Read Hidden Agemda (Kate Diamond Adventure) for Free Online Page A

hanging from the very center of the room.
    Julian Crowder glided forward to meet her in a snowsuit that resembled a tuxedo. Kate almost laughed out loud. The outfit made him look like an overstuffed penguin instead of giving him the suave, sophisticated impression he was probably hoping for.
    “Ahh … Miss Hunt. So lovely to make your acquaintance.” He took Kate’s outstretched hand, which was clad in white leather edged with ermine, but instead of shaking it, he bowed over it brushing his lips against the glove.  
    “What? No hot chocolate or whiskey to greet me after that horrendous journey?” Kate snapped, jerking her hand back. Normally she was never rude, but she was undercover, assuming the identity of Chyna Hunt, the reclusive granddaughter of the even more reclusive multi-billionaire Lucien Hunt. Chyna Hunt was also an avid wildlife photographer, but known to be a diva and Kate had to play the part … although she had to admit it wasn’t too hard to be rude to Crowder.
    “But of course.” Crowder gestured to the ice sofa where one of the staff, clad in all black thermal wear, much like what Kate had on underneath her jacket, was placing a steaming cup of something. “Have a seat and Fritz will take your bags to your room.”
    And search them thoroughly , Kate thought, as she walked over to the ice sofa. The thought of them going through her bags didn’t faze her—a casual inspection would reveal nothing that would give her away.
    The sofa’s seat was covered with a furry animal hide. Kate sat down, surprised at how comfortable it was. She found herself wondering if divots melted into the couch from the body heat as people sat there.  
    Picking up the steaming mug, she sniffed. The velvety smell of chocolate spiced her nose. Her taste buds detected a bit of cinnamon and brandy.  
    “Delicious.”
    “I’m glad you like it.” Crowder slipped onto the sofa across from her. “So, what piece is your grandfather interested in?”
    Kate waved her hand in the air. “Oh, you know his tastes are varied. He’s simply instructed me to procure whatever I can at a good price.”
    “And what might a good price be for each item?” Crowder asked.
    Kate pasted a fake smile on her face and leaned toward him. “Well now, if I told you that it would spoil all the fun, wouldn’t it?”
    Crowder chuckled leaning back in his seat, his hawk-like eyes drilling into Kate’s as she sipped from her teacup without dropping eye contact.  
    “Mr. Crowder?” Crowder looked in the direction of Fritz’s voice and raised his brow a fraction of an inch at Fritz.  
    “Ms. Hunt’s room is ready.” Fritz bowed and backed away.
    Crowder stood. “Would you like to freshen up?”
    “Absolutely, I’m exhausted after the arduous trek to this godforsaken place.” Kate took one last sip of hot chocolate, placed the teacup on the table and stood.
    “This way,” Crowder said holding out his elbow, which Kate took reluctantly. “Take an hour or two to freshen up, then I will give you and some of the other guests a tour of the pieces we’ll have on auction.”
    Crowder stopped in front of a wooden door, which was set in an ice frame and checked his watch. “Say, five p.m.?”
    “That sounds fine,” Kate said. Turning to the door, she felt Crowder’s eyes drilling into the back of her neck. She turned back around. “Is something wrong?”
    “No. I was just wondering if we’d met before … you seem familiar.” Crowder stared at her with furrowed brows.
    “I don’t think so,” Kate said, the corners of her lips curling up in a mischievous smile. “I do have one of those familiar faces.”
    Crowder nodded and pushed the door open for Kate who slipped inside, shut the door and locked it noisily behind her.

    ***

    Kate collapsed against the door, a whoosh of air puffing out her cheeks. Pretending to be someone else could be a lot of fun, but it was also a lot of work, especially when one was operating on hardly any