Page 101 of Blood and Bonbons

“Mr. Cross,” Mr. Davies said, standing to offer his hand. “It’s great to meet you in person.”

“The pleasure is mine.” Cross shook his hand, releasing it quickly. Davies wasn’t offended. He turned to greet both Vena and me politely. Before I could take Mr. Davies' hand, Cross stepped between us.

“I apologize, but I’m a bit pressed for time. I thought this would be a simple exchange and made arrangements accordingly.”

“Of course,” Mr. Davies said. “Please. Sit. We can start on the paperwork while I examine the coin in person.”

Cross slid his hand into his right pocket and withdrew the coin between his first two fingers. Davies’ eyes lit up, and he indicated to set the coin on the soft cloth in front of his chair. A scale and a magnifying glass sat next to it.

“Where did you say you got this?” Davies asked, picking up the magnifying glass.

“It’s an heirloom, kept by my line for centuries.”

“Amazing. The markings are correct.” He transferred the coin to the scale and watched the numbers. “Correct weight, too. I sent the picture to a friend of mine. She said it’s authentic if the weight checks out. Do you agree to our negotiated price of two point four million?”

“I agree.”

Davies pulled out his phone as Stan started filling out a form.

“Name?” Stan asked.

“I would prefer to remain anonymous,” Cross said smoothly. “It prevents unwanted inquiries regarding other antiquities I might have in the family home.”

Stan glanced at Davies.

“Fair enough,” Davies said. “Where should I wire the money?”

I was surprised he was so willing after the quick examination. Then again, we were in a pawn shop.

Cross glanced at me.

“Um. Can you wire to a personal account?” I asked.

“Of course.”

“Do I need to let my bank know it’s coming? Honestly, I’ve never had more than ten thousand in there. There’s not some kind of cap, is there? There’s always those warnings on bank sites about being insured up to a certain limit.”

Davies smiled at me. “You’ll be fine. Personally, I wouldn’t keep it there. Make your money work for you and invest.”

“Great advice. We’ll deal with that later,” Vena said, nudging me.

Once I gave Davies my information, he sent a text.

“It will take a few minutes for the wire to go through. My assistant is taking care of the matter now.”

My balance updated five minutes later, and I nearly passed out seeing all those zeros.

“Got it,” I said faintly.

He slipped the coin into a protective pouch and placed it in his briefcase.

“It was a pleasure doing business with you. Let me know if you have any other family treasure you want to part with.”

“I will,” Cross said. “Thank you.”

Vena had a very pronounced bounce to her step as we left the shop.

“Please tell me we’re going to do something fun now. We should buy you a car.”

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