Chapter 184
Chapter 184:
The appraiser then approached Rylie and handed her a card. “Take this. Your insight and knowledge are remarkable. Did you study this in school? We could really use someone like you at the museum p>
Rylie took the card with a smile. “It’s just a personal interest. My background’s actually in medicine p>
The old man blinked, clearly surprised. “Your generation keeps raising the bar p>
Johnny carefully stored the jewelry in a protective box and turned toward her. “I’m heading that way myself. Let me give you a ride p>
Hulda walked her to the door, her grip on Rylie’s hand warm and sincere. “Come by whenever you’d like. If there’s anywhere you’d like to visit, just let Johnny know. Our ships can take you anywhere p>
Touched by the gesture, Rylie looked at her and smiled. “Thank you, Mrs. Reid p>
Hulda let go of her hand, glanced at Johnny, and watched them go with a quiet smile. Johnny placed the box securely in the rear seat and started the car. They followed closely behind the museum vehicle as it rolled onto the highway. He glanced to the side, where the sea met the road. The moon had begun to rise, its light dancing on the waves and painting the ocean with a silver glow.
He turned to Rylie in the passenger seat, then reached forward and tapped a button. The roof folded back. Cool wind rushed in and swept through her hair, making her blink against it.
“Is there anything you’re not good at?” he asked suddenly.
Rylie turned her gaze to the sea. “What p>
Johnny gave a small laugh. “Medicine. Music. Appraisal. Is there anything you can’t master p>
Rylie gave a playful smile. “I just taught myself these things on the side. They’re nothing more than hobbies. I know a little about each, but not enough to call myself an expert p>
Johnny laughed under his breath, his fingers tapping lightly against the wheel. “Hobbies? Those ‘pastimes’ put seasoned professionals to shame p>
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The breeze caught Rylie’s hair. She tucked it behind her ear and glanced at him. “Was that your way of paying me a compliment p>
“I was just being honest.” Johnny’s eyes narrowed as he looked into the rearview mirror. “That black car’s been behind us for three turns now p>
Rylie cast a brief glance at the mirror.
The SUV was following at a distance — not too far, but not close enough to seem innocent. Rylie leaned slightly toward him. “Who else knows about the jewelry p>
“Only my grandmother. The man from Crolens Museum, too. Aside from them…” He tightened his grip on the wheel. “The folks from Okvale Museum p>
She glanced back toward the mirror. “Okvale? They’ve been in the city for years. Could they be resorting to something like this p>
Her eyes turned sharp as she added, “That’s a professional tail. Pull over. I’ll take it from here p>
Johnny blinked. “I can drive too, you know. Why would I hand over the wheel p>
Rylie shot back, “Keep arguing, and we’ll lose everything — including that expensive jewelry. Pull over or get robbed p>
As Johnny hit the brakes, the SUV suddenly accelerated toward them! Without missing a beat, Rylie unlatched her seatbelt, vaulted over the console, and shoved him toward the other seat. “Strap in p>