Page 94 of Murder at the Dinner Party

I drew in a deep breath as I smoothed my hand over my still-fluttering stomach. Then, with a toss of my head and a determined stride, I followed a few feet behind him. I watched as he crossed the foyer to say goodbye to Mr. Hobart. He greeted Goliath, had a few words with Peter, then shook the hand of a guest he must have known from his time working at the hotel. He even nodded at Uncle Ronald.

My uncle nodded back. He did not throw him out nor storm up to him. There was no fury in his gaze. For once, I couldn’t read his thoughts.

After Harry exited the hotel, Uncle Ronald approached me. “Was he here to see you, Cleopatra?”

“We had a case to discuss. It’s finished now.”

“So you won’t have any need to see him again.”

“No.”

“Until the next time you work together, that is.”

I didn’t say so, but I wasn’t sure there should be a next time. Harry was too much of a temptation. If I was going to move beyond desire and forget about him, I’d have to do a better job of avoiding him.