Author Anon

“What’s the meaning of this summons to dinner?” asks Mark.

“I don’t know,” Jason answers. “We all got it and it requests our presence, but worded so that we have no choice.”

“But I’ve got the coffee shop to close,” Mark replies.

“You’ll have to find someone to do it,” suggests Jason.

“If it’s company business, I’ve got nothing to do with it and Dad knows it. Therefore, if he requires my presence, it must relate to the family. And I want nothing to do with it if that Melanie Black is involved. She’d better not be worming her way into it even more.”

“Like how?”

“Like getting herself pregnant, for example.”

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous! She’s too old!”

“I don’t think so. Older women than she have had babies.”

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“I don’t get it,” says Gavin. “If Carl was using this to hold something, how does he get it in there?”

“Maybe he wasn’t,” suggests Nicholas. “Maybe it serves some other purpose.”

“But what?”

“Maybe it’s a new type of explosive. After all, aren’t they involved in some type of arms deals.”

“Carl isn’t. His side is only involved with stealing jewels. It’s a bigger operation and I doubt they allow people to get involved in more than one area. Whoever’s behind this whole thing would not want to risk having anyone have more knowledge than they should.”

“There’s one positive side to this,” says Nicholas. “If it truly is completely sealed, whether or not anything is in it, Carl will not know that he has a fake for a long time.”

“Provided that it isn’t needed for the time being. We’re going to have to keep a closer eye on things. Because anything can develop at a moment’s notice, I can’t be distracted by petty jealousies and such. Thanks for the red herring.”

“No problem,” says Nicholas, smiling. “In fact, that part might be quite enjoyable.”

Gavin turns to him, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t have to pretend an interest in Belle. She’s fascinating. We’re going out tonight, by the way. So, you’re on your own.”

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“How was he?” asks Ashley.

“What?” asks Belle, confused.

“Oh, quit pretending. How good was he in bed?”

Belle blushes. “That’s none of your business, Ashley.”

“C’mon. You’re blushing like a virgin. I take it that it must’ve been your first time. I guess with no other comparison, that might be a hard question to answer. But did he take you to realms of ecstasy? Did he make you–”

“That’s enough, Ashley!” Belle cries, turning even redder. “Just because you enjoy talking about sex in the most descriptive terms, it doesn’t mean that I do. I believe that is something between a man and a woman and should not be undermined by discussion with those outside the relationship.”

“Huh! You’re no fun. So what are you doing here, then?”

“I’ve come to find a nice dress for my date with Nicholas tonight.”

“Where are you going?”

“To dinner and a dance.”

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“Did you get it?” asks Buster.

“Right here,” says Carl.

“Good. I’ve got word that we’re to hand it over to Shikes. Meet me in New York.”

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Filed under: All That Glitters