Good Deed Bad Deed, Marcia Morgan [summer beach reads TXT] 📗

“I was informed that the relevant packet was in your office, waiting to be sorted.” His tone betrayed the fact that he resented being out of the loop or passed over in any way. “I’ve speculated that it must be a very valuable antiquity, or some sort of priceless display.” He looked down dismissively, beginning to sort through papers as if she weren’t there.

A light clicked on in Paris’ head. The words ‘valuable’ and ‘priceless’ kindled several ideas about what was to come. “I won’t keep you any longer. I’ll let you know as soon as I can find whatever seems so important.”

Lyle Brett made a sound that resembled a ‘harrumph,’ and Paris left his office, closing the door hard behind her. She returned to Hugh, shaking her head as she came through the doorway, her expression one of exasperation.

“That man pushes all my buttons—even more so with what’s going on. Have you found anything with your sorting?”

Hugh was seated at her desk with a pile of folders to his left. He looked up and said, “Actually, I was just about to come and fetch you away from your nemesis. I think I may have found something.”

“Leave it to you, my hero. I really hope you’re right.”

“This manila envelope contains a file folder, which I’ve yet to open. I was waiting for you. The rest of the files and your mail were just piled haphazardly on the desk—like someone had been collecting everything intended for you, knew you were coming back yesterday, gained access, and just tossed all of it carelessly on your desk.”

“That sounds like our Mr. Brett’s style. He has no concern for endearing himself to anyone. I know he resents any action taken that might indicate I’m preferred over him, or, heaven forbid, superior to him when assignments are given out.”

“He’d probably like nothing better than for you to retire and leave him a clear path to promotion.”

“I do know that he’s been passed over more than once, and there’s a supervisory position that has opened up, due to a retirement. I believe it’s in the department that supervises transport of acquisitions between museums.” Paris paused, evidently trying to recall something and then said, “Last year I helped out in that department while one of the regulars was out on maternity leave. I didn’t mind it—enjoyed it, really. And the department head, the man who just retired, told me I was a natural.”

Hugh smiled at her in that special way. It was a smile of pride, but it always made her look down with embarrassment. He knew he had lived his life with a very intelligent woman, and that intelligence had always attracted him just as much as her beauty. “I’ve always believed you can do just about anything you set your mind to, my love.”

She came around behind him, wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and leaned down to give him a soft kiss on his neck. With her face buried there she muttered, “Thank you for the vote of confidence, but the first thing I learned on that job was that there can be a lot of logistical nightmares.” He turned his head sideways and returned the kiss. Paris took a deep breath and said, “Enough nuzzling. Let’s see what that file tells us.”

Before they could pull it out of the envelope, the office phone rang. Paris answered, her hand shaking slightly due to the thought that it might be whoever was threatening her family. She said hello softly, and upon hearing the voice on the other end, relaxed her demeanor. Her end of the conversation consisted mainly of one-word answers. The conversation ended with her promise to ‘think it over quickly and get back to them.’ She put down the receiver without saying a word and turned to look at Hugh.

“That was the museum director. They haven’t been able to fill the position I told you about. That’s why he had left me a message. He asked me to take it on—function as department head until they can fill the position. He also suggested that I apply for the permanent position. It seems the man who retired—Mr. Langley— spoke highly of me. I had no idea.”

Her voice trailed off, and Hugh could tell that her mind was now even more overcrowded. But she was preoccupied with her family’s safety and was in no position to make such a decision on the spot. Hoping to help her sort through it all, he asked, “How soon do you have to let him know?”

“Tomorrow. How can I decide by then? I’ll have to at least ask for an extension.” She shook her head in frustration and returned to stand by Hugh, who was still sitting at her desk with the envelope in his hands. ”I can’t help but think of the ‘never rains but it pours’ thing,” she said, sliding up onto the desk in order to sit and face him. “Never mind that for now. Open it. Open it!”

Hugh slid the file folder out of the envelope, opened it and turned it toward Paris. It was a manifest for a new exhibit. She gestured he should turn it back around then motioned him to get on with it. He began to read aloud. “It says here that the museum is to receive a very valuable group of items.” Hugh whistled, then continued, “Wow– they aren’t kidding!” Paris motioned him to continue. “Right now it’s in the Museum of Sub-aquatic Archaeology in Cartagena, Spain.”

“Well, what is it?” Paris asked, leaning over the folder in an effort to read upside down. “May I have it, please? I can’t wait for you to read anymore of it out loud.”

Hugh extended the folder to her, and then leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms while watching her peruse the information. The silence seemed charged while he waited for her to finish. It must have been at least five minutes before she looked up and placed the file on the