Author Anon

“It’s hectic out there,” says Carl.

“I know, Dad,” says Leslie. “Can you help Carrie while I quickly finish this dress? The lady’s coming in an hour to get it.”

“Hmmm. I don’t think you thought this out very well before you opened,” says Carl.

“This is no time to discuss it,” says Leslie, flustered. “I’m in a rush.”

She opens the briefcase containing Belle’s sketches. “What’s this?” she asks, lifting a huge gem-like object from the case.

Carl turns around. “That’s mine. I left it in that briefcase for safekeeping.”

“What is it?” asks Leslie.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” says Carl.

Leslie looks at him suspiciously. “Is it stolen?”

Carl laughs. “I thought you were in a rush.”

Leslie frowns and throws the gem back in the briefcase.

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“It looks like Carl is spending the night again,” says Nicholas.

“He probably has a bed in there,” suggests Gavin. “If he doesn’t, I’ll be damned mad if he got away again.”

“We need to get in there somehow and investigate,” says Nicholas, impatiently.

“He’d recognize you,” says Gavin. “And, maybe even me.”

“We can’t just sit here night after night.”

“No, but I’ll bet we’ll get some help.”

“What do you mean?” asks Nicholas.

“It so happens that I remembered something about my sister, Claire, and her friend, Belle Silverman.”

“What?”

“They wanted to open up a boutique similar to this,” says Gavin. “At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but around Christmas, Belle lost her sketches.”

“And?” asks Nicholas.

“And she’s had to start over again. I know she and Claire wanted to open the boutique as soon as they finished school. I thought they’d be interested in this place, so I mentioned it to Claire. If I know anything about her, I know she’d be dying of curiosity. I’m sure she will be visiting this place soon.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“We should ask them to look for any suspicious characters.”

“How much are we going to tell them?”

“Not much. Claire will only think it would be part of my book. She won’t ask many questions.”

“What about Belle? I understand she’s very intelligent. Besides, I wouldn’t want to have anything happen to her. Michael’s a great friend of mine.”

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“Mr. Sinclair, I’d like to know more about my inheritance,” says Blanche.

“Of course, Mrs. Albright,” says Douglas. “Do you have any legal representation?”

“No, I didn’t feel I needed one.”

“Well, I’d advise you to get someone to help untangle the legal jargon for you.”

“Can you explain it to me in layman’s terms for now?” asks Blanche.

“Of course,” says Douglas. “You currently have a trust set up for you. The amount is quite substantial and you can live off the interest alone. In addition, you and your daughter were given a ten-percent share in the original jewelry store. Since that store is now a bigger concern, you actually have a significant interest. The legal issues come into play if the other parties decide to fight against you. After all, it was Julia Golde who expanded the business. That’s why I suggest you find yourself a lawyer.”

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“Do you mind if I move in now?” asks Michael. “Or, would you rather that I wait until we’re married?”

Amanda laughs. “And when would that be anyhow?”

“As soon as you like,” he answers. “Oh, by the way, I have something for you.” He pulls out a little red box.

“Oh, it’s beautiful,” Amanda gasps, seeing the princess-cut diamond ring flanked by two sapphires.

“Here, let me,” says Michael, removing the ring. “I had to guess the size.”

“It’s perfect.”

“Just like you,” says Michael, pulling her to him.

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Filed under: All That Glitters