Don't Scream

Chapter 44

Foster's auctions was a three million dollar spread with a mansion tucked on a hillside and a beautiful gallery at the north end of the property. Manicured lawns stretched all around the buildings. The house itself was vintage, complete with the original barn, carriage and slave quarters. The out buildings were now used for business.

Brian followed the signs to the main office. slipping in just as the receptionist appeared to be packing to leave. He asked for Evan Foster and waited while she made some calls. Apparently Evan was not in is office.

"I think he is at the preview." Came a disembodied voice over the intercom.'Try the main gallery."

Several cars almost all rentals or from out of state were parked outside the main gallery. It was unlocked and Brian let himself in to what happened to be the rear of the audience seating, now empty. He walked through the chairs and stepped into the main stage, where people were previewing the sale that would take place tomorrow and the next day. They talked and examined items and made notes on their copies of the catalog. A catalog that Sarra's handiwork, Brian felt a tug of pride.

Evan foster stood at one side speaking on the phone, looking aggravated. When he saw Brian he hung up.and came across stage pointed at the plate in Brian's hand. A stupid looking dog was painted in the middle of it."That is Sheffield." He said."An expensive thing to break."

Brian bit back the impulse to throw it against the wall, instead he sat it down."Customer relation problems?"

Evan shrugged."Antique Junkies are kooks. But doll enthusiasts are the worst. They think of dolls as their children."

"That was the doll lady you were talking to.? Angela Chadborn?"?

"She flew in from Boise this morning."

Brian's pulse picked up."Do you know where she is staying?"

Evan shook his head."why?"

"Oh nothing really Sarra wants to talk to her, that is all." Brian's brain was outracing common sense.A dire sign of desperation in an investigation."Sarra want's to see the last two dolls again. I came to get them."

Evan frowned.his demeanor had changed from cool to arctic."where are they Sarra and Abby?"

"Mmm sorry, Brian said without and emotion at all."Official FBI business."

"Dammit I want to know!"

"Don't worry she has your gun."

Evan stiffened lifting a fist."Listen you son of a -"

Brian grabbed his shirt and got into his face."Bad Idea, Foster, he growled A couple of people straightened and watched."Now why don't you make plans and cover for Sarra this weekend, and go get me the dolls.?"

"I won't have to cover for Sarra. She promised to be here for the sale tomorrow."

"She has mistaken, she won't be here."

"What the hell have you done with her?"

"Jesus Foster." He said releasing his shirt before someone called the police".Do you think I have her bound and gagged someplace? She is safe. That is the whole idea. She wouldn't be if she came here. Crowds, distractions. cars from all over the country. Give me a break man Tell her to stay home."

"She is not at home."

"Tell her to stay with me than."

Speculation swept over Evan's face.Clearly that had been the wrong thing to say.

"Are you fucking her?"

Brian was amused."That is none of your bus--

"It is." He went still "Goddammit we have something going."

"That is not what she tells me." Brian said to him and met him glare to glare.There wasn't one man in history to love the wrong woman in his lifetime."We don't want anything at Sarra's house to seem out of the ordinary." He said keeping his voice low." Keep things moving the way you would under normal circumstances.And get me the dolls."

"Fuck you Brian There is no way I am letting an old ladies nest egg walk out of here with you. Sarra knows how to unlock the safe. If she wants them she can come get them."