Youre looking forward to this, he observed as they took the elevator up to the third-floor exhibit hall.
I love looking at jewelry.
I hadnt guessed. This afternoon hed almost had to bodily drag her out of several stores. Shed wanted to try on everything, study how it was made, ask questions about the stones. She could tell almost to the year when each piece had been made just by the cut of the gem and the style and color of the setting.
Remember, he said, theres no time for browsing or trying stuff on. The ad said there would be hundreds of exhibitors. We need to look through every display for the stolen jewelry. Keep an eye out for Marvin, too. If you see him
I know. Dont confront him. Keep my distance. Leave it to you. Believe me, I learned my lesson in Faring. Im not going to risk losing him again.
They had to pay a cover charge at the door of the exhibit hall. When they entered, Heath was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of jewelry displayed. Hed never seen so much shiny stuff in one place.
We need a plan, he said quickly as Brenna immediately darted to the first booth that caught her eye. Down one row, up another. Lets cover as much territory as we can. Maybe we should split up. If she was planning to meet Marvin, this might be the place. He wanted to give her every opportunity to carry out her plan.
If we conduct ourselves like generals inspecting the troops, well stand out, she said. We have to amble. We should stick together. You might not recognize my jewelry from the drawings.
Heath was surprised Brenna didnt jump at the chance to split up. If she were truly trying to meet up with Marvin or get a message to him, she would want to get rid of Heath. Once again, he entertained the possibility that he was wrong about her. But how could he be, when the evidence was so condemning?
Evidence could be faked, he reminded himself. He knew Marvin was clever. He could haveNo. Heath wasnt going there. Christine had been funny and sexy and very, very lovable. Those qualities had blinded him to the secret life shed been leading, when the facts had been right in front of him. He wouldnt, couldnt make the same mistake with Brenna. Criminals could be cute and sexy and funny.
They spent close to three hours wending their way down one aisle and another. He had to give Brenna credit, she didnt dawdle. She occasionally asked a question of any exhibitor who seemed to favor contemporary designs, claiming she was looking for a particular kind of sapphire ring to complement an outfit. The ring she described was one of the most distinctive pieces that had been stolen, shed told Heath earlier, and she was hoping someone might have seen it.
But no one took the bait.
I think maybe we should quit for the evening, Brenna said suddenly. Im not feeling very well.
Im not surprised, after all those oysters. But she did look a bit pale, he noted, and a thin sheen of perspiration shimmered on her upper lip.
Seriously. I need to go back to the Magnolia and lie down or something. We can get an early start in the morning.
Okay. He was dead on his feet, too. Anyway, it was almost closing time, and most of the exhibitors were securing their spaces for the night.
Brenna headed for the exit. But shed only taken a few steps when she skidded to a stop. Oh, my God.
What? Are you going to be sick? Heath asked, alarmed.
Probably. But thats not She made a beeline for a nearby exhibitor called French Quarter Chic.
Oh, hell. The lady from the chat room. He couldnt believe he hadnt noticed the sign himself.
MANNING THE BOOTH was a trashy-looking bleached blonde in her late forties with a seventies Farrah Fawcett hairdo. She was chatting with an older man in a cowboy hat, showing him various diamond engagement rings while the much-younger woman at his side squealed and simpered.
Heath cast around for Grif. Where was he?
Brenna rapidly scanned the showcases, then gasped and grabbed Heaths arm. Thats my necklace! Then, before Heath could even react, she added, Im definitely going to be sick. And she bolted for the exit.