Read Online Tell Me I'm Dreamin' by Eboni Snoe - Free Book Online

woman he had observed talking to herself the night before, nor the near-hysterical female he had met in the cave. She had been unpretentious, almost transparent. He could never see this woman displaying the raw expressions that crossed her face the night before.
    â€œMiss Clayton and I had the . . . pleasure of meeting yesterday,” Ulysses announced.
    Nadine glanced down for only a moment. Ulysses’ pause behind the word “pleasure” went unnoticed by Madame Deane and Rodney, but his meaning was not lost to her. Controlling the heat that was rising to her face, she pursued his line of conversation.
    â€œYes, we did. It was Mr. Deane who invited me here in the first place. I am thankful to the two of you for your hospitality,” she added graciously, displaying her most accommodating smile.
    â€œWell, I for one am glad that he did,” Rodney interjected with an appreciative boyish grin. “It is rare that we have outsiders travel so far inland. And I must say I cannot remember ever seeing one so lovely.”
    Nadine flashed a sincere smile. “Why, thank you. But I have to admit the earthquake forced me to take refuge here. My visit with Madame Deane and Mr. Deane was not planned. And I hope to be able to return to my work as soon as possible.”
    â€œWhat kind of work is that?” Madame Deane queried as her fingers busied themselves with her olive-branch headband.
    Nadine noticed a slight change in the pitch of her hostess’ voice. Her shoulders had begun to slump forward in her chair, and the nervous quiver about her mouth was more apparent than before.
    â€œI work with the World Treasures Institute gathering information for a centralized computer located in Paris. This particular system is similar to a giant library where you will be able to find out about literary and art treasures from all over the globe. I . . . lead a project which is responsible for historical research of the people, literature, and artifacts native to this area.” Nadine’s brownish-jade eyes opened wider as she heard the little white lie come out of her mouth.
    Now why did I have to say that? It wouldn’t make any difference to them if I were an art consultant or a historian, she thought. Actually, I am a little of both, though on this project, I am the lowest person on the totem pole. Still, I must admit, “historian” sounds so much more elite.
    â€œI am sure you will find we are quite an interesting people,” Ulysses remarked with veiled eyes.
    â€œAnd fate could not have placed you in a better spot than this, Miss Clayton. The Sovereign estate is known as ‘the Protector of Eros’ Treasures.’ There’s no other place richer in the history of Eros than right here,” Rodney added. “And I see you are most definitely dressed for the part. I do not believe even Ulysses would have artifacts to top that.”
    A bizarre giggle surfaced from the end of the table. “That shows how much you know, Sharpe,” Madame Deane replied with a hawkish glare. “But you don’t need to know any more than you do,” she goaded him. “Now that Lenora’s come back, all the evil that has been going on around here is going to stop.”
    Nadine felt unnerved by the tiny woman’s outburst, while Ulysses and Rodney passed perturbed understanding looks between them, though the latter was obviously embarrassed by the vehemence of Madame Deane’s verbal assault.
    â€œI believe it is time for your morning medication, Aunt Helen,” Ulysses declared in a comforting but firm voice.
    Like a dog caught stealing scraps from the dinner table, Madame Deane nodded her head sulkily, lowering it even further than Nadine thought physically possible.
    Rodney took advantage of the moment and announced his departure. “I must be going now. It was nice to meet you, Miss Clayton.” He extended his hand to Nadine. “And Ulysses,