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“Me?” Rachel repeated as she lifted the chain to the light. “I’m not a fence. I don’t have—”
“You’re friends with the Valentinis,” I finished for her, piecing Bear’s intentions together faster than Rachel did.
“You think these are the rubies they’re seeking?” she asked, staring down at the antique settings.
“Why else would Bear think you could sell them for Maria?”
She blinked. “Good point.”
Maria released a relieved breath. “You can find a buyer for me?”
“If they’re authentic, then yes.”
“Bear said they weren’t fakes,” was Maria's worried retort.
“No, I don’t doubt that Bear would… I mean, the person I’m thinking of is looking for a certain item.” Rachel waved a hand. “If they don’t want to buy the rubies, then I’m sure there’s someone in my client list—”
“List of crooks, more like,” I muttered, earning myself a glower from her.
“—who’d be more than interested in a piece of this quality.” Rachel studied the chain and then glanced at Maria. “I’ll get in touch with the family I’m thinking of now. One of them is my best friend. She’ll give you a more than fair price if it’s the piece they’re seeking.”
“I don’t know what a fair price is,” Maria admitted.
“I’m sure Rachel knows someone who can appraise it on your behalf.”
Rachel nodded. “I can think of a few people. Can you stay in West Orange for a few days so we can make arrangements?”
Maria shook her head. “I promised myself that I’d never stay around here again and I meant it. I’ll head to Verona. It’s cheaper there anyway.”
“Maria, I’ll gladly fund your trip—”
“I don’t take charity.” Maria grimaced at the rubies. “Usually.”
“You can pay her back with the funds from the sale,” I said simply. “Don’t stay in Verona. Go to the city. You might as well. Any appraiser will be there anyway and so is Aurora Valentini.”
“I can’t afford to!”
Getting to my feet, I snagged the rubies from Rachel’s grip and evaluated the stones. “These are worth a couple million, Maria. You can afford a suite at the Plaza if you want.” I studied the chain which was too long to be a bracelet but too short to be a necklace. The gems were cool to the touch as I inquired, “Why did you wish to speak with me?”
Maria reached into her purse again and, this time, she retrieved a letter and a larger envelope, one that was packed full and sealed with a strip of scotch tape.
Both had my name on them.
“I appreciate the courier service,” I said cheerfully, though there was something weird about getting mail from a dead man.
“I apologize for taking so long to deliver them to you,” Maria admitted rawly. “Bear seemed to think I’d open the safety deposit box as soon as I received the key.”
I hitched a shoulder. “Better late than never. Thanks.”
I wiggled the packets at her then retreated to the sofa, leaving Rachel and Maria to sort out their business.
Retrieving a letter from the envelope, I shifted focus from their conversation and concentrated on what could be Bear’s final words.
As I read, I could feel my heart rate start to increase until, by the end, sweat had beaded on my brow.
Bear hadn't expected to be in a coma before his death.
He'd expected me to get this letter years ago and if I had, it'd have...
