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“That is something the family prefers to answer in person.”

“When do I meet them?”

“Soon, if today gives everyone reason to continue.”

“Then today is an assessment on both sides.”

Marta smiles.

“I was told you were direct.”

“It saves time.”

Marta rises. “Then you should see the collection.”

She leads me through a corridor toward the rear of the house. Her assistant walks behind us, close enough that I can hear his fingers tapping against the screen.

We stop before a pair of closed doors.

Marta’s hand flies to her chest.

“Forgive me. I’ve been so busy talking that I forgot your colleague arrived before you.”

“I didn’t bring a colleague.”

She looks at me, then toward the doors. Her hand lowers slowly.

“Mr. Adams said he was with you.”

The assistant opens the doors.

The gallery beyond occupies the rear of the house. Paintings hang two deep along the walls.

A man stands at the far end of the room speaking to one of the handlers.

He turns at the sound of the doors.

Reid.

His attention drops to my scraped hands.

For the first time since I found my husband alive, he looks surprised.

I, on the other hand, am less so.

CHAPTER 40

EMMA

Reid’s surprise lasts less than a second.

“Would you give us a moment?” I ask Marta.

She looks from me to the man she knows as Mr. Adams.

“Of course.”

Marta and her assistant step into the corridor. The handler follows, leaving the doors open behind them.