Page 90 of Over Her Dead Body

“I handled it,” I said.

“I know.”

The anger in his voice was not directed at me. At least, I did not think it was.

“He says he doesn’t show the painting to many people,” Reid said. “Then he tells two strangers exactly what it’s worth.”

“We aren’t strangers. I work for the house that handles his collection.”

“I’m a stranger.”

“He wanted you to know what he owns.”

Reid turned toward me. “The painting or you?”

“He does not own me.”

“He didn’t seem clear on that.”

“He was showing off.”

“He has four million dollars hanging beside his liquor and still needs to show off?”

“That is why some people buy things like that. Owning them is only half the pleasure.”

Reid looked back at the house through the rear window.

“I can’t imagine having something worth that much on my wall. It’s almost like he’s asking for trouble.”

“It’s insured.”

His eyes narrowed. “So if someone takes it, he gets paid?”

“After an investigation.”

“He didn’t seem sentimental.”

“He may not be,” I said. “It has tripled in value since he bought it.”

“An investment.”

“Among other things.”

“We’re saving for a table,” Reid said. “That man has four million dollars hanging beside whiskey he probably doesn’t even like.”

“That doesn’t make it nothing to him.”

“No.” Reid looked at me. “He made it very clear what he thinks belongs to him.”

I reached for his hand.

He let me take it, but his attention stayed on the house until it disappeared behind the trees.

“I think you might be overreacting.”

“Call it what you want. I think we both know better.”

A boarding announcement cuts through the memory.