by Jen Talty
Craig let out a sarcastic laugh. “You know, until she slapped this suit on me, I was hoping maybe she’d come to her senses, but now, I’m not sure I’d want a reconciliation.” He rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “The basis for the suit, as far as I can tell, is she is stating that she gave up a very lucrative career at a different resort to move in with me and help me get my real estate business off the ground before taking the job at Jupiter Ocean Side Resort and Spa and now she’s left with nothing.”
“I’m no lawyer, but Florida isn’t a common law marriage state. Why don’t I give my dad your contact information, and he’ll at least give you some free advice and point you in the right direction.”
“I appreciate it,” Craig said.
“Can I ask you something?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“Why didn’t you get married? I mean, you might as well have been?” So much for sealing her mouth shut. What difference did it make? Other than Annabel had become obsessed with weddings and almost-weddings since her storage unit find.
“You might find this funny, but every time my mother got remarried, she started cheating on her husband. I couldn’t stand that. I wanted to scream at all my mother’s boyfriends to run and run fast. I figured either I’d cheat, or my wife would cheat, so I vowed to never get married.”
The bell over the side door rang, catching Annabel’s attention. She glanced over her shoulder as the hostess brought her coffee and a to-go bag.
Annabel really wanted to know if Sarah wanted to get married or not but decided the timing of the food was a sign that it was time for inquiring minds to let the matter rest for the moment and go to the jewelry store.
Ethan rolled his patrol car to a stop next to the dark, four-door sedan that had Trouble in a tizzy a few hours ago. It was parked in the middle of a row in the Sea Side strip mall. Sea Side was one of the bigger plazas with two restaurants, a fast food joint, a mind quest game room, a liquor store, and at least two dozen various retail shops. Finding the driver of the car would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
He pulled out his cell phone and called Palmetto, who picked up on the first ring.
“What can I do you for?” Palmetto’s voice boomed from the speaker.
“I’ve got another odd bridal case, so I was wondering if you’d been able to gather more information.”
“Working on it. My man power is slim right now, but I’ve got a cold case officer combing through county wide cases.”
“Please keep me in the loop. I’ll send this latest report over to you this afternoon.”
“I get the feeling there’s more,” Palmetto said.
“If you happen to have a car in the area of the Sea Side, do you mind having them check on a car for me every so often?”
“I can have someone drive through. Do you need us to pick up the driver?”
“I honestly have no reason to even question him other than he was at my girlfriend’s building this morning, and he tried to run over her cat getting out of there when he saw me. I didn’t get a good look at him. I’m wondering if maybe it was whatever or whoever the cat saw in the bushes when we found the receipt.”
“Anything is possible. I can have my men at least ask his whereabouts.”
“Thanks. I’m heading into a store to take interviews for my current case. If I run into whoever rented the vehicle, I’ll let you know you can call off the drive-by.”
“Will do.”
Ethan gave Palmetto a description of the car and the tag number. He tapped the end call button and stuffed his cell into his back pocket. The Sulkie Photography shop was located at the far east end, right next to an ice cream shop. As he walked by, a couple of toddlers lapping wildly at their cones waved in his direction. He nodded, giving them a big smile. Having a family had been high on his priority list and for years, he thought he’d be having a couple of little rug rats with Quinn.
Now, images of long strolls on the beach with Annabel and maybe a kid or two in tow filled his dreams. Things were happening quickly and that scared him. He was the kind of guy that analyzed everything, weighing the pros and cons. Only, he couldn’t see a single negative thing about Annabel, other than taking a risk with his heart.
A leap of faith.
Drawing in a deep breath, clearing his mind of all things personal, he pushed open the door to the photography shop. A young male stood in the back-right corner, holding up a camera with a large lens. A woman with a teenage girl hovered over a group of smaller cameras.
“Can I help you, officer,” a man—no, Peter, the photographer from his sister’s wedding—asked as he stepped around the counter with a wide smile. “Oh, I think we’ve met before, haven’t we?”
Ethan nodded. “Briefly, a few months back.”
Peter waved his finger in the air. “Your fiancée was kissing another man.”
That was blunt.
And a little loud. The young man holding a large lens, one that could probably snap a decent shot at a mile away, turned his head in Ethan’s direction.
“That was a long time ago, and we never got married.” Why he felt the need to qualify that was beyond him.
“I do apologize. That was rude of me. What kind of camera are you looking for?” Peter asked.
“I’m here on official business.”
“Is there a problem?” Peter asked, tilting his head to the right.
“I’m looking for a Jessica Lindy. I understand she’s an employee here.”
Peter’s happy grin evaporated. He let out a long sigh and shook his head. “I gave her the day off.”
“So, she was scheduled? But never came in?”
“She came in yesterday to close up and was so distraught, I told her to take some time off. I didn’t have a photo shoot today and was able to get her hours covered for the rest of the week, so it was no big deal.”
Ethan pulled out his notebook, jotting down the information.
“Do you know what she was upset over?” he asked.
Peter’s eyes went wide. “Did something happen to Jessica?”
“No. However, I do need to discuss a situation that happened at her fiancé’s house.”
“No, no, no.” Peter waved his hand in the air, taking a few steps forward, glancing around the store. “All she did was toss a few clothes around and call the pig names,” he said softly. “If that bastard is saying something else, he’s lying.”
“What did Jessica tell you?” Ethan asked.
“I don’t want to spread gossip, nor do I feel comfortable breaking her confidence.”
The more Ethan thought about it, the only person that made sense in the disappearance of the tuxedo was Jessica. Who else would want it? She could have nicked it to cause Colin all kind of turmoil. She had motive and access.
“Mr. Colby’s house was broken into last night, and since she’d been there at one point in the evening, I’d like to talk to her.”
“You should talk to the woman Colin brought home.”
“I intend to,” Ethan admitted. “Have you meet Colin Colby?”
“Sure have. He seemed like one of the good guys. I was supposed to shoot their wedding, but I think Jessica will be calling that off considering what happened. Can’t say as I blame her.”
Ethan nodded. “Do you know where Jessica is?”
“I suspect home. Or maybe at her mother’s house.”
“Do you have an address for her mother? Or a phone number?”
“No, I’m afraid I don’t.”
“If you hear from her, could you give her my number?” Ethan passed the photographer his card.
“Will do.”
Ethan took two steps and paused. “Do you mind if I ask what kind of car you drive?”
Peter shrugged. “See the SUV with the Sulkie Photography logo on it right outside? That’s my ride.”
“All the time?” Ethan remembered seeing that in the parking lot when he’d caught Quinn with Brett.
&n
bsp; “Pretty much.”
“Excuse me,” the young man with the lens said.
“I’ve got to get back to my customers,” Peter said.
“Thank you for your time.” Ethan slipped his dark shades up his nose, then quickly snagged them off his face. A car was backing out of a parking place, and it looked very much like the car he was pursuing. He picked up the pace, nearly jogging, as he raced toward the rental that had backed out of its parking spot.
The sun beat down on his face, the glare making it difficult to see who was in the driver’s seat. The car eased into traffic just as one of the lights turned green.
“Damn,” Ethan mumbled, getting into his patrol car. He should be able to catch whoever it was.
“Officer Ferris, this is dispatch,” a female voice boomed over his radio.
He tapped the mic.
“Officer Ferris here.”
“We’ve got a request for you to go to Sunny Point Jewelers in Tequesta.”
“Why? Not our jurisdiction,” Ethan said as he revved the engine, wanting to follow the rental.
“A woman by the name of Annabel Wilder is in possession of a stolen ring and has requested your presence.”
“ETA twelve minutes.”
Chapter Eleven
Annabel tucked Trouble into the large shoulder bag. She’d placed a soft cushion inside for the cat to curl up on. “You stay put when we go into the store, got it?” He cocked his head and didn’t seem too keen on the idea but had since settled in for the ride with a delicate lick of his paws and thunderous purring rumbling from his vocal cords.
Sunny Point Jewelers were known for the finest jewels, the best appraisals, and they also purchased and resold higher end pieces and antiques. This was not a consignment shop by any means. If the owner acquired an item to showcase in his store, it was because it was a rare find, or simply exquisite and close to perfection. They had an entire case dedicated to second-hand items. Annabel wasn’t sure if she’d sell to them, if they even offered, but it certainly was an option.
“Hello.” She was greeted by a woman with white hair tucked neatly in a loose bun on the top of her head adorned with tendrils hanging down, fanning her face. Her designer white and black suit was perfectly pressed. She wore little makeup, but why would she with crisp-blue eyes like tropical seas that were complimented by plump, rosy lips. “How may we help you today?”
“I called yesterday about having some items appraised. I believe I spoke with Donna Montaglio. My name is Annabel Wilder.” The corners of her mouth turned up in a broad smile, and excitement made her feel giddy. She hadn’t been this keyed up in a long time.
“Yes. I’m Donna. I remember.” She extended her delicate hand. Her soft skin was glossy from fresh lotion and four of her fingers displayed silver and turquoise rings.
Big ones.
“Why don’t we go to my office.” Donna led her through the main showroom, down a short hallway, and into a nice-sized office. In the center of the room, a large cherry oak desk beckoned. Two dark leather chairs with arms were situated on one side, while a tall mesh office chair was placed on the other side. “Can I get you something to drink? Coffee? Water?”
“I’m good, thank you.” Annabel set the bag on the floor. Trouble blinked his eyes and jumped out of the bag . He scurried off toward the back of the room.
That dang cat was going to get her into trouble.
Annabel tried to keep her focus on the task at hand, not the cat sneaking around under the desk.
“So, let’s see what you’ve got.” Donna lined a tray with a dark, velvet piece of material.
Annabel decided to start with the pearls. She set two necklaces and four pairs of earrings on the black fabric, making sure each piece of jewelry had ample space to shine. The deep contrast showed the pearls weren’t as white as she first suspected.
“Oh, these are beautiful.” Donna lifted one of the necklaces, letting the pearls glide between her fingers. “See how the color of each one is a little different? And you can feel the smoothness of the pearl itself.” She set it aside and examined the second one. “This one is what we call cultured pearls. A little nicer than costume jewelry, but only worth a few hundred while this one,” she lifted the first string of pearls in her other hand, “is worth a couple thousand dollars.”
“Wow,” Annabel whispered. That alone came close to covering the cost of what she paid for everything. “I have more,” she said with enthusiasm as Trouble glided his body against her legs before dashing off into the other room.
Donna’s eyebrows shot up. “More pearls?”
Annabel shook her head. “I have diamond rings and two silver bands with me.”
“May I ask how you came into all these pieces?”
This was always harder to explain than it should be. “I bought an abandoned storage unit, and the contents are all wedding items. I haven’t gone through everything, but there is more jewelry than what I brought today.”
“Someone just left these behind?” Donna exclaimed, her voice higher-pitched than before, and her pupils dilated as her eyes widened. She held the tantalizing pearls as if they might break if she clasped them too tightly.
“Whoever it was didn’t pay their storage unit bill. The facility gives them every chance to pay it before auctioning off the contents.”
“Oh my. I’ve never heard of such a thing. How long does a unit have to go unpaid before they can sell it?” Donna rested the pieces back on the tray.
“Four months,” Annabel said matter-of-factly, but her heart hammered against her chest. Her mind tallied as best she could all the jewelry and how much it could all be worth.
“And this is all perfectly legal?”
“It sure is.” Annabel pulled at the drawstring of another pouch and let three engagement rings and a pair of wedding rings tumble out onto the plush cloth, moving aside the pearls. The largest diamond sparkled as it caught the rays from the light on the desk.
“Oh my heavens,” Donna said, picking up the largest ring. She held it up over her head, turning it so she could look at the elegant piece of jewelry from every angle. She took a loupe from her desk drawer and examined the ring through it. She sat back in her chair, removed the loupe from her eye, and looked across the desk at Annabel. “We might have a slight problem.”
“What’s that?” Annabel swallowed, bracing for the bad news that it was a total fake.
“Do you mind if I take this into the back room and check it against some of our records?”
“Not at all,” She wondered if she should have said no, but that made her feel like she’d done something wrong in a weird way, and it wasn’t like this sales person was going to slip out the back.
Donna Montaglio left Annabel sitting at her desk as she stood and headed to the door of her office. She looked back at Annabel briefly before turning toward the rear of the building.
Annabel tapped her foot restlessly on the tile floor. Her gaze darted from the other pieces spread out over the desk, to the door, waiting for the saleswoman, or Trouble, to return. With every minute that ticked by, the uneasiness in the pit of Annabel’s stomach deepened.
“Trouble,” she whispered. “Where the devil are you?” She half expected the cat to come running, but he didn’t.
“I’m sorry for making you wait,” Donna said as she stepped into the office, followed by a tall man wearing a dark suit and sporting a serious expression, and one step behind him—Trouble.
“This is the owner, Mr. Jack Vance,” Donna said.
“I’m sorry to meet you under these circumstances,” he said with an outstretched arm.
“And what circumstance is that?” she asked, keeping her hand as steady as she could.
Jack pulled back the other chair, angling to face Annabel straight on. Donna set the ring on a different piece of fabric before taking her seat behind the desk, folding her hands on the wood top.
“I don’t mean to infer that you stole anything, but—”
; “Stole?” she questioned, swallowing the lump in her throat.
Trouble hurried into the room. This time he didn’t go unnoticed.
Great. She’d go down in history as the official burglar with a cat.
“Sorry, I didn’t want to leave my cat in the car. It’s too hot for pets.”
“Next time, please don’t bring him in the store,” Jack said, blinking a few times as he took in a deep breath. “This ring,” he reached across the table, picking up the precious diamond, “we designed specifically for a client. They reported it stolen right after the wedding reception. There’ve been no leads on the missing ring since then.”
“Until now,” Annabel muttered.
“We’ve got to stop meeting like this. People are going to start talking,” Ethan said as he shook Palmetto’s hand standing outside of the upscale jewelry store. “Did you just get here?”
“Two minutes ago. Haven’t even gone inside yet.” Palmetto planted his hands on his hips and glanced around. “Once I heard Annabel’s request for you to be contacted, I was hoping we’d get a chance to talk before meeting with the store owner.”
“I know Annabel didn’t steal the ring.” Not that Ethan felt he needed to profess her innocence to a fellow officer, but he figured he’d put it out there anyway.
“I had my office look up the police report on this ring, and it was stolen six weeks ago.”
“Annabel was still in New York,” Ethan said, rubbing his jaw with his thumb and forefinger. “Don’t you find it odd we have so many cases all of a sudden involving weddings?”
Palmetto nodded. “I’ve found three more cases in the last four months involving stolen or missing wedding items.”
“Suspects?”
“In one case, it was believed the groom’s ex-wife stole the current wife’s wedding dress and ring. Another case, the only suspect was the mother-in-law who hates her daughter’s husband. She was accused of stealing all the cards filled with money from the reception. The last one is a total mystery, according to the police report. The wedding dress and bridesmaid gowns were stolen from the bride’s mother’s house while the couple was on their honeymoon.”