Chapter 83
Finally, Arthur responds, his voice slightly clipped. “Regardless, I know you have your own things going on right now and can’t monitor Miles every second of every day. I was thinking of hiring a nanny as well.”
I swallow hard. “A nanny…” The thought is intriguing, but know it won’t be easy to find one that Miles connects with. It’s a process that could take weeks, weeks that we might not have. Once I get a lawyer, I’ll be out of here.
Just then, I hear another voice in the background, and Arthur sighs. “Iris, I’ve got to go.”
Before I can answer, he hangs up.
I suppress a sigh as I set down my phone. But hardly a moment passes before my phone buzzes again with an incoming text. This time it’s from Alice, who’s contacting me to let me know that all of my paintings sold last night despite my swift departure and that I can pick up my money whenever.
My heart surges with hope and excitement, and I quickly contact Cliff, who agrees to stay in the apartment with Miles during his lunch break while I run out. I thank him profusely, making Miles pinky–promise not to run off again, and hurry to the gallery.
When I arrive at the gallery, I find Alice in the main exhibition area. She’s waiting for me with a warm smile on her face.
“Iris,” she says, giving me a hug as I approach. “Your work looked fantastic last night. It’s no wonder it all sold.” She tilts her head. “But it’s a shame you had to rush out so soon. Is everything alright?”
I sigh, not sure how much to divulge. Finally, I settle on saying, “Everything is okay now. And Alice, I really can’t thank you enough for this opportunity. If there’s anything else I can do for you, anything at all, please let me know.”
Alice stares at me for a moment as if trying to read between the lines, but nods. “Actually, Marsiel Gallery is going to be partnering up with one of the other smaller galleries in town, Abbott Gallery, for a lecture series soon. If you’re interested in participating, I can send you the details.”
“That sounds great,” I reply with a smile. “I’d love to.”
The curator grins and gives me my checks. Swallowing my pride, I immediately use my bank app to deposit the checks into my account right in front of her.
Thankfully, Alice doesn’t judge me for needing the money so quickly. It’s part of what I like so much about her, and the thought of another project with her fills me with excitement. Assuming I’ll still be here and not in Bo’Arrocan, anyway. But I try not to think about that right now.
Saying goodbye, I quickly leave after that with the intention of heading straight for the Brooks & Lee firm downtown. But as I’m leaving the gallery, my foot kicks something, and I look down to see an all–too–familiar mask and pair of glasses laying on the front steps.
Arthur’s disguise from last night.
So it came off during the event after all.
I quickly pick up the disguise, slipping it into my purse. I hope no one saw our true identities last night during our mad dash out of the gallery. If they did, then it might just cause more trouble for us.
But since I haven’t heard anything so far, I doubt anyone recognized us.
After that, I quickly make my way to the law firm. To my surprise, the receptionist tells me that one of the lawyers can see me right away.
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Chapter 83
“Please take a seat,” she says, gesturing to a nearby chair. Mr. Brooks will be right with you.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 84
Chapter 84
