Page 27

“What happened, AJ?” asked Luke, staring at the screens.

“The whole fucking continent moved in on her. We had no idea that the U.S. was working with Interpol, French Police, the FBI, Russian authorities, Laos authorities, everyone and their mother was in on this one, except us.”

“But what happened?” asked Hex in a frustrated tone.

“They got the eggs and the amber, but not Lenora. The eggs are four that had never been seen before and thought missing. From what the antiquities people are saying, they are nothing short of miraculous to see.”

“Damn, I’m glad to hear that,” said Leo. “Those are national treasures that need to be seen. What about the amber?”

“We can’t tell for sure yet, but they believe that they are pieces taken from the amber room in Catherine’s palace outside of St. Petersburg. The pieces are perfectly cut, symmetrical, and of a quality unlike anyone has ever seen before.”

“Have we checked airports, train stations, all the usual for Lenora?” asked Tillie. “I know her, and I know she’s probably headed to the next adventure.”

“She hasn’t boarded any trains or other public transportation that we’ve seen. Believe me, everyone is looking for her at this point.”

“Wait,” said Tillie, “what about the house? If she put down the good faith deposit and got her money, she’s going to want that house.”

“You’re right,” smirked Luke. “Anything on the sale of the house?”

“It still says pending, but I’d bet my life she’s going back to that house. It was why she did all of this.”

“Then I think that’s where we need to go,” said Leo. Cam and Luke nodded at one another, then looked at Hex and Eric. They all stared at the faces around them and knew they wanted to finish this.

“Let’s go. We have a date in Connecticut.”

It wasn’t all that hard to find a fishing boat willing to take ten thousand American dollars to help the poor American woman escape her abusive husband. In fact, the ship’s captain even tried to convince her to stay with him.

She flirted with him for a while and then said her goodbyes in England. Having been on this route before, she found her contact in the city and had a new passport and identification ready and waiting for her.

In desperate need of a shower and change of clothing, she got a hotel room near the airport and treated herself to some boutique shopping. With a flight booked for the next morning, she was ready to begin her new life in her old home.

“Mr. Washburn? This is Leno-, um, Lacy Marcus calling about the house. Has the buyer accepted my offer?”

“Yes. I left a message for you but didn’t hear back,” he said excitedly.

“Oh, unfortunately, I’m in Europe on business and lost my phone, so I’m calling from a new number. You can make this my new contact.”

“Wonderful. Well, as you know, the home is empty. They vacated nine weeks ago and are now in their new home on the West Coast. All I need from you is a signature and the remaining amount as promised. You did say this would be a cash purchase, correct?”

“I did and it will,” she smiled. “This is my dream home, and I’ve been saving for years.”

“Well, it’s your home now. When can I count on seeing you?” he asked.

“I arrive at JFK Airport tomorrow afternoon. I think I should be able to get to the house by, say, five or six. Does that work for you?”

“It works perfectly.”

Lenora was so excited by the phone call she nearly forgot that she was in a public place.

She would finally be back where she belonged.

In her family home, surrounded by all of her family heirlooms. She would need to call the moving company to get everything out of the storage facility, but she would do that tomorrow.

So excited, she decided to treat herself to a full-blown shopping extravaganza. She hired a car to take her to Selfridge’s and Harrod’s, where she spent more than she should have, but it somehow made her feel like her old self.

Remembering the e-mail from Dean, she smiled to herself and took a seat at that small café counter. She ordered a coffee and pastry and then sent a quick response.

“ Sorry I’m returning your message so late. Things have been a whirlwind here. I’m headed home tomorrow and have exciting news. I’ve purchased my parents’ home and will be living there immediately. I’d love to see you again, Dean. Love – Lenora.”

She smiled to herself and finished the coffee, grabbing her huge bags and heading back to the airport. By ten a.m. the next morning, she was boarding her flight, looking like the millionaire she was, and was headed home.