Page 7 of Sam's Salvation
Five
Humming to herself, Audra whipped her roadster into a parking space outside of Byrne’s. She’d had more fun at lunch with Hannah than she thought she would. Liam’s sister was an energetic, chatty woman who, most days, was only concerned with herself. She could be funny, though. And she lived for parties, which was why Liam’s mother, Siobhan, put her in charge of her eldest son’s wedding. While Audra had still stifled yawns as they went over details, she’d enjoyed Hannah’s company.
Which was the only reason she could think of why she’d agreed to run to Byrne’s and fetch a box of table linens for a different party Hannah was in charge of this evening. Hannah had seemed frazzled—the caterer had called her shortly before she left to meet Audra for lunch and informed her there would be a change to the menu; one she didn’t like—so Audra volunteered to help so she could go and straighten that out.
She sighed as she stepped out of her car, shaking her head. At least she didn’t have anything to do after this until she had to meet Liam for dinner at seven. She could go home, slip back into her comfy clothes and read a book.
Entering the restaurant, she waved at the hostess and walked toward the back. The din of the lunch crowd receded and was replaced by the sound of the kitchen staff. Her heels clacked on the tile floor as she headed for the stockroom.
“Hey, Alexandra. What are you doing here?”
She paused and smiled at the day manager, Miles. “Hannah asked me to pick up some tablecloths for her.”
“Oh, yes. They’re all boxed up and waiting. Let me show you.”
“Thanks, Miles.” She followed him into the stockroom.
He hefted a box from a stack in the far corner. “I’ll carry it out for you.”
“Are you sure? I can take it.”
“I’m sure. It’s heavy.”
She didn’t argue with him, even though she was more than capable of carrying the box. Alexandra wouldn’t argue.
They wove back through the kitchen and out the front doors. Her roadster beeped as she pressed the button to unlock it. She opened the trunk and stepped back so he could put the box inside.
“There you go.”
“Thank you, Miles.” She slipped him some cash, then got into the driver’s seat and pulled into traffic.
Her drive took her across town to Liam’s neighborhood. The party was at a neighbor’s house. Some fancy businessman Audra was sure was under FBI surveillance. Most people in this particular neighborhood led some shady lives. She didn’t really want to go into the house—or even pull into his driveway—and end up on their radar, but she didn’t have a valid reason for turning Hannah down. Especially not now that she knew Liam had her followed. She didn’t want it to get back to his sister that she lied. She’d just call Theo later and tell him to be on the lookout for an inquiry about her alias.
Turning into the circular driveway, she parked and hopped out, grabbing the box. Picking her way over the cobblestone walkway to the front door, she poked the bell with her pinkie.
A maid answered the door. “Yes?”
“Hi, I’m dropping these off for Hannah. It’s tablecloths for tonight’s party.”
“Oh. I’ll take them.”
“You’re sure? It’s heavy.”
“Yes. Mr. Kimball doesn’t like strangers in the house.”
Audra’s brow puckered, but she stayed silent. She was hardly a stranger in Kimball’s social circle. She’d never been in his house, though. And she didn’t really want to spend more time than necessary on this task. But there could be relevant intel inside. She thought quickly.
The maid reached for the box. Audra deliberately fumbled the handover and the woman’s hands slipped off. “I think you should just guide me where you want this.” Audra readjusted the box. “So we don’t spill them all over the ground.”
Biting the corner of her lip, the maid nodded. “Yeah. We can’t get them dirty. I suppose it would be okay. You’ll only be here a moment.” She stepped back, pushing the door wide. “Come in.”
Audra stepped over the threshold. She kept her gaze straight ahead until the maid turned around and started deeper into the house. Then, Audra put her head on a swivel and took in everything she could. The dark walnut floor underfoot stretched down a long hallway to her left. To her right, she glimpsed a small parlor with a champagne damask settee and a mahogany leather wingback chair grouped around a gleaming cherry wood coffee table and a plush cream rug. Ahead, the foyer opened into a large, airy living room filled with shades of gray and white. It was like walking into a magazine spread. On the far end, to the right, was the kitchen, which was also done in shades of gray and white. High-end appliances gleamed, nary a fingerprint in sight.
How do people live like this? Audra shook her head at the thought. It didn’t matter how much she cleaned or picked up after herself, her condo, and her flat in London, always looked lived in. Perhaps it helped to have a maid who could trail around after her employers and put everything back to rights the moment it was knocked askew.
They passed down a short hallway and into a solarium. Plants lined the perimeter, soaking up the sun streaming in through the glass walls and ceiling.
“You can set the box over there.” The maid pointed to a spot where someone had piled other party supplies.