.

“I know you,” Maudie said, pointing a finger. “You’re the man from the auction. The one who tried to outbid me.”

“Yes, I am. The painting is the reason why I’ve come to see you.”

“Oh?”

“I’m not the type of man who likes to lose, Mrs. Sinclair. I intended—or I should say I intend—to have that painting. I’m sure you have an aesthetic appreciation for it, but for me, I have a deep, personal attachment. One that goes back to my ancestors.”

Maudie remained silent and contemplative. I wondered what thoughts were going through her mind.

Jensen drew in a sharp breath. “At the time of the auction, I was having somewhat of a cash flow problem. Since then, I have been able to procure more funds. I’m willing to offer you ten thousand more than what you paid.”

“Look, Mr. Jensen, I do appreciate your tenacity, but I’m afraid I cannot sell you the painting. Especially now that it has been damaged.”

A strangled cry came from Jensen before he demanded, “Damaged? What do you mean?”

“I’m afraid the frame is going to have to be replaced. Some kind of shipping mishap.”

I snorted back a laugh at Maudie’s explanation. The color returned to Jensen’s face. “Oh, well, I’ll be happy to do that myself.” He reached in his suit pocket for his handkerchief. “So my offer still stands.”

“No, I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline.”

“Fifteen thousand.”

“Mr. Jensen—”

“Then name your price!”

Maudie shook her head. She started around her desk to the door, and I froze. “I appreciate you coming all this way, but I really cannot part with it.”

A dark, almost sinister expression flashed momentarily on Jensen’s face before he managed to give Maudie a tight smile. “Well, I don’t suppose you can fault a man for trying. Maybe one day I’ll be able to persuade you to give it up.” He then turned and blew out the door so fast I didn’t have time to escape. He gave me a momentary pissed glance before stalking away.

I rushed into Maudie’s office. “Are you okay?”

“Me? Why never better,” she replied, her voice wavering.

“Are you sure? That guy was an absolute creep.” When Maudie started to protest, I shook my head. “I didn’t want to leave you alone with him, so I hid by the door. I didn’t like the things he was saying—the way he threatened you.”

A nervous titter of a laugh escaped her lips. “Oh, he’s just a spoiled, overzealous art collector who is used to getting what he wants.” A shaky hand swept away some of the hair that had come loose from her bun. “But he realized I wasn’t going to give in to him.” When I started to open my mouth to protest, Maudie shook her head. “So,” she said, drawing in a breath, “what did your dad want?”

“Oh, he’s got to go on a book tour for a week or two. Mom’s going with him.”

“And you decided to stay here with me, stacking jams and jellies and waiting on impatient tourists?”

“Sure did,” I replied.

She cupped my chin and smiled. “That’s my girl.”

I groaned. “Maudie, I’ll be twenty in two days, remember?”

“Even when you’re thirty or forty, you’ll always be my girl.”

I grinned at her. “Okay, okay.” My gaze then went to the antique clock on the wall over her desk. “Hey, it’s only an hour until quitting time. Why don’t we go out for dinner? Just you and me. I’m dying to try that new steak place.”

Maudie grimaced. “I’d love to, but I’ve got to stay late and get some inventory and receipts done.” She started back to her desk. “You and Maddox should go. He was saying the other night how he wanted a good steak.”