Stroke of Luck

Once the woman was finished, all that was left were a couple of items of casual clothing, a toiletry case, and some socks. She took them out and set them on the armchair, while the other woman, Renee, started putting all the selected items back into the suitcase.

Quinn’s eyebrow arched up as she zipped it up and set it down. Leslie hefted the second large case onto the couch.

“You’re taking the luggage, too?” Austin asked.

“I’m sorry, sir,” Leslie said. “He said he bought it. He supplied receipts for all the items.”

“I’ll just take out what’s not on the list this time,” April said as she opened the second suitcase.

She glanced at the paper as she riffled through the items, then finally just pulled out some bras and panties. Even those, the women examined, and they took most of them.

“What about your jewelry, April?” Quinn said.

The leather case was sitting atop the items in her bag.

“I don’t care that he takes it back.”

Quinn placed his hand on her shoulder.

“I know, sweetheart, but you need to have them inventory the items while they’re here so the bastard can’t come after you later for anything.”

She nodded, then opened the jewelry case and set it in front of them.

While Renee went through it and ticked off the various items, Leslie opened the carry-on. Quinn watched the jewelry being sorted while April finished with the small bag.

Finally, everything was closed up, with only a few items left for April to keep.

It was a surreal experience. Austin had never seen anything like it. Someone being stripped of their belongings, and in such a methodical way. Her ex really was a bastard.

Austin had never taken his wealthy upbringing for granted. He knew how lucky he was. He’d never experienced anything like April just had, and she’d gone through it with such grace.

Renee walked to the door and rolled in a luggage cart they had waiting outside. Once all three suitcases were on it, Renee leaned in to Leslie and pointed at some unchecked items on the list. Leslie turned to April.

“There’s something from the list of jewelry missing.”

April’s shoulders pulled back, and her eyes flared.

“If it’s the tennis bracelet, he never gave that to me.”

“No, ma’am. It seems to be the necklace you’re wearing now. He listed it as a gold chain with a black pearl.”

April’s eyes widened, and her hand moved to the small pearl, covering it protectively.

“No.” Her voice was shaking, but she was adamant.

Austin wanted to rush to her side. To be her support. But Quinn was close by, and Austin could see the protective gleam in his eyes.

April sucked in a deep breath. “This is my necklace. He had nothing to do with it.”

Leslie was clearly unhappy about the position she was in.

“Of course, ma’am. I’ll just mark down that there’s a dispute.” She made a notation on the list. Then she glanced up reluctantly. “I’m sorry, but one last thing. What you’re wearing now…”

Anger flared in Austin, and he was on his feet.

“No,” Quinn snapped. He drew April to his side and angled in front of her as if shielding her. “You’re not taking the clothes off her back. Tell Mr. Dubois he can send me the bill.”

“Yes, sir.”