Page 74 of Blood and Bonbons

“Certainly,” Cross said, digging his hand into his overly tight pants pocket. He produced the gold coin and placed it on the counter.

Mr. Davies leaned toward his camera as Stan picked it up and held it near the laptop’s camera.

“A little closer,” Davies said.

I was surprised he didn’t pull out a magnifying glass. His nose distorted as he leaned closer. “Looks authentic enough. But I can’t say for certain. I tell you what, as a sign of good faith that it is most likely authentic, I can offer you two thousand. I’ll wire it to you right now if you want to make the trade.”

“Why would you do it if it’s possibly not authentic?” Vena asked.

“There is value in the gold no matter what,” Davies said. “And even if it is a forged copy, I can add it to my collection as decorative.”

While Cross glanced at Vena, I was watching Stan. He was trying really hard to keep his poker face but failing. Hope and greed were shining through.

“We need time to think about it,” I said.

“Very well,” Davies said. “You have about thirty minutes before I have to leave. Let Stan know your decision by then.”

When he disconnected, Cross looked at me. “Was it not a good deal?”

“Not according to Stan,” I said, pointing at his slipping mask of indifference.

Vena nudged Cross. “Maybe use some of that persuasiveness of yours.”

Stan took a step back. “Hey, now! Violence doesn’t work on me. I own a pawn shop in D.C. I know how to fight.”

“She wasn’t talking about fighting,” Cross smoothly said as he leaned forward. “I have no wish to harm you. I would simply like to ask what you think the coin is really worth.”

Stan shook his head. “I’m not saying anything. This guy gives me a good commission for the things I find him.”

I almost snorted. Stan wanted to take a cut of our price and get a commission from Davies?

“But I’d really like to know,” Cross persisted, holding Stan’s gaze. “How much is the coin worth?”

“Two point six million.” As soon as the words were out, Stan’s eyes rounded. “But you didn’t hear it from me!”

And if one coin was worth over two million dollars, exactly how much was Cross holding in gold coins? I knew the bulge in his pocket was likely an ancient coin pouch. Our cave vampire was going to be a multi-millionaire soon. And he was walking around in a suit that should have been burned decades ago.

Vena grinned. “Then tell him we won’t take less than two point four. I’m sure he’ll want it appraised, so get that all set up for us. You have our contact information. We’ll be leaving.”

Vena’s grin stayed in place as we walked out. She reached over and placed her hand on Cross’ pocket lump. His affronted glance, as if she had actually touched his honey hump and not his coin purse, had her laughing.

“You, my friend, are going to owe me big time,” she said.

I was still curious how Cross had so easily gotten the information from Stan. What made people want to give him what he wanted without a bribe? And what did that mean for me and Vena?

“Vena, please stop touching him,” I said.

She dropped her hand away.

“Right. This isn’t about the money.” She glanced at Cross. “I’m curious what your ring’s worth. You know, the one that accidentally found its way into our pockets when we fell into your cave. Wouldn’t it be easier to have that appraised instead of a coin? I could help you with that.”

“The ring isn’t for sale,” he said. “It’s an adornment meant to be worn. The coin is being used as it is meant. As currency.”

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

Vena openedher mouth to press Cross for his ring, but I gave her a look that had her snapping it shut.

“Cross, I know you’re still catching up to all the changes that have happened, but I’ve realized trading the coin is not going to be as easy as we thought,” I said. “You’re going to need more help than we can give you.”

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