Page 34 of This Bitter Sweet Temptation
“Well, first I’d need to see the item in question, certainly,” he says, each word enunciated carefully. From the way he speaks, I imagine an older gentleman with greying hair and a thick mustache. Probably a cane. Basically, the genteel art fiend with a lifetime of dealing with treasures under his belt. “Then I’ll have to do some research. The rarest pieces must always be authenticated, you understand. I typically need to connectwith experts abroad to help determine a firm price. If you have any documentation to support it, that would be tremendously helpful.”
I nod. He’s telling me everything I want to hear.
“Sounds reasonable. I saw online that you’re an expert in European artifacts,” I say.
“My reputation never whispers, young lady.” I can hear the smile in his voice. “You’re quite right. My heart belongs to Mediterranean art, ancient or modern, but that’s hardly my only mistress. There are so many precious things in this world worth protecting.”
“Yeah. So many lost to us, too. It’s not always about the money.” I wait to see if he disagrees.
“Absolutely. After the valuation, are you looking for a buyer? An auction, perhaps? We had great success with that when we put up several pieces from your grandfather’s collection.”
“Probably a private sale,” I say. “I haven’t decided what I’m going to do with it yet, but I just want to find it a good home. Somewhere it will be truly appreciated.”
“Sure. Well, once I’ve determined your item is genuine, it’ll take me some additional time to research the market and give you a specific starting price. And if you were looking to sell, Miss Blackthorn, my contacts are extensive. Depending on the piece in question, a sale could happen rapidly, if it’s a showstopper.”
Wouldn’t that be lovely?
I’d never have to lay eyes on Holden Verity again, and I’m sure he’d be just as thrilled with that.
“It’s a stunner,” I say.
“I don’t doubt it. You wouldn’t have called me if it wasn’t.” There’s a warmth in his voice. Not arrogance, but confidence in his own worth.
“And you’re confident you can find out if it’s authentic?”
“Of course. I have a lot of contacts, as I say. I like to think my own knowledge is extensive, but I know how to fill in the gaps.” He chuckles. “When you’ve been in this business as long as I have, you know who to call and who owes you favors.”
Hmph. While I don’t love involvingtoomany people, his contacts are probably legit.
I’m tempted to just bite, especially when I haven’t felt good about the other names on PopPop’s list.
Not for something this big.
“When would you like to visit my office in New York?” he suggests. “Bring the item in and I’ll have a look. No guarantees, of course, but I expect I’ll be able to tell you the basics, and if it is a sale you’re after, we can go from there. In fact,” he adds, “if it’s everything you’re suggesting, I may just buy it myself.”
Another idea I don’t instantly love. But maybe I’ll feel better after I meet him.
“That would be great. Thanks so much.”
“How soon can you get here?”
“Tomorrow afternoon? Does two o’clock work?”
“I’ll clear my schedule,” he says warmly. “It’s my pleasure, Miss Blackthorn. Until tomorrow.”
I hang up and toss my phone on the desk.
Winner. I guess.
And it only took me half the day.
I’m not sure why I’m frowning.
Nerves. That must be it. This situation frays me like nothing else.
I exit the room to find Holden and tell him we’ve got a meeting—and we’ll have to book it if we’re going to get there in time—but the moment I leave the room, I hear his voice.
I think he’s on the phone.
