Page 74 of Eternal Surrender

“The truth?”

“And you and I both know where it really lies, don’t we?”

“I’m dedicated to seeing this through.”

Realizing I wasn’t getting through to her, I closed my eyes, considering how far to take this. . . take her. . .

I ran my fingers over the lid of the sarcophagus admiring the limestone. “Ever been in one of these?”

“What kind of question is that?” She glanced at her handbag.

I walked over to it, reaching for the flashlight balancing precariously on top of it and switching it off, sending the chamber into darkness. I peeked inside her bag. “Pepper spray?”

Ingrid blinked furiously. “That was rude.”

“I’m not the one carrying round an arsenal of weapons.” I rose. “You’re not frightened, are you?”

She wrapped her arms around herself. “It’s freezing.”

I glanced at the sarcophagus. “You’d soon warm up in there.”

She backed toward the door. “Don’t even joke about that.”

“Where do you think you’re going?” I gestured. “I’m not done. I’m still trying to decide whether or not to forgive you.”

“What for?”

I motioned for her to come closer. “Your lapse of judgment.”

“Trying to get to the truth is a crime now?” She took a careful step toward me.

“Your job is to uphold the law, not break it.”

“It’s not working, this attempt to intimidate.”

“You misunderstand,” I said. “I’m merely considering which punishment is best suited to the situation. Something that will leave an indelible reminder that you can’t tamper with things that don’t concern you.” I considered the vase. “After all, that came from the last ruling dynasty of China.”

She lowered her lashes.

“It’s priceless,” I added.

Outside dead leaves whirled against the door.

Her face darkened. “I’m going to get this body exhumed.” She pointed to the sarcophagus. “Dissect the corpse.”

“Perhaps you should go. I can’t be held responsible if you stay.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

I moved closer, lingering over her. “Go home.”

“What if I don’t?” Her eyes burned with determination.

Gently I caressed her cheek with the back of my fingers. “Am I not getting through?”

“Don’t. . . touch me like that.” She was breathless.

“That’s not what your thoughts suggest.” I reached for her coat, easing it off her shoulders. It slipped to the floor.