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“What does that mean?” asked Major.
“Well, someone could be expecting that they will acquire or inherit an item, and they’re feeling out how much the item should bring or how much interest there is in the object. Many times, these items turn out to be fraudulent or bought illegally. Stolen paintings, that sort of thing, have come up several times in the last few years.”
“I don’t want you to put yourself in danger,” said Elena.
“I agree,” said Brix. “Do not put yourself in danger.” Daphne smiled at the man as he walked closer to the table.
“Hi, Brix.”
“Hey, Daph,” he smiled. Luke, Hex, and Eric raised their brows, staring at the man as he grinned at the screen.
“When you’re done flirting, can we get on with business?” asked Hex. Daphne laughed, shaking her head.
“I’m sorry, of course,” she smiled.
“I wasn’t yelling at you, honey,” said Hex. “I was yelling at that idiot over there. Daphne don’t risk your safety. We can always send someone to get you and bring you here.”
“I’m safe.” She stared at Brix, who seemed to be chewing his tongue off. “My parents have security here, and they’ve even added some men, considering what happened to Elena.”
“That’s good. We’ll hope that they’re capable at their jobs,” said Luke. They watched as Daphne moved up a grand staircase and then down a long hallway. Luke smirked at the others, Hex and Eric laughing.
“Honey, do you need a map to get around that place?” asked Hex.
“Ha, ha,” she smiled. “It’s not my home. I mean, it is. Kind of. It’s my parents’ home. My father was knighted and given a lordship a number of years ago. He owns a lot of businesses in this country, Australia, Hong Kong, and a few others.
“I am an antiquities dealer at an auction house. That’s what I do for a living. Brix has seen my apartment. It’s modest, and that’s how I live.” She stared at Brix’s face, and he nodded.
“Yeah. Yeah, that’s right. She has a nice apartment.” Eric slapped the back of his head, frowning at him.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?”
“What?”
“Jesus, you’re dense.”
“Okay, I’m into the auction house. Let me filter everything by category – uh, this is strange. The site for religious relics, antiquities, and paintings is down.”
“Is that normal?” asked Major.
“No. Not at all. It says the site is down for a major auction on undisclosed items. I need to get down there and see if I can find them in the auction house,” she said, moving around her bedroom suite.
“No!” yelled six voices.
“No,” said Brix. “It’s too dangerous. Do not attempt to do that, Daphne. They’re obviously hiding something or believe that they have something big. We’ll figure this out.”
“Alright. If you think it’s too dangerous, that’s fine. But if I can help, I want to. I want to make sure that Elena and the baby are safe.”
“You’re not worried about me?” smirked Major.
“No offense, Major, but no. I saw how you guys were at the hospital. I’m not worried about any of you.” She turned, silencing her phone, but they could see her lips moving. She appeared agitated but then turned back to the others. “I’m sorry. My mother is requesting my presence for dinner. If I find anything, I’ll let you know. I-I hope you’re all doing well. I’d love to see you soon.”
“Let’s make it happen, Daph. I want you to come over and see us all,” smiled Elena. Her screen went blank, and all eyes turned to stare at Brix. He was frowning like a petulant child, then suddenly turned and walked out of the room.
“Fucking idiot,” murmured Eric.
“I don’t understand. I thought he liked her,” said Elena.
“He does. That’s what he can’t deal with.”