âWeâve found nothing missing.â
âInteresting.â Croweâs tone indicated that he wasnât overly concerned that none of their possessions had been stolen. âThieves that break in, then donât steal.â
Michael leaned back in his chair. âI appreciate your thoughtfulness in coming here to warn us.â
Crowe hesitated, then nodded. âI considered it my civic duty.â
A lazy smile played across Michaelâs lips and Molly couldnât help watching her husband more than Crowe. Michael was a better showman.
âPlease excuse me if I appear rude, but Iâve never known you to be so civic-minded in the past.â
If Crowe took offense, he didnât let on. âWeâre practically neighbors.â He swiveled his gaze to Molly. âI did come for another reason, as well, Mrs. Graham. This one concerns you. And the documentary efforts.â
âReally? In what regard?â
âGiven that poor womanâs death, I thought it was possible some of the people who had funded the documentary might try to pull out.â
Molly kept her face relaxed. As a matter of fact, she had received two calls so far stating exactly that.
âThere has been some anxiety, but I expect it will blow over.â
Crowe smiled. âI hope that it does. I understand this project is near and dear to your heart.â
Molly decided not to play the manâs game. Crowe was more transparent than he believed. âIâm not worried about the documentary, Mr. Crowe. The funding is all in place, and Iâm sure that once the initial shock subsides, the investors will see reason and believe in this project again.â
âOf course they will, Mrs. Graham.â Crowe shrugged and gave her another smile, wider this time. âIn the eventthat some of them decide this situation presents more risks than they can deal with, Iâd like to offer my support.â
âI appreciate that.â Molly returned his smile. She noticed Michael watching her. Her husbandâs eyes were bright with amusement.
Crowe hesitated for a moment. âI didnât just mean moral support. Though you have that, as well. I was referring to financing your project.â
âReally?â Molly was determined not to let Crowe wriggle off the hook so easily. âAs I recall, you werenât overly receptive when I sent you a prospectus.â
âIâve had a change of heart.â To the manâs credit, he spoke with a straight face and no detectable insincerity.
âAll right then. If I need further funding, Iâll let you know.â
âExcellent.â Crowe stood and took a fresh grip on his cane. âMrs. Graham, thank you for your hospitality. Iâll see myself out.â
Irwin appeared almost magically in the doorway with Croweâs coat and hat.
Crowe took his things from Irwin, then said his goodbyes and followed the caretaker to the door.
Â
âH AVE I EVER MENTIONED how creepy that man is?â Michael stood at the window overlooking the parking area in front of the main house.
Outside, the burly driver opened the back door of the luxury sedan and allowed Crowe to crawl in. The wind caught the chauffeurâs jacket for just a moment, lifting it enough to flash the revolver snugged in a holster on his belt.
âYou have.â Molly walked to Michaelâs side. âOn several occasions. On that, we agree.â
Michael glanced at her as the luxury sedan rolledsedately toward the front gates. âSo what do you think that was all about?â
âThat was a fishing expedition. He was trying to ascertain how much of an impression last night made on us.â
âMy thoughts exactly.â
Molly turned away. âIâve got to get started. Iâve done everything here that I can do. Time to get out and make the rounds. See that everyone is settled. Simon hopes to do some of the primary filming in the next