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FU WAS SETTING ACROSS the bar from Kane drinking coffee while looking at the newspaper about the Allan Potts suicide. He was found in his office in his Hardware store yesterday morning. The article stated he shot himself. The police believe there were money problems after the proposed sale of his store did not go through. Fu set the newspaper aside when Kane asked how her partner Gavin was getting along at St. Marie’s Hospital.
“He’s in good shape after a bad concussion complaining that his stitches itched, he wanted to shave his head. I told him to leave well enough alone. It was his thick wooly hair that saved him. When I left him he was writing to his mother.”
Fu decided not to tell Kane about Gavin and his mother's stones. They were diamonds left to her by her brother. Gavin explained how safe she was surrounded by their Hawaiian family.
“I’m glad he’s feeling better. Kane looked at the door as Sue Lee walked in with an old man supporting himself with a cane. Hi, Cuz, Happy New Year!”
“You too Kane, she said reaching across the bar to kiss his large cheek. And Happy New Year to you Fu, it is good to see you again, how is Gavin?” Sue Lee paused noticing the stares from Kane and Fu at her companion.
“Oh, forgive my manners, this is Dr. Leonardo Bonucc from Rome. He speaks little English, but not very well.”
Alex rolled his eyes before he bowed to Fu and softly said. “I’m sorry about Gavin, but please tell him we are on the bastards trail.” He then switched in a louder voice speaking in Italian with a mix of English. “It is wonderful to meet such a lovely Donna. And to meet you is a pleasure Signore.” Alex said bowing to Kane, who marveled at his disguise. He was delighted to see Alex was alive, but he looked 70 years old.
Fu was too taken aback by Alex being alive, “God this man is a legend.”
After everyone settled into their cribbage games at the tables around the bar room. Sue Lee whispered, “We need to talk can you both meet with us at my apartment at five? Kane and Fu nodded yes in unison. Great, now where's Jacob we are starving.”
Jacob shuffled out of his kitchen somehow knowing he was needed for a food order.
“Happy New Year Sue Lee, then said softly great beard, Alex.” Kane rolled his eyes.
* * *
KANE AND FU WERE SITTING across from Alex, as he rested on Sue Lee’s sofa looking normal without his disguise, but Kane thought he looked tired. After being shot years ago while on duty as a Homicide detective, he understood the feeling.
Fu looked around the room, Dr. Jane, and Sir Johnathan were standing next to a handsome man named Sylvester, with a beautiful woman by his side. Sue Lee entered the living room and nodded to Alex to begin.
“We are setting a trap for Allan Potts's killer. We need your help. However, it is all being done under the radar so to speak. He said looking at Fu. Not even your partner Gavin should know about what we are about to do, understood? Fu nodded yes, Whatever. It was she wanted to be part of it. If the company didn't believe in revenge, she did. “Sylvester will explain more.”
“Oh, I have the floor, do I look all right, he said smoothing down thick hair. Let us get on then. The newspapers have set the tone for our little escapade with all the recent articles about Himmler’s stash. I’m using my connections to put myself in contact with a fence named Jewels. He is the only one I know that would consider handling precious stone such as this alluring sample. Especially, if it is rumored to be part of the Himmler collection.” Sylvester held up a large uncut diamond for all to see. “It is marvelous. It's about a quarter size of a stone found in 1905 in South Africa sold to the British Colonial government for fifty-thousand pounds. Today it would be 275.00% higher in value. Worldwide buyers prefer cut stones. However, it would appeal to unscrupulous buyers willing to make a deal with the two families trying to bring down the monopoly of the De Beers or the De Beers themselves.” He said looking at Jonathan to continue.
“You see we have surmised that the Potts gathered information about the diamonds during the writing of Himmler’s biography. Nevertheless, since Himmler killed himself in 45 we are confident they do not know where the hidden diamonds are, and the articles written make it harder to sell if they find them. They’re only source for selling is the three mentioned, De Beers, Patibandla, and the Russian. It would be impossible for them to check all rumors, but when a notorious Jewel theft is putting out feelers about an uncut stone of high value, perhaps connected to the Himmler’s hist, hopefully, it will bring them out of hiding, We assume the meeting place will be at the Hardware store which is now closed due to Allan’s death,” Jonathan nodded to Sylvester to continue.
“Mario and Yvette entered the Hardware store last night to set up booby traps within,” Sylvester said turning to Yvette.
“Right, we have a layout of the store where we planted the Bombas, not to worry, they are flash devices to add a distraction when needed. Mario has rewired the lights and will have control of them. On the map, you will also see the placement of weapons. They and the flash bombs are located on both floors, but the basement will more than likely be the meeting place. No outside lights will show.”
“Why at the store, they could choose to meet anywhere,” Fu asked?
“It's their turf, and Jewels is European, not familiar with San Francisco, Neither is Randy, so he would feel safer meeting at the store. We don’t know when this caper will begin, study the maps as soon as possible. We could have a go by tomorrow, any questions?”
Fu mind was racing. These people were like a precision team of militants. The research she did at headquarters was vague, especially about Sylvester he was only known as the gentleman Jewel thief, and his highly dangerous companion, Yvette, a sommelier from Paris. All commanded by Sir Jonathan. How could we lose?