“It’s strange—almost like a poem. Let me read it.
Pearls are born in the sea and can vanish with a wave;
Time comes and goes;
But diamonds stay forever unless they magically disappear.”
My fists clench. “Bloody hell. I guess that answers another question. Clearly, the disappearance of Brooke’s necklace and the watch were related. And let me guess, all the jewels in the silent auction at the masquerade ball are diamonds.”
Brooke shivers, gripping the edge of the table. Her expression is a combination of shock and fear. Without thinking, I reach to cover her hand with mine.
“Exactly. We assume the mention of pearls vanishing refers to Ms. Bennett’s necklace. Time coming and going must be about the Rolex watch. And the reference to diamonds must be the ones coming up for auction at the masquerade ball,” Jason says.
The tension in the room is palpable.
Mr. Broadmoor says, “There’s only one option. We need to hire a high-end security team. My US companies use Force Field, Inc. I’ll contact them.”
“No need. We already have a top-rate firm guarding the diamonds. And we’ve called a backup company to serve as secondary security,” Jason assures.
“That’s not good enough. We need an elite group, not some generic backup team. The diamonds are worth millions, and the Foundation’s reputation is at stake,” Mr. Broadmoor says.
“Mr. Broadmoor has a point. This project is my dad’s passion. It’s already tainted, but another incident would devastate him. There’s no reason not to hire the best,” I say, thankful for Mr. Broadmoor’s voice of reason and helpful security connections.
Aunt Jen nods. “I agree.”
“Then, Mr. Broadmoor, please ask Force Field to contact me. I’ll coordinate with them,” Jason says.
“Excellent. I’ll call them today.”
“Now, let’s discuss how to handle the talk show. Stuart, you may face questions about Mr. Champion’s death during the interview today, so be prepared,” Jason warns.
“I expect those questions. How do you suggest I answer them?”
“Avoid giving any specifics. I’d simply say the Foundation is saddened to have lost such a wonderful board member and advocate. If they insist on asking questions about the cause of death, refer them to the authorities and then repeat how much he will be missed.”
“Understood. Do you also have a list of talking points for me? I want to promote the movie and opportunities for the public to become involved in the solution.”
“We do. Look for an email from Hannah. Your main goal is to encourage people to see the movie and look at the resources on the Foundation’s website for ways they can help. Your driver has been given directions to the television station. A visitor’s pass will be waiting for you at the front desk. Hannah will meet you there to act as your liaison with the television show.”
“Thank you. Please make sure they know that Ms. Bennett will be accompanying me. She’ll need a visitor’s pass as well.”
“Oh, okay. We didn’t know that you’d want legal counsel at that event as well,” Jason says, a questioning look on his face.
“I thought it was clear that the Earl requested legal counsel be present atallevents here. I’m following his orders, so please make the arrangements.”
“Of course, sir. It’s no problem,” Jason reassures.
“Is there anything else we need to discuss?” I ask.
“No. That’s all for today,” Jason says.
I stand, saying, “Thank you. Brooke, we need to discuss some logistics. Do you have time now?”
“Of course.”
We leave the PR firm, enter the elevator, and I select a floor.
Brooke says, “Wait a minute, that’s not the floor for my office. That’s the one for your suite, isn’t it?”
