Page 146 of Safe and Sound

Since Dare was the man of the hour, I found myself alone. Nursing another glass of champagne, I tried my hand at the roulette wheel and then a hand of two of Blackjack, which Nicklaus and Giorgios had taught me.

After tripling my money, I went in search of Dare. I found him surrounded by important men in tuxes who I imagined were some of the investors. Craning my neck, I glanced around to see where Caterina and Isla had gone.

When I spotted them, I started to make my way over when an older man stepped into my path. “Oh,” I cried in surprise.

He gave me an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry if I frightened you. I just had to come and ask you about your necklace.”

With his wiry form and glasses, he didn’t appear to be much of a threat, so I didn’t feel the need to run away from him. “Really?”

He nodded. “I’m an appraiser for Tiffany’s.”

“What an interesting job.”

“It is.” Motioning to the necklace, he said, “May I get a better look?”

“Sure.” I didn’t understand why he asked permission to look until I realized he would be hovering close to my chest. I glanced around hoping Dare didn’t see him. I knew he would lose his shit regardless if the man was older or an appraiser.

After he eased back, he said, “It’s exquisite. Where did you purchase it?”

“Thank you. Actually, it’s a family heirloom.”

“Of course. I should’ve known, considering its vintage look.”

“Do you think it’s very old?”

“Yes. I would say a hundred years at least.”

My fingers ran over the stones. “That’s amazing.”

“If I were to wager, I would say it’s Greek in design. It’s not well-known, but many sapphires are mined there.”

“You’re really good. That’s where my family is from.”

“I do know my stones.” After a quick nod, he replied, “Thanks for allowing me to use my skills.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Good evening.”

“And the same to you.”

With my hands still on my necklace, I headed over to Caterina and Isla. “What was that about?” Isla asked.

“He was interested in my necklace.”

“Are you sure he didn’t want to get up close and personal with the girls?” Caterina teased.

I laughed. “No. He seriously was just an appraiser wanting to check out my necklace.”

“I wonder if he could get us some good deals,” Isla pondered.

“He said he worked for Tiffany’s.”

She gasped. “I shouldn’t have let him get away.”

I laughed. “Maybe we can hunt him down.”

Caterina shook her head. “The only thing I’m interested in at the moment is more of those tiny quiches.”

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