Trouble

Miles joins us to examine a pair of field binoculars Heather retrieved from a curbside trash bin. “Why didn’t we hire Heather, again?” He quips, frowning at me.

“You can’t hire her.” Daisy puts her arms around Heather’s waist. “If she leaves Grafton, she’s moving to Oceanside to help me run my store.”

He picks up a chunky ring with an oversized jade stone in the center and diamonds arranged in an art-deco-style along the black band. “Is this a Marsh? My God, Heather, where did you find it?”

“That is indeed a Marsh.” Heather’s expression is smug. “Can you believe it? They’re so rare, and a jade—the rarest of them all. It’s like a needle in a haystack.”

“Let me see.” Daisy takes the ring carefully. “Sly would love this.”

My ears perk up at that bit of information, but I hold my expression neutral.

“It’s missing one little baguette, but I have a fellow in New Hampshire I trust to repair it.”

“Ten thousand?” Daisy squints at Miles, who breaks into a proud smile.

“Your jewelry skills have improved. I think that’s right, yes?” He glances at Heather, who winks.

“I’m hoping to get at least fifteen if not twenty for it.”

“I bet you will.” My partner pats her on the back, and we continue going over the pieces she brought with her.

Another hour passes before Daisy says it’s time for her to go. She kisses my cheek, and Miles walks her out. I linger back with Heather.

“This Marsh piece.” Lifting the steel and jade ring, I study the polished stone. “What if I offered you twelve for it now?”

Her lips twist, and she squints one eye. “I had a feeling you might be interested when Daisy mentioned her cousin.”

My brow relaxes, and icy calm fills my voice. “It’s nothing like that.”

“Now, now. Don’t go all Mr. Freeze on me.” She waves her hands at my face. “I’ll sell it to you for ten, even though I could easily get fifteen for it.”

“I’m not asking for any favors.”

“Consider it a sacrifice to the gods for unfreezing your cold, cold heart.”

I’m growing uncomfortable by the second. “Listen, Olsen—”

“No, you listen, Carrollton.” She steps to me, but I see the glimmer in her eyes. “You’ve been this closed-off asshole for as long as I’ve known you. I don’t get it. You’re a good-looking man, and if Sly has somehow gotten through to you, I’m happy to keep the ball rolling.”

“Females,” I grouse. “You and Daisy deserve one another. I hope you do retire from Grafton and go to work with her. From what I understand that town needs a fresh influx of interfering old biddies.”

She laughs, but I tug on my tie, which for some inane reason feels too tight.

“I’ll take your ten grand, and I’ll send it to my guy for repairs. It’ll take a few weeks, is that okay?”

“I’m changing my mind.”

“No, you’re not!” She skids over to grab my arm. “You’re not going to kill my belief in happily ever after. I’m getting this baby fixed, and I’ll tie it up in a pink bow. I expect you to name your first child after me.”

I don’t even respond to that. “Are you hungry? Let’s get something to eat.”

Chapter 19

Joselyn

We got some luck filing our report at the police station. The new desk clerk’s first cousin had an abusive husband, and she seemed to take us under her wing as a personal cause.

She arranged for a patrol car to drive by the apartment complex every night between ten and eleven, and the deputy gave us his personal number.