“I don’t know how it could be.”
She leaned back in her chair, the leather crunching with her weight. There was an obstinance about the woman and a sudden unwillingness to help, if she even could.
“I do wish there was something I could offer you about your missing sisters. If that’s all, I have other pressing matters to attend.”
Brianna didn’t like the dismissive tone of the director. Even so, she got to her feet. She’d gotten nowhere with the standoffish woman.
“Thanks for your time.”
Brianna left the woman’s office and wandered out in the main gallery of the museum. She was impressed by the soaring white pillars and the glass roof that bathed the space in warm sunlight. She stood off to the side of the atrium and tried to imagine whatthe night of the gala was like. Why would men invade the museum and steal nothing? Why would one of the men chase Evie up the stairs?
In her pocket, the stone continued to hum and vibrate.
Ignoring it, Brianna decided to retrace Evie’s steps the night of the gala. There was a staircase within sight that led to the next level. As she started across the atrium, she sensed someone heading toward her.
The man with steely blue eyes walked toward her with a purposeful stride. The moment their eyes locked, she recognized him as the man she had run into on the sidewalk. He granted her a knee-melting smile as he approached.
An eerie sensation went through her. Had he followed her?
“Hello, again,” he said, his voice deep and thick.
Brianna stared at him, suspicion skipping through her. “Are you following me?”
He chuckled. “Not at all, but I’m glad to see you. Are you quite all right, miss?”
Her eyes narrowed. “I told you I was fine. I meant it.”
Without waiting for a reply, she started for the staircase again. Much to her dismay, he fell in step beside her.
“Glad to hear it, lass.”
Brianna halted, huffing out a breath, and turning toward him. “Look, I don’t mean to be rude, but what do you want?”
He looked abashed. “I wanted to make sure ye were all right. That’s all. And it appears I’ve been rude.” He stuck out his hand then. “John MacDonald.”
She hesitated a moment before shaking his hand. “Brianna.”
“Pleasure to meet ye, Brianna. Where ye headed?”
“Why do you care?”
He laughed. “Dinnae fash yereself, lass. I mean no harm. It’s clear ye’re visiting my country and I thought I could show ye around a wee bit.”
“The museum?” she asked, lifting a brow.
“If ye like. Do ye fancy a tea? The rooftop terrace has a lovely view.”
It was against her better judgment, but she nodded. “Tea sounds nice.”
They headed to the elevator where they took it to the top floor. All the while, the cursed stone in her pocket continued to hum and buzz. She tried to ignore it, but it was getting more difficult as the humming and buzzing grew louder.
The balcony café had several tables that allowed patrons to sit and view the atrium. Brianna wasn’t sure why she allowed John MacDonald to buy her tea but she was weary from her travels and worried about her sisters.
“The terrace is one more level up. I’ll meet ye there with the tea.” He motioned to the elevator.
Nodding, she said, “All right.”
Minutes later, she stepped onto the terrace off the elevator. John was right. The view was breathtaking. It had a lovely panoramic view of the city, including Edinburgh Castle in the distance.
