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The Ruby of Siam
Book 7
Book 7
When Jillian and Teddy travel to London with her wedding attendants, they find themselves embroiled in a jewel heist with a man left stabbed to death. Can they solve the crimes in the midst of Jillian’s wedding plans? An old acquaintance from San Diego offers his help, but will it be enough to solve the mystery? Perhaps the jewel has a curse.
PROLOGUE
Lucas Sansurin crouched in a thick cluster of trees along a dark stretch of road on the outskirts of London and waited. He used the back of his hand to wipe beads of sweat from his brow. The anxiety of pulling off the heist increased moment by moment. The treasure he had so long pursued was within his grasp...only a few more moments before the courier would arrive. He was ready.
To mark the arranged meeting place, he’d dragged a fallen tree branch to block the car’s path. Yes, with one simple diversion, The Ruby of Siam would be his – the legendary stone believed to bring success and invulnerability to its possessor. Soon, he, Lucas Sansurin, an utter failure in the eyes of the world for his entire thirty-two miserable years, would be that single powerful owner.
The sound of a vehicle approaching caused him to stiffen. When the headlights grew brighter, Lucas inhaled and slowly released his breath.
As the car neared, Lucas took out a small flashlight and checked his wristwatch to confirm the time. The thief stepped from where he’d hidden and waved his arms, a signal for the black Renault to slow and pull over.
He would concoct a story of being stranded if the leather-jacketed figure inside was not his friend. The tires squealed to an abrupt stop where Lucas now stood on the side of the road. He approached cautiously as the driver rolled down the passenger window.
Even in the darkness, Lucas recognized the longtime friend of his family. Without a word, Lucas reached inside the car and removed the brown paper bag from the front seat. His eyes never left the face of his collaborator who simply nodded. This friend, the thief realized, had risked the possibility of losing his job to help him.
The accomplice rolled up the window and drove away as Lucas stepped back and watched the car disappear.
Now the Ruby of Siam belonged to him. The bag felt weighty. He smiled to himself, and was relieved the plan had succeeded. Then he placed the small sack inside his jacket and dashed to his bicycle hidden in the thicket, eager for home and safety.
Before setting off, Lucas took the bag from his jacket, opened it and took the necklace out. He stroked every facet, marveling at his prize. Relishing the taste of his coup, he thought of how his luck would change, how he’d finally bring a better life to his beloved wife and children.
He pulled the amulet over his head and tucked the treasure beneath his linen shirt. The ruby radiated warmth – a sure sign of the stone’s power. Now honor and respect would return to him. He wadded the sack into a tight ball, stuck it in an outside pocket, and peddled with haste back to his village.
Dawn crept from the horizon as he approached the tiny hovel where his loved ones awaited. He flinched at the sound of a vehicle coming from behind. Had someone followed him?
His heart caught in his chest at the thought of losing his prize. In a mad breathless dash, he reached the alleyway and hid in the shadows. Back against the wall, he waited for the menace to pass.
In the dim light, he realized it was not the accomplice. Fear washed over him. Someone appeared to be searching for him.
With a final glance at his house, Lucas turned his bike and rode north another hour to the most populated place he could think of to seek the shelter of anonymity and divert danger away from his dear ones – Heathrow Airport, London’s busiest hub for travelers.
CHAPTER ONE
Prentice knelt on one knee and held my hands – the proposal was about to begin.
To sit in his lovely parlor underneath a 15th century painting put me in a dreamlike state. My heart raced, but I managed to keep composed. Teddy, my Yorkie companion, lay asleep beside me, worn out from the New Year’s Eve party that had now ended.
“Jillian, darling, I realize I promised you a special proposal.” He kissed my hand. “But with my competitor leaving so abruptly I thought I’d better get your answer tonight. Will you marry me? I’ll give you the world if you’ll say yes.”
For a moment, a twinge of pain stabbed my heart. It left as quickly as it came after I realized that Prentice was the one with whom I wished to be. A previous suitor, Vincent Fontaine, was on his way to South America – I’d probably never see him again.
“Yes, I’ll marry you.” I gave him a long tender kiss. Such happiness washed over me that I wanted to shout the news to everyone I knew. I was going to be Mrs. Prentice Duvall, wife of a noted art dealer. Wife again – no longer a widow. Life would be different.
The “Ask Jillian” column held the copyright for ongoing syndication – no more articles to write. Deadlines over. Problem solved. Things always worked out when I gave troubles to God. Now I must trust Him with a second marriage.
Prentice joined me on the sofa and put his arms around me.
It caused Teddy to stir, but he fell back asleep.
Holding me tight, my fiancé spoke. “I’ll be honest with you, darling. There are going to be times your patience and understanding will be required in our new life together.”
I wondered what he was trying to tell me.
“Beginning with?” I pulled away for a moment and faced him.
“Our wedding. I hope you will understand.”
Was I marrying a spy? A secret government agent? These were the only people I knew with commitments that overshadowed personal issues.
I crossed my arms. “Try me.”
Teddy stretched, obviously asleep.
Prentice stood and paced. “Work is keeping me so busy that we can’t possibly get married for a few months. The London Frieze Art Fair is an event in October that I’ve been committed to for over a year. I thought we’d have a destination wedding.
We’ll buy your rings at Tiffany’s, just like Audrey Hepburn. How does that sound? Rest assured, before you say anything, all the details are my responsibility, I promise. It will only take one call to put the plans in motion.”
“London? In that case, I have a question.”
“Just one, darling?”
“Well, two actually.”
He stroked Teddy.
Had Prentice read my mind?
“First, what about Teddy? Second, who will be in the wedding party? This doesn’t sound like it’s going to be easy.”
Prentice sat next to me again, took my hand and kissed it.
“Teddy is welcome to join us. I’ll make all the arrangements if you wish. For attendants, why don’t you invite a few garden club ladies to come along? Plenty of my friends attending the Frieze will stand up for me, I’m certain. In fact, I’m thinking of a couple who owe me favors.”
“What about your sons?”
“Too busy with their work and family commitments. I know from experience. We’ll plan something when we return home.”
A shiver ran down my back – perhaps it was due to the excitement, and yet it didn’t feel right. Maybe it was just as well I had ten long months to deal with this major life transition. The editors would also appreciate having enough time to segue into a new contributor for their papers.
With spring gardening tasks completed, planting bulbs and pruning dead branches from the shrubs, I attended the Lovejoy Family Reunion in Pacific Beach at the end of June. Such a wonderful time to be with loved ones. Then, a few whirlwind months passed shopping for new clothes, getting a passport, and attending wedding parties given by friends.
I arranged for Walter and Cecilia Montoya, parents of my precious godson, D.J., to house-sit while I was away. Since the young couple lived in a cramped condo, they were only too happy to do so.
With everything ready, I boarded a plane with two garden club friends, Ann Fieldman and Nicole Summers, as attendants and headed for London.
Teddy rode in cargo.
Due to his busy schedule, Prentice had flown ahead. It was a disappointment not to accompany him, but I had decided to maintain an attitude of patience and understanding. To help compensate, he’d arranged for someone to meet our party at the airport and drive us to the hotel.
Indeed, standing in the crowded baggage claim area near the exit was our driver holding an iPad with “Bradley Party” typed on the screen. Teddy sat at his feet, held by his red rhinestone leash. When Teddy spotted me, he stood up and yipped. Heads turned to stare, but I soon reached him and gathered him in my arms.
The driver stepped forward. “Mrs. Bradley? If you will allow me to collect your luggage and then follow me, madam.”
Before reaching the exit, out of nowhere, a man ran through the crowd, crashed into us, and knocked me over. When he fell on top of me, Teddy yipped wildly as I struggled to get up. I held tight to Teddy’s leash. Something sticky appeared in my hand. People shrieked.
After a closer view of the man’s torso, I realized someone had stabbed him. Buried in his belly the handle of a knife protruded. I now understood his blood caused the stickiness.
Grabbing me before I tried to stand, he held me close. “Take care of my family.” His voice was only a whisper.
All I could do was nod.
The man’s grasp loosened as he collapsed and died.
Teddy whined in pity.
A weight of sadness crept over me, not only for his death, but also for this poor man to die leaving a family. How on earth did he expect me to help them? I felt nauseous from the sight of the blood.
Within moments, airport security dispersed the crowd. Paramedics arrived and examined the victim, checking his neck for a pulse. Somehow, I knew they wouldn’t find one.
With Ann on one side and Nicole on the other helping me up, I caught a glimpse of someone standing in the back of a group of onlookers. Did I have double vision? I’d seen this person before, I was certain.
Oh, my knee stung! Must have skinned it from the fall. My head hurt – I couldn’t think clearly anymore. A concussion?
The uneasiness grew. Was it imagination or was he staring at me? In a single blink, he disappeared into the crowd. Unable to cope with all that had happened, I fainted.
When I woke up, Prentice bent over me as I lay in bed. Had I been dreaming? The room seemed as if it were the dream.
“Oh, my head.” I groaned.
Prentice patted me.
I looked around the bed. “Where’s Teddy?”
“Easy now, sweetheart. He’s next to you.”
I turned slowly to where he pointed.
Teddy pricked up his silky little ears and cocked his head as if to say, “Are you all right, Mistress?”
Prentice offered me a glass of water from the nightstand.
“Here, drink this. You’ve had a bad fall. Don’t worry, though. You’re going to be fine. The doctors examined you and everything’s okay except for a few bruises and some soreness. According to them, you’ll be up and around by tomorrow. No rush. I want you to rest until you’re back to normal. Care to tell me what happened?”
I searched my brain trying to remember. “Right before we were leaving the terminal someone charged into me. All I could think about was to hold onto Teddy’s leash. The next thing I knew, the man had fallen on top of me.
“We hit the ground hard – I might have been knocked out, not sure. Teddy kept yipping, poor little dear, and no wonder he did. I had blood all over me. It came from the man’s wounds.”
Prentice patted my arm. “That’s enough for now. Lie back and rest. Ann and Nicole reported just what you told me. I’m sure the man was running away from someone. He may have been a criminal. Who knows?
“I’m calling a friend of mine who works for the police here to talk to you when you’re a little stronger. Might put your mind to rest. For now, let’s not think about this unpleasantness anymore.”
I closed my eyes.
Prentice tucked me in and kissed me on the forehead.
I fell asleep, exhausted.
Slowly, I swung my legs over the side of the mattress. By holding on to the edge of the bed for support, I steadied myself until I could stand, walk to the window, and glance out.
A band was playing for a formal ceremony some five stories below. I was watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace!
As I lowered into a chair, I continued to stare, mesmerized. Someone knocked on the door. I had no strength, so I called for them to enter.
In walked one of my oldest and dearest friends, Ann Fieldman.
“Jillian, you’re out of bed.” She rushed to my side. “You shouldn’t be up. The doctor said you may have a concussion.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I’m okay. A little muddled, perhaps, but I’m not staying in bed the entire time we’re in London.” I looked around for my other friend who’d come along, Nicole King.
“Where’s Nicole?”
“Out with Teddy for a walk. She wanted a closer look at the changing of the guard. Jillian, this hotel is incredible. We have a butler, did Prentice tell you?”
My head started to swim again. “Ah, no. At least I don’t remember if he did or not. Ann, what happened to the man at the airport?”
“You mean the one who plowed into you yesterday? Dead, I’m afraid. Someone stabbed him. The police want to get your statement, but not until you’re well enough to talk.”
“Ann, I’m hungry.”
“Not another word. Watch this.” She went to the phone and pressed a button. “Yes, please send up a cheeseburger and a Coke. Oh, and a slice of key lime pie and a pot of tea. Thank you.”
I had to smile even though to do so hurt. “Ann, you’re marvelous.”
The door opened and in walked Nicole carrying Teddy in her arms.
“You’re awake.” She placed Teddy in my lap. “He was a good boy and went potty. How’s your head?”
“I’ll live. What bad luck to be in an accident just as we got here. Where are we staying anyway? I don’t remember much.”
Ann handed me the information folder. “We’re at The Lanesborough in Knightsbridge, one of the most fashionable hotels in London. It’s right across from Buckingham Palace, as you’ll notice. Jillian, the hotel even provided a butler.”
“A what?” I tried to process the information. My head still hurt.
“Yes, he was the one who met us at the airport. We’re to call him Barnes, just like in ‘Downton Abbey.’ You remember, on Masterpiece Theater?”
Someone rapped on the door and called out. “Your luncheon, madam.”
Nicole walked toward the summons. “I’ll get it.”
In walked our driver from the airport followed by a young man pushing a covered cart.
Barnes bowed slightly. “Shall I serve now?”
After I nodded yes, Barnes motioned for the server to set lunch out on the small table beside the window.
A grandfather clock chimed once. One o’clock.
Barnes placed a linen napkin on my lap and removed the plastic wrap from the water glass. “Luncheon is served. That was a most extraordinary thing to happen, madam. I hope you are recovering quickly.”
“Thank you, Barnes. Has Mr. Duvall left a message?”
The butler paused.
“No, madam. Do you require anything else?”
“That’s all for now. Please inform me of any messages.”
How I wished Prentice had come to visit.
Nicole waved and started to walk to her room. “I’ll check on Teddy a little later. You should try to eat.”
“Thanks, Nicole.”
Ann followed suit. “I’ll be in the bedroom if you need me. I’ll leave you to your lunch.”
I nodded in appreciation. Such a blessing to have dear friends with me.
After I’d eaten a few bites, I peeked in to see what Nicole and Ann were doing in their rooms. Both were napping soundly from jet lag.
I heard Teddy growling and scratching on his tote in the corner, tipping the contents over on the floor.
“Teddy! Where did this come from?”
He made all sorts of sounds and whines as if trying to tell me.
My friends slept on.
“This looks valuable. A gift from Prentice? Doesn’t seem to be his style, though.”
To get attention again, Teddy yawned with a groan.
From what I’d read, dogs did this when stressed.
“Oh, Teddy – I bet this is the reason why the poor man died. Well, until I learn more, and at the risk of withholding evidence, my instinct says no one else must know. But where to hide it?”
Teddy ruffed.
“Right. We can’t keep our find here. Wait. I have an idea. Stay!” I pointed, giving him a stern look to make him understand the seriousness of the command.
I dressed quickly and put the amulet in a small jewelry case I’d brought with me.
After I’d hidden it in a safe place, I returned to the room and lay down with Teddy beside me.
Oh, I had been clever, but I wondered where this untimely treasure might lead.
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