Leslie decided that she was going to lighten the mood. âSoâ¦anything new and exciting going on in anyoneâs social life?â she asked.
Apparently it wasnât the right light question.
âWhat social life?â Ken asked. âDo you have one of those, Robert?â
âSure, Iâm here for dinner tonight,â Robert said. âThanks to this gracious lady,â he added, reaching across the table and squeezing Gretaâs hand.
âGretaâs whole life is social, but since she works so hard at it, she doesnât have an actual social life, either,â Hank teased.
âNonsense,â Greta said. âIâm a happy woman. I love working for my causes, especially history. And you, Ken. Youâre at every social event.â
âAh, but is that a social life?â Ken asked.
âSorry I asked,â Leslie said.
Finally the coffee was cleared, the dining room and kitchen were immaculately cleaned, and all that was left was the aroma of the dinner that had been. Since everyone seemed reluctant to leave, Leslie decided that it was time to ask them to go.
She feigned a yawn. âOh, sorry. Hey, we do start tomorrow morning, right, Professor?â
âAre you trying to kick us out?â Brad asked.
âI canât really kick you out. It isnât my house. But, yes, please leave. I need to go to bed,â she told him, grinning.
Robert Adair looked at Brad. âI guess sheâs serious.â
âLooks like,â Brad agreed with a shrug.
There were a lot of goodbyes, with everyone making sure she had their numbers programmed into her cell phone and forcing her to promise that she would call right away if she needed anything.
Greta insisted on walking through the downstairs and making sure the caterers had cleaned up to her satisfaction and turned off all the appliances, and that the doors and windows were all locked. She explained the alarm and gave the code to Leslie, while the others hovered in the entryway. At last, even Greta was willing to admit that all was well.
âNow, tomorrow is Monday. The house opens at ten, so Melissa Turner arrives at around eight-thirtyâsheâs in charge of ticket salesâand Tandy Goren and Jeff Greenâthe historical guidesâusually get here a bit after. Melissa comes in and makes her coffee early. Sheâs one of those people who likes to get to work ahead of schedule so she can take her time. Sheâs a sweetheartâyouâll love her. Just donât be startled when you hear voices early.â
âI may already be gone,â Leslie said. She looked at Laymon. âWhat time are we meeting at the site, Professor?â
âTake your time tomorrow. Ten will be fine,â Professor Laymon said. âYou know where it is?â
âDown the street. I donât think I can miss it.â She smiled.
âYes, well, just dial my cell if you donât see where we are. I want to make my general assessment, then Iâll get you and Brad going while I take care of hiring some grad students and start with the other what-have-yous.â
She nodded, waiting anxiously for them to leave.
Â
Ken Dryer brushed sandy hair from his forehead and took her hand. âIâm still a cop,â he said huskily. âYou know you can count on me if you need anything.â
Let go of her hand, dickhead!
Ken frowned suddenly, then shrugged. âCall me.â
âThank you,â she said.
Hank stepped forward. âOkay, Iâm not a cop, but Iâm always around if you need me, anyway.â He kissed her cheek.
You are the dickhead of all dickheads!
Hank suddenly seemed to stumble. âJust let me know if you need me,â he said.
Robert hugged her easily; Brad bussed her cheek. âSee you tomorrow, kid.â
Greta hugged her fiercely. Leslie felt as if she were about to leave on a safari into the deepest jungle. They were all so worried. And
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