“Don’t underestimate the glitter effect. People are like fish. They’re drawn to shiny objects.” April cocked her head as she watched. “The new exhibit is going to be spectacular. Visitors are going to feel like they’re in the middle of an epic battle.”

“That’s the idea. Just give me one minute. I’ll be right with you.” Louisa repacked both boxes.

“Take your time.” Respecting Louisa’s concentration, her assistant waited, but the toe of her practical flat shoe tapped an incessant beat.

Satisfied the weapons were secure, Louisa placed the artifact on the shelf. Peeling off her gloves, she removed her glasses and slid them into the pocket of her suit jacket.

April got down to business. “Director Cusack wants to see you in his office.”

“What’s wrong?” Louisa turned toward her assistant.

At fifty-five, April was small and slim with bright red hair styled in a short, spiky cut that suited her energetic and quirky personality. She’d been with the museum for decades. April knew everyone and everything that went on inside its glass-and-brick exterior. Nothing slipped past her experienced scrutiny.

“I’m not sure what he wants.” April’s frown and narrowed eyes conveyed her displeasure. “But the police are with him.”

“The police?” As if being summoned to the director’s office wasn’t enough to stress her out. Louisa tucked the boxed reproduction under her arm and followed April to the hallway. The door locked automatically behind them.

“I suspect it’s about Riki.”

“I hope it isn’t bad news.”

Riki LaSanta, a second-year intern working with the Egyptian collection, had gone missing a few weeks before. The police had questioned the staff when the girl first disappeared, but with no evidence of foul play, the case hadn’t garnered much attention. Though she didn’t work directly with Riki and hadn’t known the young woman very long, every time Louisa saw one of the MISSING flyers posted around the museum and university, her chest ached. What could have happened to her?

“I don’t know, but the police look grim.” April’s eyes misted. “I was hoping Riki had just needed a break. I know her grades were shaky this semester.”

Louisa gave April’s forearm a supportive squeeze. “That’s what everyone is hoping. It’s a valid theory. Graduate school is tough. The pressure can get to anyone.”

They walked down the corridor in silence. Louisa’s heels tapped on the tile, echoing the staccato beats of her heart. At a junction in the hall, they stopped.

“Do you want me to take the reproduction up to the prop room?”

“Would you? That would be great.” Louisa handed her the box. “I already cataloged it. It goes along the far wall with the other props for the Celtic Warrior exhibit.”