Reminding herself that he had his own secrets didn’t help. It made her wish that they could, well, be more honest with one another. If she revealed her true activities, however, would he try to stop her? Change her? Swallowing, she couldn’t imagine that he would approve of her present undertaking.
“It is not easy to speak from the heart, is it?” Mrs. Swann’s smile held potent understanding. “But that is why you’ve come to me: to uncover the secrets of your desires. And that can only be discovered if you’re willing to delve past your fears.”
Concentrate on the assignment Charlie trusted you with. Don’t let Lillian down.
Fi squared her shoulders. “I am here for a friend. Her name is Lillian O’Malley. I believe she is a client of yours.”
Was that a flicker of recognition in Mrs. Swann’s gaze?
“Even if this Lillian O’Malley were a client, I would not discuss her.” The proprietress’s expression was cool. “I make it a rule not to meddle in the affairs of others. For any price.”
Fi heard the steel in Mrs. Swann’s voice. In truth, she admired the other’s strict code. It spoke of honor…which she could leverage to her advantage.
Thinking quickly, Fi asked, “Is everything I say during this meeting under strict confidence?”
Mrs. Swann waved a slender hand. “As I’ve said, you may speak freely.”
“I am part of a society that specializes in helping women in trouble. We were hired by Mrs. O’Malley to find her daughter Lillian, who has gone missing. Our investigation thus far points to Lillian falling under the influence of a man who has been controlling and abusing her. One who, around six months ago, made a large purchase at your shop.”
Mrs. Swann wasn’t the only one good at reading people. Fi noted the businesswoman’s dilated eyes, the rapid surges of the cameo brooch pinned upon her breast. Her hand flitted to her neck, a movement that seemed unconscious. Protective, perhaps.
I’ve struck a nerve. She knows something.
“I need your help, Mrs. Swann,” Fi pressed on. “Lillian’s well-being depends upon it.”
The proprietress’s eyes had a cynical glint. “Why should I believe what you say? Your story is outlandish. Who has heard of a female investigator? And clearly a well-bred one at that.”
“What I’ve told you is true. Every word of it.”
“Is it,Mrs. Smith?” Mrs. Swann arched her brows. “How can I trust you when I do not even know who you are or anything about you?”
Taking a breath, Fi went with her instincts. “If I tell you what you wish to know, will you return the favor?”
“An exchange. Now thatisintriguing.” Propping her elbow on the arm of her chair, Mrs. Swann rested her chin in her hand, her gaze penetrating. “If you answer my questions truthfully—and trust me, I will know if you are lying—then I may help you find what you seek. If you lie to me, our interview ends, and you will not be welcomed back. Agreed?”
Fi’s heart thumped like a rabbit’s foot. “Agreed.”
The assistant’s voice filtered through the door. “I am sorry to interrupt. Your next appointment has arrived early, Mrs. Swann.”
“I shall be right back.” The proprietress rose in that mysteriously silent way of hers. “Take the time to prepare yourself.”
For what?Fi’s chest knotted.Dash it all, what have I gotten myself into?
The clock on the mantel claimed Mrs. Swann was gone for mere minutes. To Fi, who’d been marinating in anxiety, contemplating the things she most feared exposing, it felt like hours. Her palms were clammy as the other took the opposite seat again.
“We’ll start with the basics,” Mrs. Swann said. “What is your name?”
In for a penny.
“Fiona Morgan.”
The proprietress’s gaze hooded. “Are you married?”
“Recently,” Fi said cautiously.
“Do you enjoy relations with your husband?”
The swift detour into intimate territory caused Fi’s cheeks to flame.
