The very next moment, the wariness has disappeared out of his eyes and he’s back to empty politeness. I could almost think I imagined that other expression.
“A necklace?” He takes a sip of coffee and types something at his keyboard. “Do you mean something of Sadie’s?”
The back of my neck is prickling all over. What’s going on? I saw the recognition in his eyes, I know I did. Why is he pretending he doesn’t know about it?
“Yes, it’s an old piece I’m trying to track down.” Some instinct tells me to act cool and unconcerned. “The nurses at the home said it had disappeared, so…” I watch Uncle Bill sharply for a reaction, but his bland mask is perfectly in place.
“Interesting. Why do you want it?” he asks lightly.
“Oh, no particular reason. I just saw a photo of Sadie wearing it at her hundred and fifth birthday and I thought it would be nice to find it.”
“Fascinating.” He pauses. “Can I see the photo?”
“I haven’t got it on me, I’m afraid.”
This conversation is so weird. It feels like a game of tennis, where we’re both lobbing balls very gently into the air and resisting the urge to wallop a winner.
“Well, I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Uncle Bill puts his mug down with an air of finality. “I’m pressed for time, so we’ll have to leave it there.”
He pushes back his chair but I don’t move. He knows something about it. I’m sure he does. But what do I do? What options do I have?
“Lara?” He’s standing by my chair, waiting. Reluctantly I get to my feet. As we approach the door, it opens as though by magic. We’re greeted by Sarah, with Damian hovering behind, his BlackBerry out.
“All done?” he says.
“All done.” Uncle Bill nods firmly. “Give my best to your dad, won’t you, Lara? Good-bye.”
Sarah puts a hand to my elbow and starts gently edging me out of the room. My chance is ebbing away. In desperation, I grip onto the door frame.
“It’s a shame about the necklace, don’t you think?” I look directly at Uncle Bill, trying to provoke a response. “What do you think happened to it?”
“Lara, I’d forget about the necklace,” says Uncle Bill smoothly. “It was probably lost a long time ago. Damian, come in.”
Damian hurries past me, and the two men head to the other side of the room. The door is already closing. I stare after Uncle Bill, almost exploding with frustration.
What’s going on? What is it with this necklace?
I need to speak to Sadie, right now. This minute. I swivel my head back and forth, but there’s no sign of her. Typical. She’s probably found some hunky gardener to lust after.
“Lara,” says Sarah with a tense smile. “Could you please remove your fingers from the door frame? We can’t close the door.”
“All right!” I say, lifting up my hands. “Don’t panic! I’m not going to stage a sit-in protest!”
Sarah’s eyes jump in fear at the word protest , which she immediately covers with a fake little laugh. She should really give up working for Uncle Bill. She’s way too nervous.
“Your car is waiting for you at the front. I’ll take you there now.”
Damn. If she escorts me out, there’s no way I can sidle off or poke around any drawers or anything.
“A coffee for the ride?” asks Sarah as we pass through the lobby.
I quell an urge to say, “Yes, please, a Starbucks.”
“No, thanks.” I smile.
“Well, it’s been so great to see you, Lara!” Her fake gushiness makes me wince. “Come back soon!”
Yeah, right. By which you mean “please never set foot in this place again, ever.”
The limo driver opens the door, and I’m about to step in when Sadie appears right in front of me, blocking the way. Her hair is a little disheveled and she’s breathing hard.
“I’ve found it!” she says dramatically.
“What?” I stop, foot halfway into the car.
“It’s in the house! I saw it in a bedroom upstairs, on a dressing table! It’s here! My necklace is here!”
I stare at her, gripped. I knew it, I knew it!
“You’re absolutely sure it’s yours?”
“Of course I’m sure!” Her voice rises shrilly and she starts gesturing at the house. “I could have picked it up! I tried to pick it up! Of course, I couldn’t…” She clicks her tongue in frustration.
“Lara, is there a problem?” Sarah is hurrying down the stairs again. “Is there something wrong with the car? Neville, is everything OK?” she snaps at the driver.
