* * *
Three hours later,Claude and Gem had opened every box and crate and pulled away every tarp wrapped up in rope. At one point, he had to go upstairs and search for a knife to cut the ropes. They didn’t photograph every object. Instead, they grouped items while making a general note of what each crate or pile contained. They found several chests filled with gemstones, and it took everything to pry his partner away. Gem didn’t care about the value of such things. She loved gemology and geology and any ology relating to rocks and minerals. On more than one occasion, she had given him a dissertation on how certain rocks were created.
When he finished up the last box, he found Gem sitting on a platform, covered in jewels. She had an emerald tiara on, several ruby necklaces, rings on every finger, and was holding a gold scepter with a sapphire stone.
Claude bowed playfully. “Your Highness, would you like me to escort you to your chariot? It awaits.”
Gem giggled. “This has been the best day of my life. I can’t imagine how Viktor plans to move everything. He’ll have to rent multiple trucks. I’m giddy about the books. Maybe he’ll let me keep some of them.”
“And the jewels?”
“They’re fun to try on. Most of them are polished and cut—not my style. One chest had a few uncut stones. Mostly diamonds and emeralds. I’d rather have citrine or carnelian. Even raw tanzanite would be dreamy. Alas, nothing but the usual sparklies.” She began removing her jewels and placing them back in the chest. “What about those old cars?” she said, pointing to the back. “They look like something you’d drive.”
Unless those vehicles had been modified or kept up, they probably didn’t run. Someone must have pushed those small cars in here using the massive freight elevator, because it would be foolish to store a vehicle with gasoline around such precious valuables. These cars were from the nineteen twenties. Beautiful to look at, but Claude liked his Porsche. “I wonder how many of these collectibles were stolen from people they murdered.”
Gem took off the tiara and then ran her fingers through her wavy hair. “That’s why I would only want the books.” After shutting the lid on the chest, she sat on top of it.
“May I ask you something personal?”
She tipped her head to the side.
Something had been weighing on Claude’s mind for a short while now. “Have you ever considered leaving Keystone?”
“Gosh no! I mean, someday. But this is my home. Why?”
Claude had recently noticed an unusual scent developing between Niko and Gem. He didn’t want to ask about it since he couldn’t be sure if Gem was even aware of her changing feelings for Niko. Her words and behavior belied the underlying scent, which wasn’t overwhelming or even the dominant scent. It wasn’t the same passion he detected between Raven and Christian—not one he even associated with lovers. In fact, he’d never scented anything quite like it. “I’ve often wondered if maybe you think about a different life,” he suggested, deciding not to call her out. “You have talents beyond compare. You deserve a happy life.”
“Iamhappy right where I am. You don’t think this is enough? I have everyone who matters to me right here. I’ve got a nice job, and now I’m finally learning to use my Mage gifts. On top of that, I get to discover all these exciting pieces of history. Why would I leave?” Gem reached out and held his hand. “I’m not going anywhere. Is that what you think? That I’m going to leave you? I bet you’d like a different partner, someone who isn’t so—”
“Wonderful?” He kissed her forehead. Claude didn’t want to imagine Keystone without her in it, but if she desired to be somewhere else, then he wanted that for her. She was a sweet soul, a trusting partner, and brought life into the house. In many ways, she filled the void of the sister he had lost. He felt protective of her as he would a sibling, and that might have been the reason he also wanted to see to her happiness.
Gem hopped to her feet. On the platform, she was exactly his height. She braced her hands on his shoulders. “What’s with the morose look? Are you thinking about leaving?”
“No. Why would you ask?”
She tapped his nose. “Because, Claude Valentine, you’re the kindest, most wonderful Chitah I’ve ever met. And maybe your true love is out there somewhere.”
“She died.”
The light in Gem’s eyes dimmed, and she threw her arms around his neck. “Oh, Claude. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say anything to hurt you.”
He patted her back. “It’s fine.”
When she pulled away, she had tears in the shores of her eyes. Gem wiped them, her mascara smearing across her hand.
Joining Keystone was one of the best decisions he’d ever made. It gave him a chance to start over, and they’d all agreed not to talk or ask questions about their past. It just made it easier. He’d told some of the others about his sister, Yvette, but only Raven knew about his Kindred Spirit. He feared that Gem would always look at him with sympathetic eyes, as she did now, so he’d kept the dark parts of his past locked away. Even now he felt no desire to go into detail. She had her own demons.
They all did.
“Do you have other dreams?” she asked.
“Dreams are a life unrealized. I honestly can’t imagine wanting for anything more than I already have.” He put his hands around her small waist and lifted her off the platform. “I used to think of this as a job, but it’s more than that. You’re family. What we do gives my life meaning.”
She gave him an elfin smile. “I thought cutting hair gave your life meaning.”
Claude chuckled. “That too. Viktor realized my passion could help this team the same way yours does with language and books. We do good work here. And I don’t want a family if that’s what you’re wondering. It’s not something I secretly desire. The fates chose a different life for me, and it’s wrong to turn my back on important work. But ifyouever feel a different calling, Gem, you should follow it. I’ll always support whatever decision you make.”
Her eyes slanted away as if maybe she understood what he was getting at, yet her emotional scent eluded him. Gem hooked her arm in his. “Good, because I really want that jade dragon.”
