Chapter 73

 

Pen felt dead on her feet by the time the ladies had covered the entire show and arrived back at their hotel. With comfortable clothing and glasses of wine they sprawled over the couches and chairs in the suite’s living room. They’d already discussed the disappointing results of the jewelry search: no sign of Pen’s heirloom necklace or any of the stones.

“So, what next?” Sandy asked.

“Well, I do have a bit of news,” Pen said, “something I was saving until we had a bit of privacy. The detective from Phoenix is here in the city. I spoke with him.”

Wide eyes and incredulous stares all around.

“The same man who told you his department was dropping the case because your necklace wasn’t worth it?” Gracie asked.

“He acknowledges that was not true. Apparently someone working at the museum switched the documents so it would look as though my necklace was a reproduction.”

“And then proceeded to help the thief get in to steal it.” Sandy’s voice was firm.

“He didn’t go so far as to admit that. There is still quite a lot I don’t fully understand,” Pen said. “The good news is that he’s here in Nice because of a strong lead and he thinks he can recover my property.”

“But we can do that,” Amber pointed out. “We found those same leads and we got here first.”

“I know. I know, my dear, but it’s not a matter of who was here first. It’s a matter of getting the necklace. He has contact with the local police and many more resources than we do.”

“So you’re saying we give up? Quit and let the police handle it?” Gracie seemed a little indignant at the idea.

“No way,” said Amber. She had picked up her laptop from the table and was already tapping away at the keys. “We can finish this thing on our own. I don’t trust that detective. I mean, do you? Really?”

Pen saw the logic of Amber’s argument, truly. Suddenly she wasn’t quite sure what to do.

“Let’s do both,” Sandy suggested. “I mean, it can’t hurt to let this policeman keep working on it. But we can do the same.”

“And we’ll get there first,” Amber declared. “The Heist Ladies will not be outdone!”