Past Betrayals, Past Loves

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  * * *

  Astrid groaned and rubbed her forehead. “What happened?”

  Clive shook his head. “You lifted the necklace and collapsed. Good thing I caught you before you hit the floor. Are you all right?”

  “How long was I out?”

  “Maybe fifteen minutes.”

  Astrid dragged in a ragged breath. The journey had seemed to take weeks or even months.

  “Should we call an ambulance?” Paula asked.

  Astrid pushed into a sitting position. She knew what had occurred but she wasn’t about to explain. If she did they would lock her up. As a child when she’d touched several of the artifacts her father had found she’d had glimpses of another time and place. The pictures she’d described had been historically accurate but none had been as vivid as this morning’s event. She’d never lived another person’s life before.

  “I’m okay.” She smiled. “I’ll learn not to skip breakfast and lunch.”

  Paula lifted the necklace from the floor. “This is lovely. I recognize the lapis and carnelians. The metal looks like gold but it’s so pale.”

  “Electrum,” Astrid said.

  “What’s that?” Paula asked.

  “A blend of gold and silver.”

  Paula put the necklace on the velvet cloth. “How old do you think this piece is?”

  “Middle Kingdom.” Clive turned to Astrid. “As usual the office is a mess. I can’t find your father’s notes about this piece and a number of others.”

  “Why am I not surprised. I’ll start sorting tomorrow.”

  He clasped her arm. “Why don’t I close the shop and take you to dinner?”

  “Too late. Aunt Sarah already invited me.”

  “Cancel. We have a lot to discuss.”

  She hated the clipped tones of his order. “We can’t do a thing today. I thought Antiquities stayed open late on Friday evenings.”

  “Usually but with your father gone I’ll close. We need to hire at least one clerk. I’ll need to check estate sales and attend those offering articles of interest.”

  “Have anyone in mind for a clerk?” Astrid asked.

  “A woman who works here occasionally but I’m not sure she’s available. She has children who are out of school.”

  Astrid thought Sarah might like to help. With her knowledge of history, the older woman would be perfect. “Do you have Dad’s keys?”

  “I’ll get them.” He strode to the office.

  Paula stared after him. “How well do you know Clive?”

  “Enough. He’s worked here for almost two years.”

  “Are you involved with him?”

  “Not on a bet.”

  Paula arched a brow. “Is there something wrong with him? Something I should know.”

  Astrid shook her head. “He’s just not my type. Too smooth.”

  “He is that.” Paula grinned. “He’s slick enough to slip through the hands of any woman who tries to cling. Have lunch with me tomorrow and I’ll fill you in. Say noon at the Village Café.”

  “I’d like that but if I become involved with sorting the office how do I let you know I can’t make it.”

  “If you’re not there by twelve fifteen I’ll come here.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Clive returned and handed her the keys. “See you tomorrow morning. Don’t believe anything Mrs. Rayson tells you.”

  “Why would she say anything to trouble you?”

  “She accused me of not doing anything for your dad when he had the stroke. I was so shaken I couldn’t think, let along move.”

  Astrid smiled. “That’s what I told her.”

  The bell above the door jingled. Astrid sucked in a breath. The man who entered was definitely her type. His rugged features, muscular body and tousled dark hair impacted her senses with sledge hammer blows. Who is he? Her smile faded when she saw the petite blonde who followed him.

  Clive sauntered toward the couple. “Duncan, Lorna, thought you were headed to the shore.”

  “Heard about Lloyd and wanted to see if there was anything I could do.” The man’s deep voice vibrated through Astrid.

  The woman glided toward Clive. “Told him to leave Lloyd to the doctors.” She ran her tongue over her bottom lip. “But you know Duncan’s nature. Things he must handle everything.”

  A picture of a preening cat popped into Astrid’s head. The woman’s slanted eyes were the blue of Aunt Sarah’s Persian cat. The rings on the blonde’s fingers glinted as she reached for Clive’s hands.

  Her companion strode toward Astrid. His smile was volcanic. Heat collected low in her belly. What fires would his hands rise as they caressed her skin? Whoa. She wrenched her gaze away.

  “So Antiquities is yours to play with, Clive,” the woman crooned. “Now you can show me the goodies in the vault.”

  Astrid stepped toward the pair. “The gallery isn’t Clive's.”

  The blonde pursed her lips. “And who are you?”

  Clive released her hands. “Astrid’s, Lloyd’s daughter.” He waved the man forward. “This is Lorna Stinit and Duncan Garrett. They’re excellent customers.”

  Lorna pushed strands of hair from her face. “So you’re Lloyd’s daughter. Duncan, stop staring and ask about her father. Then we can leave.”

  Duncan clasped Astrid’s hands between his. “Your father’s mentioned you many times. How is he?”

  “Responding to treatment.” She met his gaze. His hazel eyes held her fast. She wondered if he felt the heat rising between them. Stop it. He’s taken.

  “Duncan, come and see this marvelous Egyptian piece,” Lorna called. “I want them.” She held the necklace that had sent Astrid on a wild trip into an ancient land.

  Duncan’s eyes narrowed. He looked from Lorna to Clive. Tension built. What was going on?

  Paula glared at the woman. “You’ve ruined my picture.”

  “You can always take another. How about me wearing them?”

  “Beautiful but not for you,” Duncan said.

  Lorna pouted. “Why not? The lapis would enhance my eyes. I would change the carnelians for sapphires.”

  “And ruin the value.” Duncan took the collar. “This necklace calls for a tall woman.” He turned to Astrid. “Let me show her what I mean.”

  As he draped the piece around her neck his fingers brushed her nape. Her body responded. For a moment the room shimmered and she feared falling into the past to re-live love and death again. Duncan’s deep voice kept her anchored to the present.

  “See what I mean.” He removed the necklace. “Clive, I’ll buy the set if Astrid agrees to model them at the gala for the local opera company.”

  “Really, Duncan,” Lorna said. “Shouldn’t you check with me? Aren’t I your co-sponsor?”

  Astrid met Lorna’s icy glare. “I’ll be too involved with Dad to attend. And the necklace isn’t for sale until Dad returns.”

  Duncan leaned closer. “I always get with I want.”

  She met the challenge in his eyes. “And what is that>”

  “When I decide I’ll let you know.”

  His words held a threat to her emotions. “Don’t bother.”

  Lorna laughed. “See, my dear, you can’t always have everything.”

  “We’ll see.” Duncan arched a brow. “Clive, let’s see some of the other new things. The pectoral with the hawk interests me. Same time frame as these?”

  Clive shook his head. “Tell you later. I’m sure we’ll find the notes when Astrid straightens the office. We should have some new items next week.”

  As they moved away Astrid released her breath. She didn’t know what was happening but she felt on edge. As she left the shop she thought about her odd adventure. She had been Seshat, a woman betrayed by her lover.

  Had the glimpse of the past been a warning?

  * * *

  As Astrid left the shop Duncan watched the sway of her hips. He’d been blindsided. He wanted to taste her lips, to caress the contours of her
body, to thrust inside until they exploded. He wanted to see her gray eyes flare with passion. He tightened his hands into fists. This reaction was so unlike him. The moment he’d seen her he’d had an erection. He wanted her in ways he didn’t understand. Though an attraction so potent couldn’t last he would enjoy the conflagration as they drove each other to burn.

  She’d been aware of him. The way she’d met his gaze in answer to the challenge had told him that. When he’d clasped the collar at her nape he’d felt her body’s response.

  He sucked in a breath and uncoiled his fisted hands. He liked tall women with dark hair and trim bodies. Astrid was all of his fantasies in one woman. Had Clive and Lorna noticed his reaction? Lorna wouldn’t be pleased. She’d been angling for an invitation to his bed since the day six weeks ago when Clive had introduced them. She’d thought this weekend at the beach would give her what she wanted. Not on a bet. Not now.

  Lorna was Clive’s type. When they’d roomed during their undergraduate years the women his friend had chosen were petite and curvy. Was Clive interested in Astrid? That would be one way for him to profit from the valuables in the shop. Clive’s envy of Duncan’s wealth had been one reason they had drifted apart. And now? He wasn’t sure why Clive had come into his life again.

  Duncan wandered away from the pair and returned to study the necklace and the crown. They had to be the ones described in his great-grandfather’s journal. He recalled the day he’d found the diary in the attic. The Egyptian set along with a number of other items had been collected by his ancestor during a world tour. They had been described in great detail. Years ago they had been stolen and his great-grandfather believed they’d been taken by the woman he had loved. Duncan sat on a chair in the rear of the shop and pulled the thin book from his pocket.

  In our circles, one beds and not weds the daughter of a servant. But Madeline was chaste. Having fled this all-consuming passion for her I toured the world. During the trip I purchased many pieces, mostly jewelry that called to me. The desire for these things was so strong a compulsion they seemed to guide my steps as I journeyed.

  The pages had described eight different purchases. Duncan ran his finger over the necklace. They had to be the ones. Matched every point of the description. Where had Lloyd found the set? Duncan intended to learn. Had the owner of Antiquities found any of the other items described in the diary? Duncan clenched his fists and turned to the final entry.

  Today I landed in New York. At a welcome home party hosted by my cousin, Chester, I announced my intention to wed Madeline. Our friend, Bonnie, acted as Chester’s hostess. Her eyes followed my every move and she remarked how she couldn’t believe I’ve chosen one not of our circle to by my wife.

  The months abroad had firmed my resolution to have Madeline. After dinner I showed the three of them my treasures. Chester, whose father had frittered away his share of the family fortune, looked with envy at my purchases. Bonnie expressed a wish to add a gold bracelet from Italy and a jeweled cross to the glitter she loves. Madeline touched one piece and blanched. She said she was going home.

  I followed her outside and escorted her to the small house where she lived with her father and cousin. They weren’t there. The passion I’d held inside and we consummated our love. I gave her the ring I’d purchased in Paris and asked her to meet me in the morning so we could apply for a marriage license.

  Duncan pulled himself away from his ancestor’s story. The marriage hadn’t happened. Madeline, her father and cousin had vanished. So had the chest of treasures. Nine months later a letter had arrived alone with an infant and his wet nurse. Duncan’s great-grandfather learned Madeline had died in childbirth. The letter begged his forgiveness. She had fled because her life had been threatened. If she married him she would die. No mention had been made of the items in the chest. Duncan’s ancestor had believed Madeline’s family had sold the jewelry as a means of support.

  Duncan nodded. He was sure some of the stolen items were here. He intended to claim them no matter what means he had to use. That Astrid was Lloyd’s daughter was a complication he wasn’t sure he could solve.

  Duncan smiled. He would have his great-grandfather’s treasures and he would have Astrid. With this thought he strode to where Lorna and Clive were discussing a piece of Victorian jewelry.

  “Here.” Duncan tossed the keys to the beach house to Lorna. “Something’s come up and I’m staying in town. Enjoy the sun and surf.”

  “What are you talking about?” she asked. “You can’t do this. You promised to go with me.”

  He braced for an explosion. Clive grabbed Lorna’s arm. “The sales I need to attend aren’t far from the beach house. Why don’t I come by when I’m done or you could come to the sales and watch me work?”

  Lorna released a breath. “I just might do that.” She turned to Duncan. “You don’t know what you’re missing.”

  “You can tell me on Monday.” Duncan headed to the door. “See you.”

  Chapter Two

  Babylon

  Astrid stepped onto the deck and stared at the sky. Only seven AM and already the humidity rose. She’d wanted to have her morning run before the temperature rose to match the humidity. She trotted down the steps and began a series of warm-up exercises. As she settled into the familiar routine her thoughts drifted to her last night’s visit to her father with Sarah.

  Hope filled her. The intravenous had been removed. He’d been sitting in a chair. His grin, his firm handclasp had heartened her. Though she’d noticed a slight weakness on the right side, the improvement pleased her. They’d even managed a conversation. His answers had been single words or nods and shakes of his head.

  When she’d mentioned how Clive had displayed the Egyptian necklace and crown, he’d scowled. “No.”

  “Not for sale?” she’d asked.

  He had nodded.

  “That’s what I told Clive’s friend, Lorna. Do you want me to store them in the vault?”

  “Yes.”

  She’d wanted to tell him about her strange adventure in the past but not yet. She refused to add any worries to whatever troubled him. The childhood incidents had rattled her father and they had only been glimpses of another time and place. Her choice of nursing as a career rather than archeology had pleased him.

  The blare of a car horn startled her. She nearly rapped her chin on the railing. She turned, frowned and walked to the car. The driver rolled down a window. “Morning.”

  “Clive, what are you doing here so early?”

  His gaze grazed over her legs, her hips and her breasts. She clenched her fists and wished she’d worn something less revealing than biker shorts and a body hugging tee shirt.

  “Figured you were still taking early morning runs.” He grinned. “Makes me want to take up the habit. Have to say you’re looking…fit.”

  She gritted her teeth. “What do you want?”

  “If I weren’t in a hurry I would show you.”

  “Enough.”

  “Can’t fault me for trying.”

  She fisted her hands on her hips. “I’m sure you didn’t come to banter.”

  “Wanted to let you know I won’t be at the shop this weekend.”

  “Why?”

  “I checked your dad’s calendar. He starred an estate sale for today and a street fair for tomorrow. The one today includes some jade pieces and you never know what can be found at these street fairs. Have to leave you on your own while I handle the buying.”

  Astrid nodded. “Better you than me. Do you need checks or money?”

  “I’m set. Hope you don’t mind being alone both days.”

  “Won’t be. I asked Aunt Sarah if she’d like a few hours work every weekend. She’d be delighted and she knows the stock almost as well as Dad.”

  Clive made a face. “I agree about her ability but I don’t have to like her.”

  “Did you reach the other woman?”

  He nodded. “She’ll come by on Tuesday or Wednesday. She’ll be gla
d to work from noon until four on weekdays.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “How is your dad?”

  “Much improved. You should stop by to see him.”

  He nodded. “I will. Have a thing about hospitals. Being in one gives me the creeps.”

  “Bad experience?”

  He shrugged. “A little. Also though your father might not want to see me. I feel responsible for the attack. Maybe our argument was the trigger.”

  She shook her head. “More like poor diet and little exercise.”

  “Hope he’s well enough to discuss the real issues soon.” He held up a hand. “Don’t scowl. I won’t say a thing until he’s one hundred percent. See you Monday when I drop off anything I buy.”

  Astrid watched him leave. She returned to the exercises. Once her muscles loosened she jogged around the building and up the street toward the Hook.

  Most of the shops and restaurants along Broadway were closed. She passed a bakery and inhaled the aroma of coffee and fresh bread. She resisted the lure. On the way back she promised herself a stop for breakfast. She ran along several blocks where houses were set back from the sidewalk. Green lawns were dotted with beds of flowers and persistent dandelions.

  The houses changed from small to Victorian structures. Just ahead she saw the wall hiding mansions from view. As she neared the brick barrier a gate opened and a man stepped into the sidewalk. To avoid a collision she veered.

  He blocked her path. “Astrid.”

  “Mr. Garrett, I can’t stop now.” She edged around him.

  “I’ll run with you. We can stop for coffee and pastry in the way back.”

  Astrid gulped a breath. Hopefully she wouldn’t trip over a sidewalk crack and sprawl on the ground. His cut-off shorts and muscle shirt exposed more of his flesh than was good for her. He kept up the pace matching her stride for stride.

  When they reached the Hook, she paused to gaze at the Hudson River. How good to be back in Rockleigh. Wavelets washed against the narrow beach. Both bridges, the old and the new, stood against the blue sky.