A Winter at the White Queen by Denise Weimer

Author:Denise Weimer [Weimer, Denise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wild Heart Books
Published: 2023-12-03T16:00:00+00:00

Lewis and Giovani were loading the orange table into the hotel’s enclosed cart when the dressing room door flew open. Giovani leapt to secure the cover around the contraption while Lewis turned to face Walter Hastings.

The man tugged his silk vest. “I just wanted to thank you again, gentlemen, for a delightful show. Mrs. Hastings is happy. Ada is happy. Your thoughtfulness meant so much to her.” The meaningful smile Walter bestowed on Lewis suggested he shared his wife’s renewed matchmaking hopes. “If today’s show was any indication, we can anticipate an unforgettable performance at the ball.”

“That is my intention, sir.” Giovani bowed, almost apologetic. “Although I am still working on my piece de resistance.”

Lewis gaped at him. “You haven’t decided on your closing act?”

“Eh.” The magician made a weighing gesture. “I’ve been considering my options. But today…today I had an idea. An epiphany. One with which you, sir, could help me.” He fixed Walter with his magnetizing stare.

“I?” Walter laid his hand on his own chest.

Giovani dropped his tone to a conspiratorial whisper. “The jewelry drive for the hospital is a cause close to my heart, since I often perform at hospitals. I have heard of your wife’s stunning necklace and her selfless offer to donate it. I can only think of one thing that would inspire more giving.”

“What is that?” Walter whispered back.

“If this necklace”—Giovani snapped his fingers and Walter jumped—“disappeared.”

Walter’s eyes bulged. “At the ball?”

“Before the ball. Imagine the alarm, the indignation.” Giovani flexed a dark brow. “The righteous rush to contribute. And then, of course, it would show back up, magically, the night of the gala.” He opened his hands, smirking enigmatically.

“Ah…” Walter rubbed his chin and rocked back on his heels, staring at Giovani.

Lewis restrained a laugh. This was why his friend made such a great showman—not just his sleight of hand, but the mesmerizing power of his personality. He could get anyone to believe anything. A little nudge from Lewis wouldn’t hurt either. “I must say, the necklace would make a stunning centerpiece for the show.”

Walter barked a little laugh as he backed toward the exit. “My wife would have my head on a platter if I just gave the necklace to you. Too bad you can’t do real magic and get inside that safe.” The challenge in his tone and the glance he cast toward the black-and-gold box in the corner was unmistakable.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.