Author Anon

“I think it’s a trick,” says Carl.

“I don’t care if it is,” says Buster. “You find a way to get those jewels back.”

“I’ve already tried to break in once. And it wasn’t in her apartment.”

“Are you sure it was her apartment?”

“Yes. There was a small blurb in the news about it.”

“Then you go after her directly,” says Buster.

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“Have you gone off your rocker?” asks Gavin.

“No,” says Belle. “But it sounds like you just did.”

“If you had to deal with a stubborn, spoiled, rich girl who takes it into her inflated head a crazy idea about confronting a dangerous criminal without thinking about the consequences, you might explode yourself.”

“Humph!” grunts Belle, turning away. “As if you would know anything about it.”

“As a matter of fact, I do.”

“Really? Living vicariously through your characters?” Belle says sarcastically.

Gavin clenches his jaw, talking through his teeth, “I see I will have to enlighten you a bit in order to get your cooperation.” He heaves a long sigh and takes his time, trying to find the words.

“I’m waiting.”

“And I should make you wait until the end of your life, but that’s not going to get me anywhere.”

“Then start talking.”

“Carl Black is only a small part of a larger criminal ring. As far as we know, he is only involved in the theft of jewelry and selling them on the black market. The money is diverted into the drug trade as well as arms deals. However, Carl does have a significant role. He is their master jewel thief and he has connections in the underground. But we’re after all the big guys as well and we need him to lead us to them. Given that, do you suppose he could be so stupid as to risk exposure to the police even if they say they aren’t after him? Or do you still think that he could still be after your worthless sketches?”

“How dare you criticize my work?”

“The same way you criticize mine.”

“I didn’t criticize your work.  I simply doubted your occupation.  I suppose you’re going to tell me that you dug all this information up on Carl in the short time you’ve been interested in him?”

Gavin smiles. “At least I didn’t make the mistake of calling you stupid.”

“So, what is your interest in him?”

“Justice, law enforcement, whatever you want to call it.”

“How about ‘a lie’? Who do you work for?”

Gavin sighs. “All right, Belle. I work for the FBI. Does that make you more cooperative?”

“Well, it makes it a whole lot more interesting. Does your family know?”

“Of course not. And I intend to keep it that way. I hope I can trust you to keep your mouth shut.”

Belle pouts. “I thought you had been criticizing me for doing just that.”

“You know what I mean. Now, I’ve told you my side of the story. I’d like to hear yours.”

Belle silently debates what she wants to say.

“And no hedging,” says Gavin.

“Okay. When I opened up the briefcase, there was a big gem, about the size of a small jewelry chest. I didn’t know what it was, but I kept it safe to see what would happen.”

“Well, you saw what happened.”

“Yes. But I didn’t understand its significance until now.”

“Was it a real gem? What kind?”

“Oh, I don’t think it was a real gem, just made to look like one. But I’m sure it holds the key to what you’re looking for.”

“Where is it?

“Don’t worry. It’s safe. Maybe Carl will come for it and you can nab him.”

“Where is it, Belle? You are to stay out of it.”

“And miss all the fun? You’ve got to be kidding.”

“I am not kidding. I am not going to be responsible for anything that happens to you.”

“I’m not asking you to be. I enter it at my own risk. After all, you have Nicholas with you. He managed to get knocked out by Carl’s associate. I won’t let that happen to me.”

“How are you going to guarantee that?”

“By watching my step.”

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Filed under: All That Glitters