Chapter 334

“No, Daisy, you need to stay in the apartment with the doors locked,” Victor insisted.

“I’m not waiting here and letting you face that mob alone,” I said. “I’ll help you talk to them. Together, we may be able to calm them.”

Victor put his hands on his hips and shook his head.

“I mean it.” I wasn’t letting him go down there alone. “I’m going with you.”

Victor tossed his hands in the air. “Stay beside me. Don’t wander away.”

We went downstairs and out onto the sidewalk together. But the police had arrived, and the crowd was broken up and leaving.

“Thank you,” Victor told the sergeant in charge of the group of police officers. “Your quick response is appreciated.”

“Thank you, Mr. Klein,” the sergeant replied and smiled at me. “Thanks to you and Miss Wilson, my children have a chance to get a good education.”

“We’re glad to hear that,” I said. “It’s past time for everyone to be judged on their merits and not by what class they were born into.”

Victor suddenly pushed me behind him as an angry woman ran up to me. Her expensive clothes and her attitude told me she was an Alpha.

“How dare you give my children’s spot at a good university to some Beta or Omega’s kids!” she screamed. “I won’t let you get away with it. Alphas won’t be pushed aside for your lower-class friends.”

I moved around Victor to face her. “That is not what’s happening. The best applicants should be admitted to universities. Whether they are Alphas, Betas, or Omegas shouldn’t matter.”

“I’ll teach you to meddle in the way things have always been done,” she screeched. She raised her hand and swung it at my face.

My arm shot up, blocking her hand from striking me. “You should teach your children to study harder to get better grades. Then they will deserve their spot at a university.”

The woman reached out to pull my hair, but I knocked her hand away. Before she could attack me again, the sergeant pulled her away and snapped his handcuffs on her wrists.

“Do you want her arrested for assault, Miss Wilson?” the sergeant asked.

“No,” I replied. “But please make sure she leaves the area.”

Tears stung my eyes as Victor put an arm around my shoulders and walked me back to the apartment.

I should have anticipated Alphas reacting like that woman. Yet, it hurt to have my good intentions misconstrued by anyone.

We went to the living room and sat down on the couch.

“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Victor asked.

I nodded and wiped my eyes. “Even when it was thought I was a Beta, I never saw such hatred in someone’s eyes directed at me.”

“She’s angry at the new laws,” Victor said. “Don’t take it personally. This will blow over, and Alphas will get used to the changes.”

“I hope so,” I said as my cell buzzed.

It was a text message from Alex. He and Cassidy were about to leave on their cruise. Was I coming to say goodbye?

I promised to be there in twenty minutes and told Victor we had to hurry to the mansion. I had forgotten they were leaving.

“Sure, let’s go,” Victor agreed. “We should spend the next week or so there until things blow over.”

We packed a few things and hurried down to the garage.

“We’ll take my pickup,” Victor said. “It will hold our suitcases easier.”

“And people won’t recognize us as easily,” I mumbled. But it was a good idea. We would lay low for a little while.

Alex was glad to see us, and he must not have seen the news because he didn't mention the riots.

He hugged me tightly, “I’ll miss you, dear.”

“Have a good time,” I said. “Victor and I will stay here and watch the estate while you’re away.”

“Wonderful,” Alex said. “Benson isn’t happy when he has nobody to pamper and fuss over.”

I laughed. “Benson, if you don’t want to go on your own vacation, you’re welcome to pamper and fuss over Victor and me.”

Benson smiled warmly. His job and my family were his life. “With pleasure, Miss,” he said and turned to Alex. “Mr. Wilson, the ship will leave without you if you don’t get going.”

After more hugs, Alex and Cassidy departed in the limousine that was taking them to the shore to meet the cruise ship.

I was elated that Alex was having the opportunity to travel. It was a dream of his when he thought he was going to die.

After they left, I got the idea to have Findlay and Tony over for dinner that evening.

“Benson, do you think the cook has time to prepare a meal for us and two guests?” I asked.

“Of course, Miss Wilson,” he replied. “I’ll notify her immediately that we are having guests for dinner.”

Benson headed for the kitchen while I called Findlay and Tony.

The couple were free that evening, and they were delighted to accept the invitation.

They arrived in time for cocktails and conversation in the drawing room before dinner.

“This place is fabulous,” Tony gushed. The petite blond man’s eyes were spinning as they tried to take in every detail of the room. “I adore old mansions. Look at the crown molding and the decorative plasterwork on the ceilings.”

“That is true craftsmanship,” Findlay agreed.

“Would you like a tour of the house?” I asked. “Alex wouldn’t mind.”

Tony clapped his hands gleefully. “I’d love it.”

I grinned and got to my feet. “Come on, and I’ll show it to you.”

We stopped at every room on our way up the long hallway to the heavy double doors that opened into the ballroom.

Tony giggled happily when I turned on the ballroom lights and motioned him inside the vast room.

“It’s spectacular!” he declared and ran across the room to the fireplace. “The marble mantle is exquisite!”

It was fun to show the mansion to someone who appreciated it, like Tony. He was still discussing the wainscoting when we returned to Findlay and Victor.

“Daisy, Findlay needs a favor,” Victor said as he handed me a glass of Chardonnay.

“I’d be glad to do whatever I can,” I said. “We owe you for your help in uncovering the faction.”

“It’s really a favor for Tony and his mother,” Findlay explained. “You see, Tony’s mother cleans artifacts for The Association.”

“She’s a wonderful woman who gave me my love of history and antiquities.” Tony shook his head and seemed close to tears. “But now her reputation will be ruined.”

“Why?” I asked.

“She has a workshop in her house with all the equipment and chemicals she needs to clean and preserve artifacts properly,” Findlay said. “On Monday, she was cleaning a priceless artifact from the third century when it vanished.”

I put my wine glass on the coffee table. “Did someone break in and steal it?”

“No, it disappeared from her workshop when she went to the bathroom,” Findlay replied.

“It was stolen from her home while she was there?” I asked, trying to fully understand.

“Yes,” Findlay confirmed. “Her house was securely locked with deadbolts like it always is whenever she opens her workshop safe.”

“But now, everyone will think she sold the artifact or she was careless while it was in her possession,” Tony said. “My poor mother loves working with artifacts. Now her career is over.”

“That’s terrible. I’m so sorry for her,” I said. “How can I help?”

“You’re a great investigator,” Tony replied. “Could you find out what happened to the artifact to prove my mother didn’t steal it and wasn’t careless with it either?”

“I’d be glad to look into it for you,” I said. “I’ll go to her house and talk to her tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Daisy,” Tony said. “I know you’ll find out what happened. Mom will be pleased to meet you and to have your help.”

Having another mystery to solve made me smile. And it sounded like Tony’s mother needed my help.

Dinner was delicious. Findlay and Tony stayed for an hour after the meal was over. They were a lovely couple.

After they left, Victor and I went to my old bedroom. We were worn out after the day's events and fell asleep in each other’s arms.

I woke up the next morning feeling relaxed and happy. After getting ready for the day, I went looking for my fiancé.

He was in the morning room with Benson.

I thought it odd that Victor quickly tucked the morning newspaper under his leg and reached for his coffee.

I sat across from him and sipped the coffee Benson handed me.

“Can I read the paper if you’re finished with it?” I asked Victor.

He exchanged a glance with Benson before answering.

“We need to talk first, sweetheart.”