CHAPTER 10

Cassie hadn’t expected to spend so long at the museum, and she certainly hadn’t expected Levi to be so insightful as they went from one exhibit to another. Their tour of the museum had extended past regular business hours, and Cassie had enjoyed every minute—the paintings, the company, the sense of freedom, and even her basic privacy.

“You have done a wonderful job with this museum,” Cassie told Pierre as they left the last display and walked toward the rear storage area.

“Thank you,” Pierre said. “We are very proud of it.”

“As you should be.” Cassie and Levi followed Pierre past an armed guard to a storage room. Pierre stopped at a keypad, pressed his badge against the reader, and punched in a code. A moment later, the door clicked open.

“I appreciate your transporting this for me.” Pierre stepped into the temperature-controlled room filled with crates.

“It’s not a problem,” Levi said. “It’s good to change up the delivery methods to the chateau.”

Cassie followed the two men inside and looked around. “I didn’t expect you to have so much artwork back here.”

“Most of it is part of the Mediterranean exhibit.” Pierre waved a hand to encompass several crates to the right.

“I thought that’s what we saw today,” Cassie said.

“You saw the first series,” Pierre corrected. “We’ll change out the pieces over the next three weeks, ending with a complete display that will take up the three main exhibit halls.”

“Sounds like a lot of work,” Levi said.

“It is, but it’s also giving the museum a great deal of attention. Some of these items haven’t ever been displayed in public before.”

“Really?” Cassie asked.

“Yes. We have artwork from all over the world, including the US, Sweden, Japan, and even South Africa.”

“And all of these countries have artwork that represent the Mediterranean?” Levi asked skeptically.

“The beauty we enjoy is appreciated worldwide,” Pierre said. “I’m particularly excited about two new pieces. One is a sculpture from Menorca that is owned by a private collector. The other is an exhibit on loan from Sereno.”

“Which one is that?” Cassie asked.

“It’s art of a different kind.” Pierre’s face lit up with anticipation. “You’ll have to come back for the final exhibit to see it.”

A pang of disappointment rose within her. “I’m afraid I won’t still be in town by then.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Pierre said. “I’d show the piece to you, but it’s stored in another location.”

“You’ll have to send me photos,” Cassie said.

“I imagine we’ll have quite the press coverage for this event. King Eduard is even planning to attend.” Pierre put his hand on a protective case on his left. “This is the one for the chateau.”

“Thanks.” Levi lifted it and took a step toward the door.

An alarm rang out, the shrill sound blaring into the room.

Cassie covered her ears, her heart pounding as she was transported back in time. She was in Sereno, the alarm sounding, gunshots firing. She gasped when a hand gripped her arm.