Chapter Fifty-Four #3
“They are more than just part of ancient lore.” He points at it.
“This one is unusual. The unusual five-legged form is referred to as kontonkrowie, or ‘the circular rainbow.’ It evokes the Akan proverb ‘the rainbow is around the neck of every nation,’ and reminding us of the chief’s role in uniting and controlling the kingdom. ”
I nod with an unfeigned reverence. Replica or not, to be in the presence of one always fills me with awe. It’s closely followed by indignation that it’s not in its rightful place.
“A leader's stool is so integrally linked to his identity that his death is described by the phrase ‘a stool has fallen,’” Mr. Palmer continues his recitation. I know all of this, but I don’t say so.
“Which is why it’s so heartbreaking for it to be lost. For a chief to be separated from his stool isn’t just his loss. Every guardian of it is warned that if it is ever destroyed or lost the entire kingdom would fall.”
“And yet, they let it go. If this was the real one, I’d never return it to the very people who lost it in the first place.”
“That’s the same argument western museums made against returning them. But shouldn’t the people who heaven entrusted as stewards of it be in charge of its fate? It’s not as if they didn’t fight to keep it. And to get it back. It being stolen is such a tragedy.”
He doesn’t respond and when I turn to face him, he’s watching me with an expression I can't decipher but that makes me sorry I said anything. Something less than disdain but…
“Most people have never laid eyes on that stool. How did you recognize it?”
My stomach flips at the question and for a moment I’m not sure I should tell him. But that’s silly. The theft is public knowledge.
“I worked on a story about the artifacts before they were moved from New York to DC. I’d seen a picture of it.
I never thought I’d see it in person, so I was shocked when you pulled back the curtain.
That’s an amazing replica. Kwame said you’re quite the art collector.
Besides the modern art on the walls, he said you’ve got sculptures from all over.
I’d love to see that,” I add with a smile.
He doesn’t return it. “What a pity. Everything has been moved to the lodge because we have so many contractors here setting up for the party.”
I don’t know him well enough to be certain, but he seems rattled. I pretend not to notice and close my notebook with a smile. “Could I walk over to the lodge?”
“No, we’re having some work done near it and it’s not safe to access.”
“Ah, maybe next time Kwame and I—”
His smile is tight. “Don’t hold your breath. He avoids this house like the plague.” He glances at his watch. “I hope you got everything you needed.”
I’m dismissed and he’s clearly done with playing Lord of the manor. “Thank you for the everything. I did. My photographer will be here tomorrow morning.”
“As long as they’re gone by one o’clock.”
He’d said they could have the whole day when we arranged this. I don’t know what changed but I don’t miss a beat in agreeing. “We’ve scheduled for them to be finished by eleven-thirty.”
“Fine. I have to run,” he says and turns toward the door.
“See you at dinner,” I call after him.
He stops short and turn to face me. “I’ve had a last-minute invitation that I’m going to accept. I will see you on Sunday. I look forward to reading your draft. Enjoy your stay at The Palms.”
Just like that, it’s over, and he’s gone. It felt like a hard goodbye. Like he didn’t intend to see me Sunday or ever again.
Oh Sin, stop. Why would that be true?
Because he has the stolen stool.
But how? I know Oz worked for him but is it possible that he’s one of The Wizard’s buyers?
It’s not out of the realm of possibility.
They’re related.
“Are you ready?” A woman’s voice from behind me startles a scream out of me and I whirl around to find Alice standing.
I glance at the closed door. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
“I came through the wall panel. It’s an access hallway only used by staff.” I scan the wall and can’t see any indication of a hidden door.
I turn back to Alice with a forced but friendly smile. “Wow. I thought I’d seen every corner of this house. It’s endless.”
“It’s not but I know what you mean. Let’s be on our way.”
She cups my elbow and steers me back in the direction we’ve just come from.
I wiggle free of her hold as casually as I can. She’s not nearly as friendly as she’d been the first time we met.
“Is Kwame back?” I ask as we start up the grand staircase and take the left side wing.
“Not yet.” She stops at the first door along a corridor with black walls and gold sconces lighting the artwork that lines it.
I smile in thanks and then step into the room. It’s bigger than my entire apartment was in NY. It’s the same black and gold motif of colors but white walls make the space bright and welcoming. The views of the river are astounding. I’ve never seen anything like it.
“If you’re hungry use the call button to let the kitchen staff know.”
“Can I just go downstairs and get something if I need it?”
“No. That would be disruptive and the lower level is for staff only.” She chides me like a naughty toddler, and I have to remind myself that she’s Kwame’s favorite person.
“Okay. Anywhere else off limits?”
“I think you’ll find your rooms to be equipped with anything you might need. And if it’s not, we’re just a buzz away.”
When she leaves, I'm still trying to decide whether she meant that to sound like a warning. I look out at the river that, just this morning, made me think of heaven.
Now I see a chasm keeping me from the world I belong to. I feel an unsettling urge to leave. What would happen if I said fuck this party?
Fuck the glory of this byline.
Fuck the thrill of the chase.
I shake my head rapidly to stop my thoughts from spiraling. I’m safe. I’m just unsettled by the questions my conversation with Mr. Palmer stirred up.
I need this story. I’ve bet my future on it.
And all of those stolen items deserve to be back where they belong.
I’m just tired.
I lay down, eyes wide and wonder why I can’t sleep.