"Who made it?"
"A jeweler in Midtown.I can get you the name if you need it."Marshall continued, his hands moving as he described the pieces."Then there was a bracelet with alternating sapphires and diamonds, each stone set in individual platinum bezels.The designer created a mechanism that allowed the bracelet to move fluidly while maintaining structural integrity.Quite remarkable, really."
"And Rothschild specified all these details herself?"Vic asked.
"Down to the millimeter in some cases.She knew what she wanted.The jewelers she worked with were essentially executing her artistic vision."
Miles watched Marshall's face as he spoke.There was genuine admiration there, the kind that came from someone who understood and appreciated the craft involved.
"The platinum itself," Miles said."Do you have any idea why she preferred it over gold?"
"Platinum is rarer than gold, more durable, hypoallergenic.It doesn't tarnish or lose its luster.And aesthetically, it has that distinctive white color that enhances diamonds and colored stones without competing with them.For someone like Mrs.Rothschild, who valued both beauty and durability, platinum was the obvious choice."
"You said none of her pieces were store-bought," Miles said."That everything was custom-made."
"That's correct.Each piece was commissioned specifically for her."
Miles felt something click in his mind."Would you be able to give us the names of the jewelers who made them?"
Marshall blinked behind his glasses."The jewelers?Yes, I suppose so.We keep detailed records of provenance for appraisal purposes.Knowing the maker can affect value, especially if the jeweler has a reputation."
"We'd appreciate it if you could pull those records," Miles said.
"Of course.It'll take me a few minutes to compile everything.Would you like some tea while you wait?We have an excellent Earl Grey."
Miles nodded."That would be fine, thank you."
Marshall stood."I'll have reception bring it in and get you those names.Shouldn't take more than ten or fifteen minutes."
He left, closing the door quietly behind him.He did not seem at all bothered to have had two federal agents interrupt his day.If anything, he seemed eager to help.
Vic looked at Miles."You think one of the jewelers is involved?"
"Someone with access to her jewelry collection would know which pieces she owned.Would understand the craftsmanship, the value, the symbolism.And making custom jewelry requires understanding of metallurgy, chemistry, electroplating techniques…like our killer."
Miles stood and walked to the window.From here, he could see the street below, people passing by in the evening light.It had been Los Angeles last time and now New York.It was literally showing them that Kane had spread his influence from coast to coast.
The door opened and the receptionist entered with a silver tea service.She set it on a side table with practiced ease, poured two cups, and left without a word.Miles returned to his seat and picked up one of the cups.The tea was hot, perfectly brewed.Everything about this place was perfect, controlled, maintained to exacting standards.
"What are we looking for in these jeweler names?"Vic asked, sipping her own tea.
"I'm not sure yet.But Rothschild's collection was her identity.She displayed it publicly, used it to project status and wealth.If someone wanted to make a statement about platinum and what it represents, they'd need to understand it intimately."
"And who understands platinum better than someone who works with it every day?"
Miles set down his cup."Marshall said it takes months to create some of these pieces.That's months of interaction with Rothschild.Learning about her preferences, her tastes, her lifestyle.Getting to know her through her jewelry."
"Personal enough to select her as a target."
"Maybe.Or maybe we're reaching.But it's the first connection we've got between Rothschild and someone with the technical knowledge to pull this off."
The door opened and Marshall returned, carrying a manila folder.He sat down and opened it, revealing several pages of typewritten notes.
"I've compiled a list of every jeweler who created pieces in Mrs.Rothschild's collection," he said, sliding the folder across the desk."There are eleven names in total.Some made only one or two pieces for her, others worked with her more extensively over the years."
Miles picked up the folder and scanned the list.It was quite concise: names, addresses, contact information, notes about which pieces each jeweler had created.Marshall had been thorough.
"This is very helpful," Miles said."Thank you."
