A Fatal Appraisal by J. B. Stanley Read Free Book Online

Garrett.
    "She's had a crush on him for years," Jessica
whispered.
    "And not a chance in hell." Borris sniggered.
    Garrett wasn't attracted to that gorgeous creature? Molly
found herself smiling demurely in his direction. Garrett flashed her a dazzling
smile in return. Molly felt a warm glow spread through her body as a result of
his attention, two delicious margaritas, and the restaurant's festive
atmosphere.
    "I like you two," she said as she clinked
glasses with Jessica and Borris. "I think this is going to be such a cool
assignment."
    Suddenly, Frank clanged a fork against his water glass in
order to get everyone's attention.
    "Listen, folks." He sniffed, clenching a tissue in
his fist. "As some of you are aware, my mother passed away a few months
ago and she left me her townhouse. It's here in Richmond, on Strawberry Street,
just a few minutes walk from the museum. Mother lived in Florida most of the
year, so her place has been empty for over six months now." He turned his
head aside to sneeze. "Are you wearing perfume?" he asked Lindsey
accusingly.
    "Just a little," the homely woman admitted
guiltily. "But it's from this morning."
    "Ugh, my nose is so sensitive." Frank
honked into a tissue. "Anyway, I'm going to auction everything in her
house, but if anyone would like to see what she's got before it gets packed
away, you're welcome to join me tomorrow morning to go through her goodies. Of
course, I know what the furniture is worth, but my mother had oodles of smalls
and I don't want anything priceless to go to auction."
    Several of the appraisers smiled appreciatively at Frank.
There was nothing antique and collectibles-obsessed people enjoyed more than
poking their noses around other people's houses—especially ones in which all
the contents were to be sold. Molly was terrified of being excluded. "I
can suggest an excellent auctioneer for the job!" she shouted a bit
drunkenly from her end of the table. "When are you going over?"
    Frank stood and made his way to her end of the table.
'Tomorrow morning before filming starts. Say, nine o'clock?" he asked the
group, dabbing at his raw, red nose. Murmurs of assent rose from the appraisers
who were distracted by the arrival of their food.
    "We'll meet you at the front door of the museum,"
said Jessica. "Sounds fun."
    "Good. Fine," Frank replied as the waitress
arrived and Molly's fajitas were placed in front of her. As Jessica bit into
her enchilada, a long string of cheese trailed from her plate to her mouth.
Frank's eyes widened in panic as he stared at the cheese. Jessica giggled, but
Frank dashed after the departing waitress to inquire if the burritos he had
ordered contained any milk-based cheese products.
    From the corner of her eye, Molly watched Garrett excuse
himself and head off to the men's room. As soon as he was gone, Alexandra's
stiff smile melted away and she scowled at her plate of quesadillas.
    "You Americans consume such rubbish," she
announced. "No wonder your country is faced an obesity epidemic."
    Molly was amazed that everyone ignored the barb. The other
appraisers simply continued their conversations as if no one had spoken.
    "Look at this dump," Alexandra continued,
"bloody disgusting."
     "Cheer up, mate," Tony mocked her by using an
exaggerated Cockney accent "You could be eating alone at your hotel."
    "What? And miss a line of your witty banter!
Never." Alexandra's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Do try to dress
better than a country bumpkin for tomorrow's shooting, Tony. You look a mess,
as usual."
    Tony stuffed his mouth with salsa-drenched tortillas and
bowed his head. "Thank you, Your Majesty." He clearly didn’t give a
damn what Alexandria thought of him or his wardrobe.
    At that moment, Garrett returned from the restroom and
headed straight for Molly.
    "Can I offer you a lift back to our hotel?" he
asked, his eyes twinkling.
    Molly could feel the heat of Alexandra's angry stare burning
a hole through the back of her head.
    "No, thanks." She