Читать книгу Haunting at Remington House - Laura V. Keegan - Страница 33

Vivian examined the brilliant diamond, its intricately chiseled facets gleaming in the light from the chandelier hanging from the ceiling above the table. “It’s perfect. I have to have this. It’s simply exquisite.” Vivian put the stone down on the black velvet pad and looked boldly at the gentleman standing to her right.

The attractive man wore an expensive black, pinstriped Armani suit with a white silk shirt and black calfskin Gucci shoes. A black tie with a single diamond tie tack and white gold cufflinks at his cuffs completed his ensemble. Vivian was impressed by his appearance, as of course she was supposed to be. Anthony Rivers knew how to look the part of a successful diamond broker.

“It’s a perfect diamond, Mrs. Harrison.” He gave her his loop for a better examination. “Would you like to see the stones we’ve cut for the accents?” He didn’t wait for her response but opened a small, velvet pouch. He poured a dozen smaller baguette cut stones next to the larger, single gem. “Fantastic aren’t they? Also the same perfect quality and clarity. I have all the papers here for you to examine as well. These are from the same mine as your last diamond, the one you had set in the cocktail ring with the pink sapphires. Best quality I’ve found for some time. What do you think? Shall I show you more?”

Vivian’s face lit up as she caressed the diamonds lying in front of her. “No, I’ve made up my mind. I’ve never seen such a unique cut. This is the one I want,” Vivian said. “Set with the baguette-cut stones.”

“Let me show you the designer’s drawings. I have several renditions for you to choose from, each exclusive of course.” He opened a leather portfolio and extracted several drawings. “I think we can do either of the first two necklaces quite easily here in our studio, but the last two designs would take several weeks. We don’t have the mountings here, yet. We expect another delivery, but not until after Thanksgiving.”

“I’d like to have it as soon as possible. This necklace is perfect.” She handed Anthony one of the drawings. “And of course, I must have the earrings, too. When will you have them ready for me?”

“Would next Friday morning be agreeable?” Anthony asked studying the sketch. “I have to check the availability of my jeweler.” But he knew it wouldn’t be a problem. No matter what other work Caesar had lined up, for the right price, he’d accommodate Anthony.

“I’ll pay you in cash. My husband is not to know about this.” Her smile gone, she stared icily at Anthony. “This is just between us. Do you understand?”

“Certainly. As you wish, Mrs. Harrison. Shall we discuss the price before you leave?”

“I’ll pay you twenty-five thousand dollars. That’s a fair price. Don’t you agree?” Vivian asked as she began putting her tan, wool coat on. From her suede bag she pulled an envelope and handed it to him. “I’ll give you a deposit today of ten thousand dollars. I’ll call you in a week. Don’t call me. Do you understand?”

“Of course.” Anthony wasn’t sure what was wrong with Vivian. In the ten or so years he’d known her, he’d never experienced that tone of voice or her rude demeanor. She was almost like a stranger. If he hadn’t known better, he’d think she was ‘on’ something. Her voice sounded harsh; her eyes were glassy. What was going on with her?

“Oh, get that look off your face. My money’s good here, isn’t it? Can’t a woman buy her own jewelry without you men feeling all pussy-whipped for heaven’s sake?”

A very surprised Anthony watched her leave the store.

“I’ll be in touch,” she said as she pulled the heavy door shut behind her.

After getting into the cab, she called Joe. “I’m waiting in the cab, Joe. Hurry up.”

“I’ll be right there.” He handed Joanie a ten. “Keep the change. I’m in a hurry.” He took long strides and was at the car in minutes. Opening the door, he asked Vivian, “Where do you want me to take you now, Mrs. Harrison?”

She looked completely bewildered. “Joe? What’s going on? Where am I?” Her hand trembled as she grabbed his arm.

“Are you okay, Mrs. Harrison? You hired me to bring you to town. You told me not to tell anyone either. I dropped you off in front of that building across the street.” He pointed to the office of Kranston and Rivers. “Did something happen? Should I call Sara?”

“Why in the world would I want you to call Sara? Get in, Joe. I need to get home. Now! Get this piece of junk you call a car moving.”

Joe got in, started the car and hit the gas. Vivian’s face reflected in the rear view mirror. Joe was amazed. She was smiling. She’s going psycho on me. He’d warn Sara next time he saw see her. The woman needed therapy. He gunned the car and sped down the street. He wanted her out of his cab as soon as possible and, if it meant getting a speeding ticket, fine.

When they neared the driveway to the Harrison property, Vivian said, “Let me out by the side of the house where you picked me up. Remember, this is our secret, Joe. Here’s a little something extra—so you don’t forget.” She handed him a fifty dollar bill. “And this is for the ride.” She handed him another fifty.

“Keep it, Mrs. Harrison. Don’t need it. I told you I wouldn’t tell anyone I took you to town. I always keep my word.” She took back one of the fifties, refused the second. Joe wanted to tell her that her secret was already out, but he wouldn’t. Sara and Tom didn’t need the aggravation.

Vivian looked quickly around making certain no one would see her. She opened the door slowly, then ran up the back stairs and into her room. After throwing her purse and coat into her closet she lay down on the bed and closed her eyes.

Half an hour later, Vivian woke up. She looked around, puzzled. Something didn’t seem right. A vague memory of being in Joe’s taxi surfaced. Just a dream. At least her headache was gone. She got up and went to see what her sons were doing.