"I told you not to."
Kevin turned.
His face had drained of color.
"Patricia."
"What?"
"You need to stop talking."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Excuse me?"
Kevin's voice dropped.
"Right now."
Patricia looked toward Diana.
Then back at him.
"Do you know her?"
Kevin gave a small, disbelieving laugh.
"No."
He shook his head.
"But I know the name."
Patricia stared.
Kevin picked up the phone.
Before he dialed, a soft electronic tone sounded through the store.
Every display terminal changed simultaneously.
INVENTORY ACCESS TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED.
Kevin stared at the screen.
Ashley stared at hers.
Patricia walked to a terminal.
"What happened?"
Kevin looked at Diana.
Then at Patricia.
"Corporate lock."
Patricia's face paled.
"Why?"
No one answered.
The glass entrance doors opened.
Two men and one woman entered quickly.
All wore dark suits.
The lead man carried no visible weapon but had the posture of corporate security.
Marcus immediately recognized him.
"Mr. Ellis."
Patricia turned.
Her confusion deepened.
The head of corporate security walked directly toward Diana.
Not Patricia.
Diana.
"Ms. Mitchell."
He stopped.
"Are you all right?"
Patricia stared.
The air seemed to disappear from the room.
Diana nodded.
"I'm fine."
He looked toward Patricia.
"Was physical contact made?"
"No."
"Was security ordered to remove you?"
"Yes."
He looked at Marcus.
Marcus nodded.
"Yes, sir."
Patricia stepped forward.
"Wait."
Nobody looked at her.
The head of security continued.
"Was law enforcement contacted?"
"Not yet."
"Good."
Patricia raised her voice.
"Can somebody tell me what is happening?"
Diana slowly turned toward her.
Patricia's confidence had finally cracked.
"Who are you?"
Diana looked at the glass case.
Then toward the chandelier.
Then around the store she had designed.
She removed her sunglasses.
Her eyes were calm.
Not triumphant.
That frightened Patricia more.
"Diana Mitchell."
Patricia swallowed.
"I heard the name."
Diana waited.
Kevin whispered:
"Founder."