“Actually, it’s not,” she murmured. “It’s five…pretty early, huh?” It was, and she was exhausted.
“Joe, there’s another room upstairs that they keep for the Historical Society workers—it doesn’t open to the public. It’s all made up. Why don’t you try to grab a few hours’ sleep? I’ll do the same.”
He arched a brow. “You’re sure?”
“Yes.” She smiled. “I promise I won’t run out on you.”
He hesitated. “All right. I guess it’s going to be a long day tomorrow. Today. Whatever.”
He followed her up to the second level, where she pointed out the door to the extra bedroom. He nodded, a smile on his lips. “Good night. And lock your door.”
“But you’re here now.”
“Precisely,” he teased. Then, “Seriously, lock your bedroom door whenever you go to sleep, okay? Please.”
“All right,” she agreed. “Good night.”
“Good night.”
They went into their separate rooms. Leslie didn’t think she would be able to sleep. Then she prayed that she would.
She did.
Sadly, she didn’t dream. And she only woke up a few hours later because the morning light was streaming in on her face and there was activity below.
She flew out of bed. Wrapped in her robe, barefoot, she walked out to the landing. Melissa was there, along with Professor Laymon, Brad and several grad students walking in carrying wooden crates.
“Hey there, sleepyhead,” Brad called up at her cheerfully.
“I’ll be right down.”
“Good morning,” Melissa said. She winked, then hurried halfway up the stairs as the others returned to the task of taking equipment toward the back of the house. “He’s gone,” she whispered.
“What?”
Melissa winked again. “Don’t worry—your secret is safe with me. I looked for his car, and he’s gone.”
“Oh…you mean Joe?”
“Of course.”
“Melissa, he was in the extra bedroom.”
“Sure. But it’s okay. My lips are sealed, I swear.” She mimed zipping her lips.
Leslie rolled her eyes, then headed back to her room to shower and dress.
By the time she headed downstairs, she was greeted by an astounding surprise. For a moment she couldn’t imagine who the tall white-haired man and slim blond woman talking to Professor Laymon might be. Then, while she was still halfway up the stairs, she recognized them. “Adam! Nikki!” she cried with pleasure.
Nikki turned, her delicate features forming an instant smile. Adam had his calm, fatherly look in place.
She didn’t know who to hug first. “I can’t believe you’re here. Why are you here?” she demanded, hugging them each twice for good measure.
“I guess you three really are old friends,” Professor Laymon said dryly. “I’ve been telling them about the remains in the basement,” he went on, then looked pointedly at his watch. “You are working today, aren’t you?”
“Of course,” she assured him. “You’re not just dropping by and leaving, are you?” she asked, looking from Adam to Nikki. “And where’s Brent?” she asked Nikki.
“He couldn’t come. He’s out in Los Angeles at the moment. Adam told me he was coming up here, so I decided to join him,” Nikki said. “I’m meeting Brent out west, but I have tonight.”
“I’m leaving in the morning for London, but I’m here tonight, too,” Adam assured her.
“Great.”
“You didn’t call, so I assume things are going well,” Nikki said.
“Going well? She’s incredible,” Laymon said. “She found a crypt that could have taken us forever to uncover. I’ve been champing at the bit to explore it, quite honestly. A ceiling came down almost immediately, but the workmen have shored everything up now. But, leave it to Leslie, she’s gone and found more bones here.”
“Every discovery is an important one,” Nikki said.
“Well, in this case, I’m trying very hard to see that the lady is given a proper Episcopalian burial,” Leslie said.
“Have you done anything in that direction yet?” Adam asked.
“No, but I’m sure we won’t have any problems.”
“I have an old friend in the church,” Adam said. “I can cut through some of the red tape for you, since I take it you don’t want her sent out of the city?”
Leslie smiled at Adam. The man was a veritable miracle worker.
“Hey, maybe we could move this along some,” Brad said, walking over to join the conversation.
As the introductions were made, Brad kept looking at the two newcomers strangely. “I’ve met you before,” he told Adam. “You were at the hospital last year, when Leslie…”
“Yes, I was. Good to actually meet you,” Adam said, shaking Brad’s hand.
“Why don’t you guys take a tour of this place this morning, then grab some lunch, and I’ll be back by late afternoon,” Leslie suggested to Adam and Nikki.
“I love tours,” Nikki said.
“She gives ghost tours in New Orleans,” Leslie explained.
“I thought she worked for Mr. Harrison,” Brad said.