Dropping my hands, I level him with narrowed eyes. “I said what I said.”
“Well, this tired and grumpy hacker is off to bed.” Luke scoops me up in his arms, heading for the stairs.
“What’re you doing?” I squeal in surprise.
Stomping up the stairs, Luke whips out his commanding tone. “Just accept it.”
I want to put up a fight, but he’s trained me like Pavlov’s dogs. I hear that tone, and I comply.
Oddly enough, I don’t mind it.
CHAPTER 32
RORY
Pushing through the glass door of Vireaux Atelier, I walk into the small jewelry store. It’s a small, clean space with soft, indirect lighting and pale marble. In each display, neutral velvet liners hold exquisite pieces of jewelry adorned with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
A few customers are scattered about, being assisted by salespeople who are pushing the masterpieces made by expert hands.
Approaching the counter, I disregard the young saleswoman eyeing me and call out, “Pascal!”
A moment later, he exits his workspace and enters the storefront. Pascal’s gentle face brightens when he sees it’s me. “Rory Bishop, as I live and breathe. What can I do for you?” Stooped with age, Pascal makes his way to me, leaning on the counter for support.
“I have a question about a few pieces of jewelry you made.”
Pascal gestures to me with his slender hands. “Sure, sure. How can I help?”
“It was a gold set. Daisies. Pendant and studs.” I use my fingers to show him the approximate size of the daisies.
Pascal squints, staring off as he searches his memory, then his brows jump as he lifts a finger. “Ah, yes. I remember.”
I continue my interrogation. “Do you remember the man who bought it?”
Pascal’s lips purse, and he holds his hand out flat to the side a few inches above his head. “Uhh…he was about this tall, I think. Brown hair, maybe.”
“Did he tell you his name?”
Pascal nods. “Shepherd. I remember that for sure.”
“Did he pay with a card?”
Pascal shakes his head. “Cash.”
“Got any security cameras?” I look around the store, searching for them.
Pascal winces. “No. I wouldn’t know how to work something like that.”
Dammit. This guy is taking all the steps to keep his identity a secret.
I come up with an idea, hoping it’ll pan out. “I’ll hook you up with a system and show you what to do.”
“I can’t let you do that.” Pascal steps back, holding his hands low to turn down my proposal.
I meet his gaze. “I insist.”
Pascal exhales. “Alright.”
“Just promise me that the next time he comes in, you’ll call me,” I request.
