Aegean Intrigue by Patricia Kiyono Read Free Book Online Page B

the pages. He blinked several times at their entrance, bringing himself back to the present. Alex had seen the same look on Francie’s face sometimes when he tried to strike up a conversation with her. She would hold an item from the distant past, and her eyes would glaze over as her mind took her back to the time when the item was in use. He had learned to speak to her gently, gradually returning her to the present.
    The professor greeted them heartily and gestured for them to take a seat.
    â€œThis has been such a wonderful day! I’m so pleased with the finds—you and the team are doing such an excellent job,” he gushed. “And, Francie, you’re a godsend with the paperwork. You know I’m not so fond of that part of the job.”
    Alex jumped at the opening. “Actually, that’s why we’re here, Professor. Francie’s careful bookkeeping shows that a few pieces are missing.”
    â€œMissing?” Professor Theo paled, and he sat back as if he had been physically struck. His normally fluttering hands stilled. “What do you mean? How can this be?”
    Francie explained to him what she had told Alex, about the way she remembered the last entry number and the last two items.
    â€œA necklace and a coin, eh? I wonder—oh, of course!” He laughed awkwardly as he reached into the bottom drawer of his desk “Here they are.” He cast a sheepish grin as he set the missing pieces on top of the open journal.
    Alex couldn’t help noticing Francie’s elation at finding the items. She was either honest or a very good actress.
    â€œProfessor, why were they in your desk?” she asked.
    â€œEh? I was looking at them and when the call for lunch came, I put them in the drawer instead of back in the bag.”
    â€œI see. But what happened to the catalogue cards for those two items?”
    â€œCatalogue cards?” Again the professor froze. His bushy brows met as he frowned. “Maybe—” He pulled other drawers open, seemingly at random. A glance in the desk drawers told Alex the man's belongings were as jumbled as his thoughts. Finally, the professor sat up, two mangled file cards gripped in his hand. “Here we are!”
    Francie stared in dismay at the crumpled cards. “Professor, why—”
    Again, the professor looked abashed. “I’m so sorry. I was reading them and had some questions for you. I put them in the drawer so that I could ask you about them later, and—and I forgot they were there.”
    A rather tidy explanation, Alex thought, although not quite believable. But it seemed to satisfy Francie. Were they both acting for his benefit?
    Francie gently touched her mentor's shoulder. “Professor, if you have a question or concern with my recording, why don’t you just put a sticky note on the card, but keep it with the item? That way the card won’t be lost, and we’ll both remember to discuss it.”
    Alex left them as they huddled over the new finds. He was going to have to be extra alert with these two.

Chapter Eight
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    Things didn’t add up. She had had plenty of opportunity to “siphon” pieces from the dig, but every piece had been properly cataloged and stored. Was she being overly cautious, knowing he was on site? Did she suspect him of not being a Project Director?
    â€œAlex?”
    He spun around, hand going to his hip for the pistol that wasn’t there. He scowled, chiding himself at being caught off-guard. Francie stepped backward, her eyes wide, her arms held out in front of her for protection.
    â€œSorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt anything,” she insisted.
    Alex forced his facial muscles to relax. It wouldn’t do to frighten her. “I’m the one who should apologize,” he assured her. “My mind was elsewhere, and I was frustrated with myself for not paying attention. How can I help you?”
    Instead of answering his