House of Diamonds

by Amber Jakeman

  “Good of you to mention me, Ruben. Is that thing off now? Can you tell me, how are you keeping our streets safe?”

  “I’m the eyes and ears of this place, Stella. You know that. I’ll post this, and we’ll just see what comes in. Good luck with the police. Unlikely to get anywhere. You didn’t get a picture did you?”

  “No. He was gone so fast.”

  “Hmmm.”

  “Yeah. Well. Thanks again.”

  “Thanks to you, Stella. That’s news, you know. Got a few more followers from the last time I featured you. I told you people love jewelry. And crime. This’ll help spread the word about Stellar. You wait and see. This’ll get you a bit more custom for sure.”

  “Thanks.”

  He nodded and was gone, off in the direction of the police station.

  When Jeannie rang minutes later, Stella took the call.

  “Saw it on Facebook. You okay, Stell? Want to lock up early and come home? Need a cuppa?”

  Hearing the concern in her sister’s voice made Stella burst into tears, surprising them both. It gave her some relief. Jeannie had her laughing soon after, saying Huntleys would think she’d done it on purpose for the free publicity.

  “Don’t you dare write that, Jeannie! Tell me you won’t!”

  “Just teasing. Sorry, sis. But seriously. Guess how many followers have just come in?”

  “No idea.”

  “Another twelve. Just while we’ve been speaking. Ruben’s right. Crime’s popular.”

  “Well, followers are fine, Jeannie. But they need to buy stuff or I’m going to go out of business.” She didn’t add that she would soon owe another few hundred dollars if she couldn’t make a decent payment off her card debt.

  “Hey. You’ll be okay. What about that cuppa? Early mark?”

  “I actually need to stay and trade. Now, more than ever.”

  “Come home, Stell. Take a break. See the girls. Have some lunch with me and I’ll drop you back in this afternoon when I go grocery shopping. Matt’ll be back. He can mind the girls while they sleep.”

  “Okay. Thanks, Jeannie”

  Still feeling empty, Stella locked up and headed for the bus stop. Jeannie was right. She needed a break.

  ...

  Lucy jumped up and launched herself at Stella for a hug, then toddled away and returned clutching a small pile of books. Stella was only too pleased to draw her onto her lap and read to her. Lucy’s chubby legs jiggling with anticipation, settling as each story began. Stella helped her to turn the pages. The bright books with their simple stories comforted her, particularly Old McDonald’s Farm. Even Sienna joined in, with a kind of happy yell, whenever they sang together. After four times through the same book, they were all ready for lunch - leftover spaghetti followed by jelly.

  Matt walked in with his suit bag while they were eating, back after another week in Singapore. He ran through the shower and returned in shorts and a tee shirt, ruffling everyone’s hair. The girls held up their arms for cuddles and he took one daughter in each of his own, planting big kisses on their cheeks till they squealed to be put back down.

  “So, what’s this I hear about a robbery?” said Matt, taking a seat at the table. “You okay, Stell?”

  Stella nodded. “A bit shaken, but at least no one was hurt.

  “Stellar jewels must be really hot property if people are stealing it.” He sprinkled a hefty spoonful of grated cheese over his helping. “Great. Leftovers. My favourite. I’m so over room service.”

  “Lucky you,” said Jeannie.

  “Hey! Let me babysit tonight,” said Stella, pleased to see Jeannie and Matt reach for each other under the table. “You two don’t see nearly enough of each other. But I have to tell you, Matt, he only stole the cash.”

  Matt whistled when Stella described it again, causing Lucy to blow through her lips, too, and make everyone laugh.

  ...

  In the car, Stella was almost tempted to tell Jeannie of her financial woes, but thought the better of it. She’d reported the robbery to the police, and there wasn’t much more to be done, except trade, trade, trade. The weather was fine. That would help.

  Fritz waved her over when Stella dropped her off.

  He had a new bag for her.

  “From Clint. On the house, he said. Gift. For you. A bit shy, Clint.”

  Stella waved over at Clint and blew him a kiss.

  “You okay, Stella?”

  She nodded, full of spaghetti and love. She still felt sick when she thought of the money she’d lost, on top of that astronomical debt, but as long as her stall could stay trading, she would gradually trade forwards, wouldn’t she?

  Fortunately some customers arrived to take her mind off her woes, but although they looked and took photographs of themselves at her stall, they didn’t buy.

  All afternoon she thought of her debt and Damian’s letter. Damian’s $25,000 was such a dangling carrot. It would solve her financial problems immediately, but there was no way she’d go back. She’d rather starve.

  She forced herself to count her blessings. Wonderful Jeannie. She closed her eyes in gratitude at her sister’s generosity and encouragement. They shot open a moment later. Jeannie’s birthday! It was coming up, and she’d made a vow to surprise her this year with something truly beautiful, a lasting treasure. It was a long-held dream to give Jeannie a “proper” gift. All their lives they’d traded practical, low-cost gifts, like socks and underwear, or secondhand treasures, or things they’d made themselves, making the most of what little they had. This year would be different.

  She wanted to give her something that would have value no matter what the future held - an heirloom like the locket the old lady carried closely, into her old age.

  Well. She couldn’t let the robbery stop her good intentions. Why let the thief steal her sense of purpose as well as her money? No. What was $500 here or there? Petty theft was a temporary inconvenience, a mere blip on her financial fortunes - poorly timed for sure, while the credit card debt grew like a cancer - but ultimately insignificant, or so she hoped.

  This gift meant so much to her. She had to have faith in her dream. Sales were good. She would earn back the money soon, wouldn’t she?

  And even if she ended up having to return to Exos to clear the debt, the gift would remain to remind them all of her venture out east, perhaps to be reactivated some time in the future.

  Yes. She wanted the best for Jeannie. Quality. Huntleys! She laughed at herself. Was she being softened up by their social spin? Doubtless there were other great jewelry stores in Sydney, but the one thing she could say for Huntleys was it was conveniently located for her She wouldn’t be wasting much time.

  Stella was absolutely determined to find something of true beauty and value for Jeannie’s birthday, and soon.

  ...

  Next morning, Stella scanned the mall. Quiet. A few older men chatted at a coffee shop, some office workers were smoking outside their building, and a few pigeons pecked at the pavement, strutting about for each other.

  She locked up shop then gave Fritz a wave.

  He raised his eyebrows.

  “Going shopping,” she said, eyes shining with resolve. She’d been planning this treat since her first day of trade, longing to explore all those treasures inside Huntleys and select something just right for Jeannie’s birthday.

  She’d allowed herself half an hour to browse. What was the point of being in business for yourself if you never gave yourself a break? Matt was planning a surprise birthday party for Jeannie that weekend, and Stella didn’t want to put off her gift hunting a moment longer.

  She planted her big straw hat on the hook at the side of her stall, hung a big, sparkling “back soon” sign across her Stellar sign.

  “Thanks, boss!” she said to herself, peering in at one of her mirrors, pushing her hair into shape.

  “Well, you deserve it,” she told her reflection, double checking her choice of clothing for the day; a simple, scoop necked
, pale blue polka dot cotton dress, practical yet feminine, and just right for this weather. She was wearing a small string of faux pearls alternating with fake sapphires, each separated by a run of silver chain. In each ear was a small half pearl stud and droplet of a faux sapphire, swinging on a length of fine chain. It was a new design she’d put together the previous Sunday afternoon when Jeannie and the girls were having “quiet time” and Matt was out doing the week’s grocery shopping as penance for being away so often. It meant there’d be a few more corn chips and chocolates than Jeannie normally wanted in the house, but it was a small price to pay. Matt would demolish them soon enough. Stella finished the earrings. Now she wanted to find out how they felt in her ears. They swung a little as she walked. They felt good.

  She headed across to Huntleys, stopping and turning before entering. There it was, small but definite, her own bright mark on the world, with its lights flashing, exclaiming “Stellar” to the world - this start of her dream come true - her way of making a living from what she loved.

  She glanced along the mall at the other stalls. There was Clint, using this quiet time to chat with Fritz, the two old men of the mall with their backs to the morning sunlight, nodding and gesticulating about something.

  There was Donna, further up the mall, setting up late today, unpacking her new stock, hanging it up to swing a little in the breeze and catch the eye of the lunch crowd to come. She and Donna met a week earlier when a rogue wind unleashed a whole pile of her scarves, scattering them along the mall like bright sea creatures. When the first one came billowing past, Stella reached out and caught it, then all the others. Donna, chasing them from the rear, insisted she select one to keep, though she’d selected a sunhat instead.

  Donna saw her about to enter Huntleys and gave her a wave. She waved back. How fond she’d become of her new part of the world in such a short while, including the other stallholders! Good people, trying to make a living.

  She savoured the anticipation. What a treat to see some real jewels, and study some fresh designs by master jewelers! As she swung open the front doors and noticed again that faint whiff of furniture polish. Should she start here or go straight to the upper level, either in the elevator or via the old staircase?

  In the foyer, peering around in the sudden dimness to see if there was a guide to what to find on each floor, she stopped. James was coming straight towards her.

  “Stella,” he said smoothly, extending his hand, charming but aloof, superior. She couldn’t help but admire how perfectly his suit fitted, a dark blue one today, with a hand stitched collar.

  “To what do we owe the pleasure of your company, Miss Rhys?”

  Was he mocking her? Dumb struck, she regarded him. Did he greet all his customers this way? Or was he insinuating he didn’t want her custom?

  “There are public facilities at the end of the mall,” he added.

  Her eyes flashed fire. How dare he!

  “I know, thank you, and I haven’t used your facilities since that first day, thank you very much.” She was offended by his barbed comment. Why had Jeannie had to be so aggressive on social media? This was awkward. “You might think it’s extraordinary, James, but I’m actually here as a customer. At least, I was planning to browse and to purchase something. Is that alright with you? Or do you only sell to movie stars and the rich and famous?” How dare he insult her like this! If he treated all his potential customers this way, it was no wonder his store was practically devoid of them.

  He stiffened and looked away from her. Good.

  “Oh, you’re famous alright, Stellar. Quite famous.”

  Compliment or insult?

  As his eyes grazed her necklace and earrings, she blushed. But she couldn’t let herself be intimidated. She had every right to be here. She’d planned this treat for more than a week, and she wouldn’t be bullied out of it by some clueless heir. She must stand up to him. Call him out on his rudeness. Defend herself, and attack if necessary. Stealthily.

  “Really? I’m famous, am I? Maybe you’d like to tell me about it. I have half an hour. Come for coffee, James?”

  “Unfortunately, it’s not possible today.” This time, he seemed embarrassed. Good. “Another time perhaps. I’m just on my way out.” He stepped backwards, ushering her into the main part of the store and gesturing to one of the staff.

  “Lorna, can I ask you to come and assist our customer, please? Lorna, this is Miss Rhys, a fellow jeweler. We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome you.” Was he mocking her? She retained her dignity, explaining her quest to the young sales assistant.

  “I’d like something for my sister,” she said, turning sideways at James to ensure he heard. “It’s her birthday this weekend. I have an open mind about how much to spend.”

  “Lovely,” said Lorna. “Well, welcome. It’s mostly watches and everyday pieces on this floor. Upstairs we have our VIP selection. Do you have in mind what you’d like to buy? Would you like to just browse, or can I show you something in particular?”

  “I’d love to browse, thank you, Lorna. How about I call you once I’ve had a general look?”

  Chapter 12

  Stella adored jewelry. Always had. She could have gone elsewhere, and she might yet, but with so little time on her hands, Huntleys was it. She took a look at the lockets - hearts set out for valentines and young lovers. They were sweet. Some were old-fashioned, etched gold, and others more modern, exaggeratedly puffed up and shiny, and there were some outlines, strung through with their chains, and even a variation of the hearts broken in half, for sweethearts to share. Several were studded with small gemstones. They were pleasant enough, but there was nothing outstanding, and certainly nothing here was suitable for sisters.

  She moved on to the pendants. The gemstones were tiny compared to the ones she worked with. Of course, these were real, but they were starved of life, stuck there in their cabinets. The settings were far from inspirational. It was a disappointment. She found herself frowning.

  She moved to another cabinet, hoping to find something more interesting, something more “Jeannie.” Strings of pearls. Good quality, yes. She could see their lustres, some pale pink and green, others more creamy, but the prices were astronomical. And truly. Her own supplies might not be the real thing, but to her mind, they were every bit as beautiful.

  Over to the watches she wandered, but watches were something she could find anywhere, in any magazine, or any other jewelers, or even a department store these days, and how many watches did one need? Jeannie used her mobile phone to tell the time.

  She couldn’t hide her disappointment. She shook her head at Lorna, walking away.

  “Nothing today, miss?”

  “No, thank you, Lorna.”

  She was surprised to find James still in the foyer.

  “You’re not pleased with what you’ve seen,” he said. Was he wanting her reassurance? She couldn’t make him out.

  She stared at him before answering.

  “Perhaps there’ll be something suitable on the next floor.” Could he really care about her opinion? James was clearly more complex than she’d first imagined. Was there something vulnerable about Mr Perfect after all? She decided she liked him better for it, and smiled.

  Taking it as an invitation, he began to speak, following her up the stairs.

  “I’ve cancelled my appointment. I’m interested in your comments. You clearly have a real eye for jewelry and for what the market wants.”

  “Oh?”

  She quickened her step, keen to see what the next floor might offer.

  Again, he opened the door for her, and for just a moment she allowed herself to feel accompanied, truly welcome. It was a rare sensation. Her meetings with Damian had always been clandestine, furtive. There’d been business trips in distant cities, a day or two of meals together in impersonal hotels, when she’d allow herself to imagine her whole life might one day be shared with him, but never something as simple as just being together.

  Jim w
as in the section at the back, head down, intent on his work. Or was he nodding off?

  But it was the centre of the room that caught her attention. There was a new cabinet, up on a dais, brighter than all the other cabinets, gilded and lined with lights like the mirror of a Hollywood actor.

  Past sparkling polished glass counters laden with engagement rings, gold chains and platinum ones, and a few spotlit gemstone pendants, she was drawn to the new cabinet. Inside it, black velvet rose up in three tiers on four sides. At the centre of each tier was a single item.

  She drew a breath. Behind her, James was poised, watching her reaction.

  Time stopped. She stared at the cabinet. She walked around it as if in a trance.

  On one side were rubies, on another, sapphires. Then there were diamonds, white and hard and fiery in the professional cabinet, blazing like stars against the black velvet.

  But. On the final side. There was no denying it. Huge. Green. Emeralds.

  Her cry rang out across the entire hushed floor. Jim looked up sharply.

  “This is my design, James!”

  James stepped back, like a magician, his arms wide, triumphant, looking at her as if he’d accomplished something magnificent.

  She could scarcely breathe.

  She approached the cabinet and studied the jewels. They were spectacular. It was true. She could barely imagine how much they must cost, this size, half the size of her own, yet in real gemstones. Every detail was the same, yet these jewels had a class and quality far beyond the faux ones. These were truly beautiful. They were great pieces, heirlooms of the future. Any star would want these. Any wife or mother or lovestruck teenager, any sister or working woman or grandmother. They were masterpieces.

  On closer inspection, every setting mirrored her own designs. She pointed at the sapphire rosette choker.