by Carmen Green
“Don’t worry. There isn’t a quiz later,” she said.
He laughed and they walked to the last display that consisted of the statement “Solve this problem.” An older man sat behind the table, watching as two people wrote on sheets of paper. Renee looked at the problem for a minute. It didn’t look so bad. If she’d been alone, she would have attempted to solve it, but she wasn’t comfortable doing it with Chris there. He knew she was smart, but it was something else to witness it. A group of college students wandered to the table.
“I’m telling you. Nobody’s going to solve it and it sure won’t be a girl,” a lanky young man with long brown hair said.
“You’re so full of it, Eric,” a young woman with short blond hair spat back.
“If you’re so sure, pony up. A hundred dollars says a girl won’t solve that problem.”
“I’ll take that bet.” The young lady held out her hand.
Renee wanted to compete now more than ever, but the day was going so well and she didn’t want to do anything to spoil it. Her intelligence intimidated most men.
Chris turned to her. “Are you going to prove that idiot wrong?”
“I hadn’t planned on it,” she said.
“Go ahead. Do your thing. It will be good for the rest of the girls here.”
Renee couldn’t believe what she was hearing. He wanted her to show off her intelligence in public? “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
He shrugged. “Why would I mind? Show everyone the real Renee.”
She looked at him and at that moment realized that she’d fallen in love with him.
CHAPTER 11
That night, Renee waited in her hotel room for Chris to return from his meeting with Bill Reynolds. It had been too late to cancel one room so they’d kept both. She sat on her bed and tried to come to grips with the fact that she loved Chris Foster. She would never tell him. The people she loved would always leave her; her parents, even Marc, whom she hadn’t loved but wanted to love, had left her. Aunt Gert was the exception.
Chris would leave her without a doubt. He was already making plans to move from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. She’d have to keep her feelings to herself.
Her heart raced when she heard the locks disengage. He walked into the room with a folder in his hand and smiled. “I really like seeing you in the middle of the bed.”
“There’s plenty of room.” She patted the side closest to him. “Join me.”
He shook his head. “Unfortunately you and I have places to be.” He walked to one of the lounge chairs and sat down. “Reynolds bought several pieces of jewelry from a place called La Luna. That’s where we’re heading.”
She looked down at her black pants. “Do I need to change into the suit?”
“No. It won’t matter,” he said.
La Luna was located in a new building that had been designed and decorated to look old and was a combination art gallery and jewelry store. There were plenty of customers wandering around the two-story building.
A tall woman with short, black hair and pale skin greeted them. “Welcome to La Luna. How can I help you?”
Chris flashed his badge and introduced himself. “Can you tell us if anyone came in here looking for information about this necklace or how they could sell it?” Chris showed her a picture of Miss Gert’s necklace.
The lady studied the necklace for a few seconds. “Yes. A customer wanted to know if someone could design something similar to this. Talk to Edmond. He can tell you more.”
Renee felt a kick of excitement. Would they finally find it? She hoped so. The lady led them to Edmond, who was an older man with age spots and a sharp eye. He remembered the necklace. “Yes. A guy came in a few months ago and wanted to know the names of designers who could make this necklace.”
“Did you give him names?” Chris asked.
“I gave him two names. Both designers use this art deco style in their work. Like this ring.” He pointed to a ring in the display case. “Do you want the names of the designers?”
“Yes,” he said.
“Alfred Belmont is one. He’s here in California. We carried a few of his pieces before he became big. The other designer is in New York—her name is Arella. Does good work.”
“Would either of them buy a necklace like this?” Renee asked.
“Alfred could afford to buy it, but I don’t think Arella could,” Edmond said.
“Do you have a number or address where I can reach either of them?” Chris added.
“I’ll get them.” The old man walked away.
Renee waited until he was out of sight. “Why would Marc want designers?”
“Designers know how to redesign stolen jewelry or they might know who’s interested in buying stolen jewelry,” Chris said.
The thought of Aunt Gert’s necklace being taken apart gave her a sick feeling in her stomach. Instead of thinking about that possibility, Renee studied the jewelry inside the display case. The ring Edmond had pointed out was beautiful. The cocktail ring had a large princess-cut diamond in the center with smaller diamonds surrounding it. Its style reminded her of Aunt Gert’s necklace.
Edmond returned and gave Chris a piece of paper. “Here’s the information. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
“Thanks,” Chris replied.
“I’d like to see the ring,” Renee said when the men shook hands.
Edmond smiled and unlocked the case. The ring was a little loose on her finger but it looked gorgeous. She listened with half an ear to Edmond’s description of the ring. “Who designed this ring?” she asked, admiring the way it looked on her hand.
“Arella designed it,” he said.
She wanted it and winced when Edmond told her the cost. Reluctantly she returned the ring. “I’d like your card. I can’t buy the ring now, but if it’s still here later, I want it,” she told him.
“Absolutely.” He gave her his card.
Chris remained silent during the exchange but gave Edmond his card, also. The older man’s eyebrows lifted when he read the card. They left the store and drove toward the hotel.
“Are you hungry?” Chris asked.
“No. I’m still full from lunch,” she said as she looked over the file Bill Reynolds had given Chris. “Marc bought a lot of jewelry, but none of the wives received much. I wonder what he did with it all?”
“Tell Danielle and Alex to check Marc’s clothing. He might have hidden some of it there.”
Renee reached into her purse. “You’re right,” she said as she dialed Danielle’s number. “I can’t help but think he has them someplace else. Hey, Danielle. It’s Renee.”
“Hello, Renee. How’s it going?” Her voice was as smooth and sensual as her looks.
“Good. Listen, you need to search Marc’s clothes. He bought a lot of jewelry. More than I think he ever gave us, and Chris thinks some of it might be hidden in his clothes.”
“What! That lying ass,” Danielle said coldly.
“Yeah. I know. Chris found a gold credit card and a Florida license in one of Marc’s jackets at my house.”
“If he weren’t already dead…” she muttered.
“I know,” Renee said.
“Hey, did you find your aunt’s necklace?”
“No, but we’re still looking. We’re in Los Angeles now. We went to Marc’s job to pick up his things.”
Danielle sighed. “One day, we’ll look back and wonder how we made it through this. On a happier note, have you decided what to wear to Alex’s wedding?”
“No. I’d planned to buy something when I got home.”
“How long are you going to be in L.A.?” Danielle asked.
“We’re leaving early tomorrow.”
“Stop by my friend’s shop, Cocoa. She sells beautiful clothes, and I’m sure she’ll have something that’s perfect for the wedding. Tell her I sent you.”
“Okay, I’ll stop by.” Renee heard static on the line. “I’d better call Alex before I totally lose my cell phone signal.”
“Do you want me to call Alex? I’ve got to call her anyway and I’ll tell her to check Marc’s clothes.”
“Sure. Thank you, Danielle.” Renee ended the call. “Danielle’s going to call Alex,” she told him.
“Good. If you’re not hungry, then I’ll grab a sandwich before we get back to the hotel.”
“Go ahead, but do you think we can find a place called Cocoa? Danielle thinks I should go there to look for a dress for Alex’s wedding.”
Hours later, they returned to the hotel. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into buying those clothes.” Renee dropped her bags on the bed.
He put the bags he carried on the bed beside hers. “They look good on you.”
He’d made her model the outfits. He and Danielle’s friend, Cocoa, had critiqued them with brutal honesty. They found the perfect lavender silk dress for her to wear to the wedding. “I don’t know if they’ll all fit in my suitcase.”
“Put some of them in mine,” he said, loosening his tie.
There was a certain intimacy in placing your clothes in another’s suitcase. When she finished packing, she climbed on the bed where Chris studied the notes and receipts Bill Reynolds gave him.
“Marc made a lot of trips to New York and California on commercial flights,” he said.
“He could have easily met with either jewelry designer,” she said, wishing she’d brought her laptop with her. She’d have to wait until she got home before she could do research on them.
Chris closed the file and put it on the nightstand. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to do all day,” he said and gathered her into his arms.
“What have you wanted to do all day?” she asked in a teasing voice.
“This,” he said, and kissed her, long, slow and softly.
* * *
“Scratch Alfred Belmont off the list,” Chris said, closing his cell phone. “There’s a nine-month wait before he’ll consult with new clients.” They’d arrived in Birmingham a few hours ago and began gathering research on the two designers immediately.
He sat at “his” desk, searching for information on Belmont while Renee searched for information on Arella. He stretched his arms, attempting to work the stiffness out of his shoulders from sitting at his computer.
Watching Renee work was always interesting. She wore a turquoise dress he’d convinced her to buy in Los Angeles. The dress showed off her curvy figure.
“I’m not coming up with much on Arella,” she said. “I’m still looking. The phone number is good, but no answer so far.”
“If it’s a cell phone, it might not get a good signal.”
“That’s true. I’m going to stop looking for information on her for a while. There’s something bothering me about Marc’s finances. I know he juggled money around, but I’m going to look there for a while.”
“Okay. I’ll search for Arella. I’m getting coffee. Do you want more?”
“Yes, and bring some cookies. I’m hungry.”
He went to the kitchen and poured two cups of coffee—black for him and light and sweet for her. They were as different as their tastes in coffee. He never settled down in one place and she’d planted roots deep in the Alabama soil. Yet, he wanted her and craved her company. For now, he’d enjoy his time with her because in a week he’d be back in Atlanta. He piled a bunch of cookies on a plate and balanced the two cups of coffee in his hand. Don’t think about the future, he told himself.
When he walked into the office, she was standing beside his desk and frowning. When had that become his desk?
“What’s wrong?” He put down the cups and held out the plate of cookies.
She selected one and said with disgust, “Marc used three different social security numbers.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.” Renee bit hard into the cookie.
“Talk to your lawyer,” he said.
“Oh, I plan to…believe me…and then I’m…”
The sound of the doorbell stopped her.
She marched to the door. Chris wanted to throw something. What else could Marc do wrong?
“Guess who’s coming home tonight, or this morning, rather?” Terrell Smithstone entered the foyer wearing shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops, looking nothing like the hard-nosed attorney he’d dealt with a few weeks ago.
“Who?” Renee asked.
“Karen. She’s finished and we’re having a party. Mom wants you to bake something Karen would like. And bring Miss Gert.” He stopped and looked at her. “You look nice.”
“Thanks. I’ll be there. Why didn’t she tell anybody so we could plan?”
“She wasn’t sure she’d finish this soon. Anyway, gotta run. Oh, bring him with you,” Smithstone said.
“Wait. I need to talk to you as my lawyer,” Renee said.
“What?” Smithstone gave Chris a hard look.
“Marc used three different social security numbers. I need you to tell me how to minimize the damage,” Renee said.
Chris admired Smithstone’s ability to control his anger. “I’ll tell you what I find out. Don’t worry.”
“I’ll try anyway. And please tell your mom I’m making chocolate cake.”
“Bake two. You know between Dad and Karen, there won’t be any cake left for the rest of us…and come early.” He turned to Chris. “Foster, fair warning. Hang with the guys tomorrow.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said.
“See y’all tomorrow,” Smithstone said and left.
Chris looked at her. “Are your cakes as good as your cookies?”
“I think my cakes are better.”
“Maybe you should make three cakes.”
She laughed. “I’ll make three cakes if you keep me company in the kitchen.”
“You’ve got a deal.” He went to the office and retrieved his laptop and some files. If his being in the kitchen with her made her happy then he was there.
She began gathering ingredients and placing them on the counter.
“How long has your friend been out of town?” He put the laptop on the small table.
“Over a year. She was in South Africa.” She removed eggs, butter and milk from the refrigerator and set them on the counter.
“Beautiful country.”
She looked at him in surprise. “You’ve been there? I wanted to visit her but I never got the chance.”
He’d bet Marc was the reason she hadn’t gone to see her friend. “Once to Cape Town. I’d go there again. What was she doing in South Africa?”
“Working. She’s a psychiatrist.”
“Speaking of work, I’d better get at it,” he said. “I want to check a few things before the baseball game starts. Do you like baseball?”
“I can take it or leave it. I’m more of a football fan.”
“Do you mind if I watch the game tonight? The Braves are playing.”
“No. The television’s all yours tonight.”
He opened a file folder and looked at the photograph of a younger Miss Gert. “Miss Gert likes jewelry. Do you know what happened to the earrings that matched the necklace?”
“I don’t know. You’ll have to ask her about them,” Renee said and began mixing.
“You don’t wear a lot of jewelry.”
“No, but I love jewelry. I haven’t bought a lot of it. I’m going to change that.”
“You should. You like books and you buy those.”
She smiled at him. “You’re right. I like Aunt Gert’s necklace, but I’d never buy something like that for me. I like something less flashy for a necklace. Now a ring is different.”
“I’m afraid to ask, but why is a ring different?”
“Well, it’s smaller, more discreet and you can get away with wearing a flashy ring with plain clothes more than a flashy necklace.” Her smile was mysterious.
“Is this a woman thing that no man can possibly ever understand?”
“Yes.”
He shook his head and started working
. It surprised him how comfortable he was with her. He liked talking with her. It wouldn’t take much to get used to having her around, and that worried him.
CHAPTER 12
The Smithstones lived two houses down from Renee. Chris had picked up Aunt Gert an hour ago and the three of them carried one cake each as they walked down the sidewalk to the party. She felt feminine wearing the peach shorts and a matching floral tank top that she’d bought in Los Angeles.
“I can’t wait to see Karen,” Aunt Gert said. “The pictures she e-mailed to us were lovely.”
“I’m sure Karen’s ready to see you, too,” Renee said, eager to see her friend. Calls, e-mails and instant messaging weren’t the same as a visit.
She looked over her shoulder to check on Chris. He looked good in tan shorts and a white polo shirt. In addition to the cake, he also carried two folding lounge chairs. He met her gaze and smiled at her. Her pulse fluttered. Being with him made her realize how much she’d missed by settling with Marc.
Never again.
Chris made her feel wanted and desired. He made her desire things she’d long ago given up on.
They walked up the front walkway and around to the back. Renee opened the gate to the backyard. A large patio stretched along the entire back of the house. At the far end, Karen and Terrell’s father, Mr. Smithstone, manned his enormous stainless-steel grill that billowed smoke and tantalizing aromas. Three folding tables were covered with a variety of covered dishes and paraphernalia.
Mr. Smithstone smiled when he saw them. “Set those down before Karen comes out,” he said, motioning to one of the tables.
They put the cakes on the table. Renee’s mouth began to water. “Where is she?” Renee asked.
At that moment, Karen opened the glass patio door and squealed. Delighted, Renee ran across the wooden deck and hugged her.
Karen returned the hug then stepped back. “Look at you. I love the outfit. I missed you. Tell me everything.”
Renee laughed. “You haven’t changed a bit.”
“Of course she hasn’t,” Aunt Gert interrupted and hugged Karen.
Karen looked at Chris and smiled. “You must be Chris. My brother said you were here.” She held out her hand.
