Ghosts of the Past (40 page)

“This is yours, I believe.” Ferguson unzipped the case to reveal the Gauguin Polynesian that remained hidden and undiscovered in their suite in Wildhaus. “And I left the other three where you had them sent… with Rolf Batemann at his store. He said to call him with an address and he’ll forward them to you right away.”

“Those were supposed to be yours. I thought it would be compensation for everything that went wrong.”

“Thank you, but they’re better off with someone who can appreciate them more than I. Maybe you can let me visit them from time to time.”

The bellhop cleared his throat and interrupted again. “I’m sorry Mr. Ferguson, but what would you like me to do with the rest of your bags?”

Courtney spoke up quickly. “Please put them in my room.” She looked at Ferguson, “if that’s okay with you?”

The bellhop flashed a sheepish grin.

“I was hoping you’d say that,” Ferguson cracked a smile and offered up a twenty-dollar tip.

“Thank you very much,” said the bellhop. “If there’s anything else I can…” he didn’t bother to finish. They were both preoccupied; Courtney Lewis had leaned forward and planted a large kiss on Matt Ferguson’s lips.

Her whisper into his ear was just audible to the bellhop as he turned and walked away.

“They have a whirlpool tub in our room.”