by Lisa Prysock
“That sounds very nice, Miss Pepper,” Brandy replied. “I for one am starving and ready to eat.”
“Wonderful, then let’s move over to the lovely buffet with no further delay, and I’m sure my eldest son, Wesley, will oblige by leading us in the blessing.” Pepper led the way for the group, everyone following.
As they adjourned to the dining room, chatting as they emptied into the hall and turned left, they stepped outside onto the covered veranda at the rear of the house. Turning right, Bradley’s guests for the meeting entered the dining room where they were greeted by a long table with plenty of seating. Since it was raining and a chill was in the air, Theo had built a fire in the fireplace before leaving for the day. Wesley said the blessing. Brad threw a few extra logs on the fire and then joined the buffet line beside his lovely new girlfriend.
Seated beside Bridget on one side and Brandy on her other, with Brad across from them, Trisha continued answering their questions about their trip to England. He listened to the conversation quietly, wondering if they’d have time for romance while chasing after thieves on the other side of the world. Maybe they’d find a few extra days to go to the theater, take in the sights, and explore a few museums.
“Will you two lovebirds be in the same hotel?” Bridget queried.
“Yes,” she chuckled in response to Bridget’s question, “We’ll have separate rooms of course, but the clerk assured me we’ll be on the same hotel floor. It’s located conveniently in Pimlico, a lovely place called The Belgrave.”
“Pimlico?” Brandy repeated.
“Central London in the city of Westminster,” Trisha explained as she added extra butter to her Brussel sprouts.
“Have you been there before?” Bridget asked, stabbing a carrot with her fork.
Trisha nodded. “Actually, yes, I have. I went on a trip to London and Paris with my best friend, Cara, after high school as a graduation celebration. We had an absolute blast, but it’s been a few years. When Brad phoned and asked if I wanted to go, of course I said yes and knew exactly where to make our reservations.”
“Did you remember to let your mom know you’re leaving the country?” Miss Pepper asked from her seat at the head of the table.
“Yes, I told her. She’s a little nervous, but excited for us, and hopeful that the necklaces are recovered as a result of this journey,” Trisha replied. Miss Pepper returned to humming as she sliced her meatloaf into smaller bites. “She’s been praying very hard for Briar’s safety and swift rescue, as well.”
Brad paused from taking another bite of the delicious meatloaf to observe Ms. Barrington. She’d been humming on and off since before the meeting. “Now, Miss Pepper, tell us why you’ve been humming a little happy tune this evening? It has to be something more than your joy that we’ve finally constructed a plan of action to have life return to normal around here.”
“I don’t know if I should say anything,” Pepper responded, a wistful tone in her voice.
“Yes, you should,” Wesley grinned as his sister, Krista, and brother, Warren, filed into the room to join them.
“Sorry we’re late,” Krista said. “I had to stop at the store and then picked up Warren so he could have some work done on his vehicle. Then we ran into traffic.” Warren approached his mom and bent down, offering her a kiss on the cheek, echoing the same excuse. Krista headed for the buffet, blowing her mom a kiss hello from the other side of the room.
“Traffic in Atlanta?” Lion-Man Jordy joked, earning a few chuckles around the table. Everyone knew it took an hour to drive almost anywhere in Atlanta.
“I’m glad you’re both here and safe,” Pepper said. “Help yourself to the buffet. I’m sure you’re starved. Everyone, this is my daughter, Krista, and other son, Warren. Krista is an elementary teacher like I used to be many eons ago, and Warren is a realtor, who by the way, sold another house today. Congratulations, Warren. Esther made your favorite dessert in honor of the closing.”
“Cherry pie?” Warren brightened. “I love coming home.”
“So are you going to tell them, Mom, or should I?” Wesley looked pointedly at his mother, while at the same time, fist-bumping Warren a hello when his brother came around the table toward the buffet.
“All right, I’ll share, but I don’t like taking away from Warren’s glory today, or the fact I have all three of Eternity’s band members seated at our table this evening, the number one band in the country. However, I do feel as though I’ve had a small personal victory of my own to share. It wasn’t important to anyone but me, but I can’t help feeling a bit elated,” Pepper explained. “Late this afternoon, Ada Morgan called. She is finally going to have our church book club read one of my books next month.”
Trisha’s mouth dropped open in surprise as she dropped her fork. It clanked onto the side of her plate. “Oh my goodness! That is the best news I’ve had all day! A true victory, Miss Pepper. Speaking as a fellow book club member, I assure everyone present; this is a miracle long overdue.”
“Congratulations, Mom,” Krista said as she took the empty seat nearest her mother. “I’m happy for you, and for Warren’s sale.” A few others at the table echoed the sentiment.
“You’ve been a member of the church book club for what, three years now?” Wesley asked.
Pepper Barrington nodded. “My point, exactly, and the only regularly attending local author in the group. Month after month, I’ve sat through I can’t tell you how many books and visiting authors here and there. It was getting to be rather embarrassing that Ada hadn’t included one of my mysteries as the book of the month.”
“You were not alone in thinking it was a terrible faux-pas on her part,” Trisha added as she toyed with a Brussel sprout. “Several members of the club have noticed the oversight and mentioned it to me, hoping it would soon be your turn.”
“Well, I do forgive Ada for the delay. Perhaps the Lord needed to humble me, or we needed to learn something from the other books we’ve read. In any case, I am delighted that we’ll be reading Mystery at Huckleberry House next month, written by yours truly.”
Cheers went up around the table and the evening progressed, ending on a happy note. Bradley decided the tide was indeed turning, and he was able to lay aside the qualms and fears he had about leaving Jack in charge of his sister’s safe return. The good Lord hadn’t brought them this far to leave them now. There was something about acting in faith about their plan that simply felt right. Whatever the outcome, at least they were about to attempt something.
He studied the stunning brunette seated across from him, his eyes mesmerized by her lovely olive complexion and the warm gaze emanating toward him from her inquisitive, compassionate, beautiful brown eyes. They’d shared nearly every evening together since the day he’d gone to her upstairs apartment in the quaint little house—a house situated far too close to downtown Atlanta for an attractive, single woman’s safety. He was drawn to everything about her, and though he hadn’t been able to protect Briar, he hoped he wouldn’t let Trisha down. Even in this difficult crisis, they’d gone for walks, shared devotionals, watched movies, shared meals, and enjoyed every moment of their free time. He hoped with all his heart that soon they would experience time together in peace and not this war of perpetual crisis. This crisis, like no other, had tested every bit of his endurance and patience. He imagined any number of new songs he’d write about this when it was over, but first he wanted to win these battles. If he couldn’t defeat the enemy soon, he’d have to think about postponing Eternity’s next tour. That was something he didn’t want to do, but he had to find peace in his world again first.
Chapter 15
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1, ESV
BRADLEY AND PATRICIA spent their first three days in London scouring one jeweler after another. They checked pawn shops, jewelry shops, and
attempted to seek out obscure jewelry brokers. The work was aggravating and the results pathetically unproductive; although Trisha immensely enjoyed being driven around the city in the Rolls Royce he’d rented. Their hired driver was discreet and efficient. He knew how to navigate the heavy city traffic, but no matter how well they organized the shops they wanted to investigate, they had little knowledge of what to say once they were inside. No jeweler wanted to admit to having any knowledge of the necklaces. Nor did they know what they’d do beyond attempting to gain information or a lead if they actually found someone willing to admit to recognizing the necklaces in the photos Brad shared.
Invigorated by the sights of the city, but discouraged, they were happy to hear from Miss Pepper when she called on their fourth morning when they’d finished their breakfast in the downstairs dining room of the hotel establishment.
“Are you enjoying London?” Miss Pepper asked after they’d stepped outside to place her call on speaker.
“I’m enjoying the ride to all of the jewelry counters in the Rolls Royce Brad rented,” Trisha said, “but our investigating isn’t going very well.”
“Ah, I suspected as much with the searching. On a happier note, I’ll have to take you out for more driving around in my Rolls when you return home,” Miss Pepper replied. “However, I have good news, and I have more good news. Which would you like to hear first?”
“Have they found Briar?” Brad asked, his expression turning hopeful.
“All right, I’ll give you the good news first. Yes, we have Briar and Douglas is behind bars, likely for many years to come!” Miss Pepper sounded elated as Brad and Patricia clasped hands and released sighs of relief. “I’m sure she’s tired, but tomorrow, I’m going to pay her a visit. Esther and Annette helped me pack a care package for her with tea, chocolate, and some great books for her to read. Oh, and there’s a gift card to a nail salon and a beauty mask treatment in the basket, but never mind all that. First I’ll give you the wonderful details about the rescue.”
“Yes, please,” Trisha nodded, though Miss Pepper couldn’t see her nodding.
“Jack, Harry, Wesley, and Lion-Man Jordy rescued her in the Augusta area. My understanding is that Wesley started to dig around for additional credit card numbers and found one of his cards was being used an awful lot in the Augusta area. Douglas Robinson was moving Briar to a different hotel every other day or so. He and Lion-Man sent photos of Briar and Doug to various hotel managers in the area, asking them to report any check-ins that matched the names or their photos. One of the hotels called back after shortly after they checked in. Wesley and Lion-Man set out to intercept them, and yes, they brought Jack and Harry along to identify Briar. Robinson surrendered Briar a short while ago in exchange for lighter sentencing. Briar is a little shaken, but perfectly fine otherwise. She’s at home now with her sisters at the apartment, exhausted, but resting. Your mother is upset that none of you called her, but she’s glad her daughter is safe now. I’m told Bridget explained everything to her. Oh, and Aunt Tamara is really upset about Rose Marie and her boyfriend disappearing in England, but that’s to be expected. Brandy told me about that.”
“Wow! Thank you for this amazing news, Miss Pepper! Praise the Lord! I’m so thankful. We both are,” Brad said, closing his eyes in relief. He drew in a deep breath and asked, “What’s the more good news?”
“Well, a few days ago, I took the liberty of contacting a friend of mine who lives in the English countryside. She stays at our bed and breakfast whenever she’s visiting the states. She travels on business extensively. In any case, I shared with her about the missing necklaces, described them, and asked her to keep her eyes and ears open. She emailed me a link a little while ago to a journal called Millview upon Highview.”
“Millview upon Highview...never heard of it,” Brad replied.
“It’s basically a British journal filled with society columns and news features about the social climbers and popular members of the peerage,” Pepper explained. “A lot of middle class English folks read it to learn more about the wealthy and titled. Get it, the mill, or the working class get an inside peek at the high, or the upper class...?”
“Okay, we’re following you, Miss Pepper. Do continue,” Trisha said, leaning toward the speaker as they paced in front of the hotel watching the sea gulls flying about. One of the beautiful white birds swooped in, landing on a newspaper stand a few feet from where they were standing. Trisha’s eyes flew wide open even as they listened to Pepper Anne Barrington’s voice. It was so close, they could touch it.
“Anyhow, my friend Betty found an article at the link for the most recent edition with a photo of a social climber wearing what looks to be your ruby necklace, or an incredible replica. Since you said they are one of a kind, I can’t imagine how else she’d have one like it. It’s entirely possible she may have the other in her possession as well. Brad, I kid you not, it looks identical to the red necklace with the heart. I’m going to forward the email so you can have a subpoena scheduled or whatever you choose to do with the information, but I feel strongly the Lord led us right to it.” Miss Pepper paused, breathless from sharing all of the exciting news.
“That is more good news! I’ll let my lawyer know after I have a look at the link. It sounds like it’s time to bring in my attorney’s British contact.” Bradley’s eyes lit up again with hope in them. “Thank you, Miss Pepper. You’ve done great work. I’ll let you go. Briar is texting. I should give her a call. Tell everyone we said great work. We will be able to sleep much easier tonight.”
“How’s Norman?” Trisha asked.
“Norman is sitting on my island feasting on a can of gourmet salmon.”
“Don’t spoil him too much,” Trisha laughed.
When Pepper disconnected the call, Brad and Trisha high-fived each other, elated about all of the news.
“What do you say we have an early celebration dinner later this evening at a charming little pub I noticed yesterday? I asked the concierge about it and they serve some of the best fish, chips, and mushy peas in all of London. It’s not too far from here. We’ll call Briar, then take a look at the link, and get the attorney’s British contact involved on this investigation,” Bradley suggested. “Maybe we can meet with him tomorrow. We’re going to need help. I don’t think we can just barge right in and demand the return of our jewels.”
Trisha giggled. “You’re probably right about that. We need a little help now that we have a strong lead. And I do like the sound of the word, our jewels.” She nuzzled up against him, and he leaned his forehead on hers until they were able to rub noses briefly.
His arms enveloped her, “Oh you do, do you?”
“Yes, I do, Mr. Fielding,” she answered, looking up at him with a coy smile, batting her long eyelashes. Then he brushed her lips with a tender, soft kiss. She closed her eyes, releasing a contented sigh.
“So do we have a date tonight since it sounds like we’ve had a breakthrough on the case of the missing jewelry and a reason to celebrate with Briar safely rescued?” His brow went up as he waited for her reply.
“Sounds wonderful to me,” Trisha grinned. Everything was looking up. If Bradley’s lawyer had led them to the right kind of help, maybe they could finish carrying out the plan.
“Great!” he replied. “For now, I’m just thankful Briar is safe and sound. God is so good. That is the most important thing. Nothing else really matters. Whether or not we get the jewels back, for Aunt Tamara’s sake, we have to try to track down her daughter. Even if it means Rose Marie ends up in prison if the allegations prove to be true. Living a life on the run is no kind of true happiness, but facing one’s mistakes, and learning from them will be better for my cousin in the long run.”
“Yes, you are right, as hard as it is to think of your own cousin in prison.” Trisha sighed, clasping her hand inside his larger one as he used his free hand to phone his sister. Hearing Briar’s voice was going to be so good for them, and her mouth was already wateri
ng for the fish and chips dinner they’d enjoy later on that evening. Maybe they’d even have time to take in a show. They could use an easier day than the ones they’d had so far.
“SPECIAL AGENT REGINALD Higgins, at your service, Mr. Fielding, Miss Johnston,” their contact introduced himself where they’d agreed to meet outside a breakfast café not too far from their hotel three days later. Trisha instantly felt relief that they’d finally have some help in their plight. In the meantime, they’d been happy to enjoy a few of the local sights. They’d gone to a show at a theater in Piccadilly, ventured into the countryside on a charter bus tour of Windsor Castle, and taken in some shopping, buying a few souvenirs.
The agent had taken some details over the phone about the new lead on the necklaces and gone to work well before their first in person meeting. At that time, he’d assured Bradley that he had things well in hand and would soon be in touch. What that meant, was anyone’s guess, but they tried to give him the benefit of the doubt since he knew how to navigate the British law system and they did not. In any case, upon meeting him, he presented a badge which made Trisha and Brad both gulp as they realized he was a British MI-5 agent. Jake hadn’t been kidding about having a friend who could help them.
“Shall we go inside?” Agent Higgins asked. They nodded, following him, speechless. He led them to a table near a window where they could watch London’s rainy streets. After they were seated, he said, “Any friends of Attorney Jake Pelgram are friends of mine. How is that rascal anyhow? Winning every case he takes on, I imagine.”
“He was fine the last time I spoke to him,” Brad said, glancing at the menu. “How do you and Jake know each other?”
Reginald, a tall, healthy looking male appearing to be in his late thirties with a broad chest, dark hair, a mustache, pale skin, blue eyes, and a firm handshake, answered, “We have a mutual interest in the fact he married my sister, Sadie, about a decade ago. Then there’s the matter of my two nieces and a nephew.”