Page 111 of Gem Warfare

Chapter Twenty-Four

Maddox wasn’t at the FBI field office. I declined to leave a message, instead enjoying the stroll back to the agency where I’d left my car earlier in the day. I finished up the paperwork for the Dugans, including the information that the reward money was now in doubt payable and only partially so. More likely to be dispersed across a small number of people. Then I updated Claudius Bridge about the jewels, knowing he would find the outcome fascinating, and sent off my report to my salon client, Marie. I also fielded calls from a journalist fromTheGazette,who was reporting on Rachenstein’s official visit.

Mom had insisted everyone arrive as early as possible for dinner so I texted Solomon to let him know I’d meet him there. That gave me enough time to dash home and change into a pretty red summer dress, perfect for an evening outside, before heading to my parents’ house.

Before I’d even reached the front door, I could hear my nieces and nephews tearing around the backyard and the sound of my dad chasing them. I let myself in, aiming for the kitchen, where I found my Mom.

And Maddox.

“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” I said.

“Hiding? Who? Me?” Maddox pointed to himself with a look of innocence.

“I tried to find you at your office and I called you and texted. Repeatedly. No one wants to double text!”

“He brought tarts from that deli you like,” said Mom, reaching for a box to waft under my nose. It was hard to resist the sweet sugary scent but I was tough, I could do it. I could eat it later.

“You tore off out of there like you were on fire,” I said.

“Out of where?” asked Mom.

“Not even an explanation,” I continued. “Who is she?”

“Who is whom?” asked Mom.

Maddox shrugged. “I have no idea what your daughter is talking about.”

“Don’tyour daughterme,” I said.

“I didn’t. Iyour daughteredyour mom.”

“I’m confused,” said Mom.

“You know exactly whom I mean,” I said.

“I don’t,” said Mom.

“Not you, Mom! Maddox!”

“Adam, dear?” asked Mom.

Maddox remained blank.

“Cass Temple.”

“Who?” asked Maddox.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” asked Mom, her eyes lighting up. “Why didn’t you bring her?”

“I do not,” said Maddox.

“You canneverbring her here,” I said.

“Lexi, that’s not a nice way to behave towards Adam’s lady friend. You have a nice husband. Adam deserves a nice girlfriend.”

“That’s not the point, Mom!”

Mom sighed. “Would anyone like a drink?” she asked.