CHAPTER 9
AN UNEXPECTED MEETINGHouston, Texas
Barbara stared. “Where’s—”
“Never mind where he is. I was sent to greet you. And by the way, I made you a drink when I saw you pull up. Gin and tonic with a twist of lime?”
She nodded and accepted the drink, looking around as she walked through the foyer toward the kitchen. It was a grand entry, with a sweeping staircase, two-story ceiling, and alcoves adorned with statues.
She was confused but decided to see what was going on. “Gorgeous house,” Barbara said, and took a few sips of the drink. Maybe it would help calm her.
Her heels clicked loudly on the tile as she followed her host into the kitchen. A sheet covered with a plastic tarp lay across the floor ahead of her. Something didn’t seem right. “Where is—”
“Let’s say I came to negot
