AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Daisy’s eyes widened as she thought back to the police report and everything she’d heard over the past day. She’d scoured the files and asked almost half a dozen people to recount what had happened that night, and yet there’d been no mention of black diamond earrings.
And one thing was sure—that morning, no earrings had been found on his body.
So where had they gone? Had he given them to someone else? Or had they been stolen?
Daisy’s mind cycled through the possibilities. “Did you see what he did with them?”
“Just put them in the pocket of his blazer.”
“And then what happened?”
He shrugged. “It was getting late. It had to have been about two in the morning, and things were winding down. So I told him I was going back to my flat. I shook his hand, and then I went on my way. That was it.”
“Did you happen to notice a red-haired woman with him at any time?”
He held up a finger. “Sure did. Her name was Brie. Like the cheese? Or something. He seemed quite comfortable with her. She was pasted by his side. I thought it was odd. I figured he’d probably hook up with her, and I didn’t want to be a part of that. I don’t think that’s right, knowing he has a wife at home. When I left, I think she was in the ladies’ room. He kept looking that way, like he was waiting for her to come out.”
“Was he nervous or worried about something?”
He pressed his lips together, thinking. “You know, now that you mention it, I think he was.”
“Did he say anything about money troubles? Or was there anyone talking to him about money?”
His face wrinkled. “Money troubles? No. Far as I knew, Tate had all the money in the world. There were money troubles?”
Daisy hitched a shoulder. “Just one of many avenues I’m pursuing.” She slipped off the stool. “I think that’s everything. Thank you for your time.”
“My pleasure.” He started to follow her out. “I’m going to have to get in touch with the guys. Any word on a funeral?”
“I believe he was going to be cremated. I don’t know about the memorial. Goldie probably would know more.”
“Ah, Goldie.” He shook his head. “How is she taking it? They were the best of friends.”
“That’s what I heard. She hired me to look into it because she suspected foul play.”
He nodded. “Good on her. Sounds like she was right. I hope they find out who did it.”
Daisy bid him goodbye and stepped outside, thinking over what he had said about the earrings. Where were they? And why was Franklin Tate buying extravagant gifts for his wife when he was having money troubles, forcing him to sell off much of his island? Where had he gotten the money for that? Had he cheated someone in Lyon who decided to get revenge? It seemed like all of her questions weren’t bringing answers—just more questions.
When she reached the sidewalk, she turned to head back to the Pharoah’s casino. She needed to speak to the jeweler and see if he had any information about the missing jewels.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Back at the Pharaoh’s casino, Daisy walked up and down the promenade, looking at the high-end shops. They sold everything from spa products to custom-fit clothing, with price tags Daisy didn’t even bother to look at. She knew she’d never be able to afford any of it, just from the sight of the wealthy clientele there.
She checked the directory and found one jeweler, across from the side entrance to the casino. According to the map, sure enough, it was also across from the restrooms, as Mooch had said. As she approached, she could just imagine the two friends standing outside, talking as he waited for the woman with red hair to emerge from the restrooms.
It was the last time Mooch saw his friend alive.
She stood outside, scanning the area, hoping for some divine intervention or epiphany to dawn on her. But in the still-early morning hours of the day, it probably looked a lot different than it had that fateful night. It may have been two in the morning when Franklin Tate was last here, but the place had likely been swarming with gamblers and shoppers, all out for a night on the town.
Now, only a few wealthy people strolled about, various shopping bags in hand.
Daisy stood at the storefront window, looking at the various jewels in their glass cases. She’d never been one to care too much about jewelry, but each piece was different, and more gorgeous than the next. She spotted a case full of black diamond jewelry, and went inside to get a better look.
A bald, fastidiously dressed man in a suit with a bowtie came up to her at once, and asked her something in French.
“I’m not looking for me,” she explained, though she already got the feeling he knew that, from the doubtful look on his face. “I’m a private investigator, and I’m interested in a piece that might have been bought here, about four nights ago?”
