Thompson blinked in disbelief. “Coming from you, that’s almost funny.”
“I don’t find it the least bit amusing. My targets are greedy noblemen, not helpless women.” A muscle worked in Pierce’s jaw. “Offer her five thousand pounds.”
“What?”
“You heard me. Get out there and offer her five thousand pounds for that bloody brooch.”
“Are you insane? I can’t sell that thing for—”
“I’ll buy it.”
A long pause.
“You’ll buy it?” Thompson stared. “Why?”
“That’s my concern.”
“You haven’t even seen it.”
“Nor do I care to. Just do as I say. Now.”
Thompson shook his head in amazement. “You’re a bloody lunatic, you know that, Thornton? A bloody lunatic. What am I supposed to tell her? That I abruptly changed my mind and realized the brooch was worth a fortune?”
“You’ll think of something. You’re good at that.”
With a disgusted grunt, Thompson turned on his heel and stalked out.
“Is everything all right?” Pierce heard Daphne ask.
“Hmm? Oh, yes, everything is fine. Some boxes just fell over and knocked a bottle to the floor. A bit of a mess, but nothing serious.”
“I’m glad.” Daphne inhaled sharply. “Mr. Thompson—”
“While I was cleaning up the shattered glass, I suddenly remembered a particular customer of mine, an eccentric old lady whose particular tastes run to sapphires and rubies. As I recall, she’s willing to pay a fortune for a piece made entirely of those two stones combined. She’ll be ecstatic when she sees your brooch. Doubtless she will buy it on the spot, no matter what the cost.” He paused for effect. “So, since I won’t have to take that loss after all, I’m going to be a gentleman and offer you five thousand pounds.”
“Five thousand pounds!” she managed. “But you said the brooch wasn’t worth anywhere near that amount.”
“Worth is a relative term. I’m a fair man. If I make a profit, you make a profit. So, how about it? Is five thousand pounds more like what you had in mind?”
“You’re certain this woman will pay enough to compensate you? I wouldn’t want—”
“I’m sure.”
Daphne made no attempt to hide her relief. “That’s wonderful. Consider the brooch yours. And I thank you very, very much.”
There was a rustle of activity as the exchange was made.
Then, the jingling bell indicating Daphne’s departure sounded. Simultaneously, Thompson re-entered the rear chamber.
“Christ!” the jeweler exclaimed. “Instead of snatching that ludicrous sum and bolting before I came to my senses, she’s worried about my profit? She’s as daft as you! Doesn’t she know a gift when she’s handed one?”
“Perhaps she has a conscience.”
Thompson shot Pierce a suspicious look. “And you? You just paid five thousand pounds for this.” He tossed Pierce the brooch. “Now are you going to tell me why?”
“No.” Pierce leaned forward, snatching up the single emerald Thompson had removed from the stolen necklace and shoving it into his pocket along with the brooch. “These are mine. And these,” he extracted ten five hundred pound notes and thrust them at Thompson, “are yours.”
The jeweler shook his head as he accepted the proffered money. “I still say you’re crazy. But that’s your problem. In any case, we’re even except for what I owe you for the impressive spoils you brought in today.”