Golden Lies - Barbara Freethy [11]
"You think that dragon is going to talk to you?"
"No, but I think my father will be able to tell us something interesting about it."
"Speaking of your father, maybe we should go find him."
"It takes time to do an accurate appraisal. I'm sure you want him to be accurate."
Riley rested his elbows on the table and leaned forward. "There are quite a few places interested in the dragon—Sotheby's, Butterfields, Christie's, not to mention an incredible number of smaller dealers. That makes me wonder if it might be better if we worked with one of the auction houses. If everyone wants the dragon, they can bid on it."
"While that certainly is an option for you, I believe we can make you an excellent offer. The House of Hathaway is secondary to no one, Mr. McAllister." It was a phrase her grandfather, Wallace Hathaway, had said on a thousand occasions. She was surprised at how easily the words crossed her lips, and somewhat annoyed, too. Her grandfather usually sounded like a pompous ass when he said those words, and she had a feeling she'd just presented herself in exactly the same way.
"We'll see about that," Riley replied.
"See about what?" Nan asked as she and Millie returned to the table.
"We were just discussing the dragon's value," Riley told her.
"I can't wait to find out what your father thinks," Nan said. "And I want to thank you again for tea. It was fabulous."
"It was my pleasure. I enjoyed myself, too."
As Paige finished speaking, her father entered the tearoom, his hands noticeably empty.
Riley stood up abruptly. "Where's the dragon?"
"In safekeeping, I assure you," David said smoothly. He then directed his attention to Nan. "I'd like to keep the dragon overnight, if I may. I know an appraiser who won't be available until tomorrow, but I'd very much like him to look at it. While the piece appears to be very promising, there are many fakes in today's market. And I want to be absolutely sure the piece is truly an antiquity. We'll need to run numerous tests."
"That sounds fine," Nan replied.
"Wait a second. Why don't we bring the dragon back in the morning?" Riley suggested.
"I'd like to study it further this evening," David replied. "We have excellent security, Mr. McAllister, if that's what you're concerned about. Your piece will be very safe in our hands, I promise you, and it will be insured as is every other piece in the store. I've taken the liberty of writing up a receipt." He handed a piece of paper to Nan.
"I'm not worried at all," Nan stated.
"Grandmother—"
"Riley, this is the House of Hathaway. They have an impeccable reputation. I trust them completely." She turned back to David. "I'd be happy to leave the dragon here until tomorrow."
"Thank you. If you'll give Paige a call tomorrow afternoon, we'll set up a meeting." He extended his hand to Nan. "On behalf of the House of Hathaway, I want you to know how very much we appreciate the opportunity to evaluate your dragon, Mrs. Delaney.
"Oh, it's my pleasure," Nan said, stuttering somewhat under David's charming smile.
David departed, leaving Paige to say the good-byes. She walked the ladies to the door and was not surprised when Riley lagged behind.
"Is this really necessary?" he asked her.
"My father thinks it is." She didn't know the appraiser her father was referring to but he was the expert, and if he felt they needed a third party's judgment, then that's what they needed. "You can trust us, Mr. McAllister."
He gave her a cynical smile. "Nothing personal, Miss Hathaway, but I don't trust anyone. If anything happens to that dragon, I'll hold you responsible."
"Nothing will happen, I assure you."
"Then neither one of us has anything to worry about."
Chapter