Free Luxury Model Wife by Adele Downs

cash flow and the building requires extensive maintenance. The auction proceeds should take care of those things for a little while.”
    Steve’s all-business tone returned. “We can work out a flat fee for my commission and I’ll split the expenses with you. How’s that? Since this will be a charity event, I’d rather not have my profits tied to the sale. I have a vested interest in this community, too.”
    He shrugged. “Let’s face it—you and I both know that hiring Carlson’s for this venture was a gift. I’m the one who should be grateful for whatever business you throw my way. I have no intention of making demands on you or your money.”
    Victoria released a sigh that unwound the anxiety in her chest. “Then you’ll help me?”
    “Of course.” He dropped the pen he’d been holding. “Most of your consignment is stored in my warehouse. That will make taking inventory and writing a catalogue for your auction easier. Let’s ask Beverly to meet with us and sketch out our plans for the event. Beverly loves special projects.”
    *****
    Steve arranged display racks near the front of the store to showcase a selection of vintage and antique clothing to their best advantage.
    Pirate sat in his cage, picking an imaginary bug from his feathers before squawking, “You’re pretty,” and returning to his task. Two middle-aged women browsing through an assortment of forties and fifties salt and peppershakers glanced up at the bird and smiled.
    Bruce Mitchell, owner of Pinnacle Antiques Auctions, entered the emporium surreptitiously, despite the fact that he and Steve often did business together. Trading among antiques dealers was common practice, and a courtesy discount was always offered on direct sales.
    Steve watched Mitchell from the corner of his eye as Steve moved to the cash register to ring up sets of salts and peppers for his customers. The pair of women took their wrapped collectibles and said good-bye to Steve and Pirate. Whey they’d gone, Steve approached Bruce to say hello.
    Bruce nodded while he admired the quality of the extremely rare Roaring Twenties wedding gown featured on a mannequin beside the clothing display. “You do find such nice things,” he said with a touch of envy. He laid his palm on Steve’s forearm and let it linger. “I wish we were partners instead of competitors.”
    Steve lowered his arm. “Careful, Bruce. Carlos might not understand.”
    Bruce’s eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t tell him I said that.”
    Steve stared him down. “I told you no the first three times you propositioned me. This is the last time I’ll be polite.”
    Bruce stepped away, seemingly unfazed by the exchange. He craned his neck to look around the store. “You have a lot of new merchandise.” He walked closer to inspect a mahogany dresser and ran his fingertips over the intricate carving. He strolled around the floor meditatively, eyeing a hand-painted Nippon bowl and a service of fine Irish crystal. When his fingers traced the worn, soft leather of an antique armchair, his eyelids fluttered and his nostrils flared, like a cat tracking a suspicious scent.
    “Some of these pieces look familiar. I’m trying to place them.” He paused, and then continued his stroll around the shop. His eyes rested on the enormous glass display case to his right and the doll collection featuring the rare Rohmer French fashion poupée with her trunk and wardrobe inside.
    Bruce’s face drained of color. “I’d heard rumors you’d taken this consignment, but I refused to believe they were true.”
    Steve figured the “rumor” came straight from Jimmy Van Orr’s mouth.
    Steve heard the studio door open and watched Victoria walk briskly toward the front of the store. Deep in her own thoughts, she failed to see Bruce Mitchell hovering nearby, his hands clenched into fists. Steve tried to wave a warning, but she didn’t look up.
    “I have an idea about the auction,” she said into the room. Her voice was