She kept opening her thread with Lucia several times, once even started typing. But she’d already made them crazy with her “Valentina knows” message, and now…to say Montgomery was calling for an investigation?
At least she didn’t see how anyone would spot that theMadonnaat the Meridian was a fake. It was better than the Bellini, and if that had passed all their tests…
If only there were a way to figure out what exactly they were looking for.
Then it hit her—Jules!
She’d given Penelope her number during the preparations for theMadonna…exchange. Though maybe they were all together, and she’d disturb them or even arouse suspicions. So, OK, no cold call. Texting.
She wrote Jules:
If you have a minute, give me a call? Don’t mention this to Lucia or Francesca, please. It might be nothing, but I need someone tech-savvy.
By the time Jules called, Penelope had dozed off. She was one of the few people she knew who always crashed after an adrenaline spike.
She wiped her eyes and answered the phone.
“Hey, thanks for the call.”
“Sure, sure. What’s up?”
“At work, they are looking into getting an external audit because of some irregularities with a recent inventory, including your boss’s favorite.”
“Oh, you think they know something?”
“I don’t know. I was wondering if you could check? That is, if you still have access or can easily reestablish it? I know you’re busy and all.”
“Hmm, yes. I’ll look into it, but no promises.”
“Of course. I really appreciate it. And please—”
“Yes, yes. Mum is the word. Why don’t you wanna tell Lucia? Won’t she be mad when she finds out?”
“Lucia?” Penelope echoed. “Mad?”
“Hurt, then,” Jules said, deadpan.
Penelope sighed. “She’s already trying to leave, and this is… It’s my problem, and it doesn’t relate to what’s happening on your end. I don’t want to worry her.”
“But it’s kinda related; we’re involved in all that happened there at…work.”
“Yes, but it might not be, and you can actually check. All Lucia could do is worry along with me. What good would that do?”
“Good point. Just leave me out of this if it blows up in your face. I don’t need any lesbian drama in my life.”
“Hey!”
“No offense. You guys are just intense.”
“Because straight people have no drama?” She rolled her eyes.
“Point taken.”
“Thanks, Jules.”
“I’ll let you know what I find. And Blackwell?”
“Yes?”
