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Because for all his ego and arrogance, Marcus had a dangerous streak of insecurity—dangerous because he couldn’t handle any affront to his vanity. As Andy had found out the hard way.

“There’s no need to go into all that now,” Clark said uncomfortably. “Andy can stay with us for a few days until we know.”

Fleur threw him a look of disbelief. “You heard the doctor. It could beweeksbefore we know, weeks before we have to make a decision.”

“Make a decision?” Andy repeated.

“Of course.” Fleur looked from him to Clark. “For heaven’s sake, you two. Uncle wouldn’t have wanted to be kept alive on a machine forever.”

For a moment Andy couldn’t seem to get past wondering why the fuck would Clark have married such a horrible person.

Even Clark seemed a little shocked. “Fleur, this isn’t the time or the place. It’s not a…a foregone conclusion.”

Meeting Clark’s troubled gaze, Fleur seemed to rethink. She sighed. “I’m sorry if I seem insensitive, but someone has to keep a practical thought. This has been a shock to me too, but at least I’m not afraid to face all the possibilities, however unhappy.”

“I know, honey,” Clark said. “But itjusthappened. Cuthbert’s a fighter. He could pull through.”

Fleur gave him a cool, unconvinced smile, then turned to Andy. “Of course, you’re welcome to stay with us for a few days, Andrew. If that’s what you want to do.”

He’d rather sleep in the street. But dealing with difficult personalities was part of the museum curator job description. He curved his mouth, crinkled his eyes, said neutrally, “That’s very kind. But if it’s okay with the police, maybe I should stay at Uncle C.’s as planned.”

“Stay at the shop?” Clark echoed. “I’m sure it’snotokay, and why would you want to?”

Fleur said, “No, of course you can’t stay at the shop.”

He didn’t think he was imagining the sudden suspicion in their gazes. Why? What on earth did they think he was going to do at Time in a Bottle? Pilfer the petty cash? Pocket a couple of tin soldiers?

“Don’t you think it might be a good idea having someone on the premises? It’s not going to be a secret that Uncle C. is in the hospital, and the last thing any of us would want is for the shop to be broken into again. Is Ray Millard still chief of police? I could talk to him and see if there’s a problem with my staying there as planned. If he says no, then I’ll take you up on your…your very kind invitation to stay with you for a few days.”

Clark glanced at Fleur. “I can’t imagine you’re going to get permission to stay there, but if you want to ask Chief Millard, I guess it’s his call. Maybe you can find out if they’ve made any progress in the case.”

“Clark.” Fleur stared at her husband. She didn’t have to put her feelings into words. Her expression said it all:Are you crazy?

Clark said uncomfortably, “Well, Andy has a point. We don’t want a return visit from whoever broke in. Not that there’s anything of real value at Time in a Bottle, and they already emptied the cash drawer—all seventy bucks’ worth, the bastards—but if the building is sitting empty, it’s an invitation to local kids.”

“Yes, I understand, but it’s a bit inappropriate for Andrew to stay there now, don’t you think?” She ignored Andy, fixing her gaze on Clark.

Clark looked more uncomfortable and a little confused. “I’m not sure…”

“I’m not sure what you mean either,” Andy said. He kept his expression pleasant, but he was getting madder by the minute. “Uncle C. invited me to stay. I promised to help him inventory the shop. I’m sure he wouldn’t have a problem withmy going ahead with our plan, and it might help the police determine whether anything is missing.”

Fleur spared him a slightly harassed look. “Of course, and no disrespect, but—”

Clark had never liked conflict, so it was a surprise when he suddenly threw in on Andy’s side. “Andy’s right. And it’s not like he doesn’t have experience running the shop.”

“Every summer until I took the job at the Worley Foundation.”

“But that was six years ago!”

“Four,” Andy corrected. Not that four wasn’t bad enough.

“So? He sure as heck knows the antiques trade better than we do, and Cuthbert did ask him to come and stay.” Clark added wryly, “It’s all he’s been talking about.”

Fleur swallowed the rest of her objections and summoned a tight little smile. “I guess I know when I’m outvoted.”

“It’s not like that, honey,” Clark began.

“No? It sure does feel that way.” Fleur reached past him and punched the elevator’s Up button. “That’s fine. Whatever. We’ll leave it up to Chief Millard. We should get back to Uncle. See if there’s any change.”