Diana Racine 02 - Goddess of the Moon

he didn’t know who.
    “Coffee?” Compton asked.
    “No, thanks. I ’ve had my two cups already .”
    “You don’t mind if I do?”
    “ O f course not.”
    Compton poured coffee into a plain white china mug, decorated with the company logo, and sat down.
    “You’re probably wondering why I’m here,” Lucier said.
    “It crossed my mind, Ernie. May I still call you Ernie, or is this an official visit?”
    “Ernie’s fine, and it’s semi-official. About your daughter.”
    Compton didn’t blink. “Which one?”
    “Maia. Two men leveled a rather bizarre accusation against her, and I can’t seem to get in touch with her to clear it up. Her office said she was out of the country.”
    “That’s right. I sent Maia to placate one of our Saudi associates. Something about construction on a complex he wasn’t happy about. She’s my best negotiator when it comes to this particular sheik. He likes her manner and blonde hair. I’m not above using her attributes to smooth things over. ” He trained a steady gaze at Lucier. “ Now, what accusation did these men make against her?”
    Lucier returned Compton’s pause with one of his own. “Can you tell me when she left the country?”
    “The day after our get-together,” Compton said, as if anticipating the question. “I’ve answered all your questions. I’d appreciate if you’d answer mine. What accusation?”
    “The two men in question said she invited them into your home yesterday to steal your paintings, and they interrupted a meeting in the lower level of your house. A rather strange meeting, they said.”
    Compton emitted a deep belly laugh before he spoke. “ Really. And this was supposed to have taken place yesterday, July Fourth, you say?”
    “That’s what they said.”
    Compton’s face lightly flushed, but he kept his composure. “Maia had already left for the Middle East, and because we had the day off, we were at the lake home of my in-laws. You’ve met my daughter, Ernie. Does she seem the type who’d invite men into our home? Into my home? Hardly a likely scenario, don’t you think? Who are these liars?”
    “ S ome locals looking to cash in. I guess they picked the wrong story to tell . To clear up this nonsense, which flight did your daughter take out of the country?”
    An involuntary twitch rippled Compton’s cheek. He didn’t like being questioned, but he covered his irritation well, burying the tic under a cold smile.
    “She flew overseas on one of Compton International’s private jets. I can give you the flight time and you can check with the airport, which is surely your next request.”
    “ I’m being thorough, Mr. Compton. This is one of those times when my job puts me in an awkward position, but that’s what I’m paid to do.” Lucier stared unblinkingly at Compton. “Your tax dollars at work. I’m sure you understand.” Yeah, taxes you find every possible way to avoid.
    He nodded agreement, but his eyes grew narrow before he glanced down and tugged at something hidden behind the desk . So that’s where the drawer is. Lucier marveled at the innovative design and concluded one advantage of being rich is having articles designed and made especially for you.
    Compton caught his interest. “Clever, isn’t it? This desk was designed by Sophia Reyes. I mentioned she’s a designer, didn’t I?”
    “Yes, I believe so.”
    “The sculpture is by a local artist. Sophia devised a drawer in back to hold a few pads of paper and writing utensils. It’s hidden by the panel of black glass fused to the desktop. A work of art in itself . ”
    “Absolutely.”
    Compton took out a card and handed it to Lucier. “My pilot’s number is on this card. You can call him and verify the flight plan. If that isn’t enough, you can check with air traffic control at the airport. They’ll confirm the plane left two days ago for the Middle East. Long before those hoodlums decided to taint my daughter’s good name.”
    Lucier read the card. “Thank you. I’m sure his confirmation will clear this up.”
    “As if my word wouldn’t?”
    The icy tone of Compton’s voice sent a sharp chill through Lucier. He didn’t say anything but met the man’s stare with one of his own.
    “Did you really think one of my daughters would devise a plan to steal my paintings?”
    “No, sir, I didn’t. But like I said, I have to check out these allegations . In fact, I asked my captain if I could come here personally. As uncomfortable as it