Collection by T.K. Lasser

to discuss Lucien's whereabouts, and he didn't want to field more questions about when he'd be home, and if he was okay, and whether they should go out to find him. Dani had come to see him again that afternoon after remembering the GPS locator on Lucien's cell phone. She was excited to play her part in the search, but her delight was quickly crushed when Cicero fished Lucien's cell phone out of his own pocket and dangled it in front of her.
    â€œHe gave it to me last night. He didn't want to be disturbed at the museum, and we had an important call coming in to negotiate anacquisition. Since we sound the same on the phone, he figured I could handle it. I guess you could say he trusted me.”
    The pointed remark was not lost on Dani, and she had left him to his work without bringing it up again. Cicero still had the phone in his pocket and wondered for a fleeting moment if he had done the right thing with an unexpected call he had received that morning. If anyone knew the catastrophic consequences that could result from uncalculated choices, it was him. His concentration was interrupted by Laurel.
    She walked briskly into the kitchen and straight for him. Cicero immediately knew he was in for a tongue-lashing from the Atlanta vault head caretaker. She was all of seventy years old, and still moved with alarming vivacity. That vivacity was immediately directed at him.
    â€œCome out of hiding at last? The world rejoices. Where is Lucien?”
    â€œStraightforward as usual, Laurel. How are you? You look amazing, as ever.” Laurel had always fascinated and disturbed Cicero. She was without filter of any kind. While many of the other ladies could barely summon the courage to contradict either him or Lucien directly, Laurel had treated them as if they were equals from the moment she first met them. She didn't fantasize about their lives. They were regular people to her.
    In the past, and even now, the women would occasionally perpetuate an image of Lucien and Cicero as almost godlike. It bothered Cicero, but it also helped to keep people at a comfortable distance. It also had the benefit of ensuring an unquestioning following. Except for Laurel. She was not a yes-man. She was willing to fight them tooth and nail if they wanted to do something she didn't agree with.
    He knew he was being foolish, but part of Cicero wanted Laurel to be just like everybody else in the house. He didn't question her dedication, but he was used to seeing it expressed in a predictable manner. Lucien had accused him of being condescending. To question Laurel's motivation was to denigrate her character, or something like that. Despite Lucien's protests, Cicero still believed a little hero-worship went a long way toward ensuring absolute loyalty.
    At that moment, Laurel looked like she never worshipped any heroes. Her midnight black hair was pulled back severely, andalthough it was late her makeup was perfect. She wore a serious black Chanel suit that let the observer know she would not be trifled with, nor should one try. Even at the end of the day, Laurel looked as if she was ready to wrestle a tiger.
    â€œNone of your crap, Cicero! He's overdue and you know something, don't tell me you don't. I'm sure you think he's fine, but we have a way of doing things in this house that you may not be used to. We are held accountable and we are responsible. I need to know if he's coming back soon; we have a full week ahead. If you'll be handling the details, I need to make sure you're up to speed so you don't screw up anything.”
    â€œI don't know when he'll be back, Laurel, but I can assure you I'm up to speed on everything. I've just spent the whole day familiarizing myself with open acquisitions. I am moving at maximum speed. If he's not here, I can fill in for him.” Cicero opened the takeout box of sesame chicken and proceeded to inhale the contents.
    Laurel raised her eyebrow in obvious suspicion.
    â€œYou'll be able to take the New York