“Or you didn’t want to be seen in a cop shop.”
“Look, man, whatever you’re looking for, you won’t find it. I’m here for Temperance, and that’s it.”
Rix appraises me. “Maybe. But why are you so fucking interested in Giles?”
34
Temperance
“Finally, a chance to speak to the beautiful artist herself. What an incredible opportunity.”
The voice, a semi-familiar one, sends the hairs on my arms rising. I turn to see Giles smiling at me, and I want to shoot the smug grin off his face. If this man is a human trafficker, he deserves much worse.
Then I remember—he’s seen me without a maskat the club.Maybe he won’t recognize me. It’s the only thing I can possibly hope. It might be dumb, but what other choice do I have?
I hold out a hand. “I’m Temperance Ransom.” I try to add another pleasantry, like it’s a pleasure to meet him, but I can’t make my lips form the words. Instead, I go quiet.
He takes my hand, and immediately I want to bathe in sanitizer.
“Ransom, you say? That’s a unique last name.”
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
He knows my brother.How could I forget? Because Magnolia hooked him up with Giles in the trafficking.
I swallow the lump in my throat and pretend I don’t know shit about anything. It’s the only way I’m going to make it through this without doing something stupid.
“Are you interested in a piece? Can I tell you more about my art?” I redirect the conversation to safer territory.
“I’d like to hear more about you, my dear. After all, artists are truly my favorite kind of people.”
There’s a double meaning to everything that comes out of this man’s mouth. I know it.
“I’m not that interesting. Just a girl who’s good with a hammer, saw, and welder.” I inject a bit of warning in my tone.
“Fascinating. And where did you pick up these talents? Working at Seven Sinners?”
My hackles rise. He’s been looking into me. But why?
“Excuse me?”
“That’s where you used to be employed, is it not? The distillery here in town. The one where there was a silent auction, and a friend of mine was outbid on one of your pieces. Although, at that time, I believe it was under someone else’s name. Who was that again?”
I don’t like this man and have no idea what he’s digging at, but it can’t be good.
Kane is beside me before I can scan the crowd to find him.Sweet Lord, please don’t let Giles recognize him.
“Senator Giles, it’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. Glad to see politicians can be art fans as well.”
“Of course. Actually ...” Giles pauses, and my plea goes unanswered. “I’ve seen you before, haven’t I? What was your name again?”
Kane holds out a hand. “I don’t believe we’ve ever had the pleasure of being introduced.” I have no idea how Kane acts so well, but he’s a master. “I’m Ken Sax.”
“Interesting.” Giles’s gaze travels from Kane to me and back again. “Such a striking couple. If you’re ever interested in a little morefun, I believe you do know where to find me.”
I choke on the water I’m sipping to keep myself from speaking, but Kane doesn’t react.
“Now, what can you tell me about this piece?” Giles points to the large sculpture of the couple I made similar to Harriet’s, and immediately I wish I hadn’t. “I absolutely love the carnal nature of it. Reminds me of you two. I have a wonderful place to display it where it could be admired and appreciated.”