Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 115763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
“We’re looking for a ring,” Penny tells him, glancing down at the jewelry in the glass cases. “A special one.”
She’s getting better at this, not jumping right into accusations and hopeful demands for her ring the way she was doing at the pawnshops. It’s working too. Johnny smiles warmly at her, respectfully saying, “Of course. Everything here is special . . . to the right person.”
Ironically, I think this is the time for blunt honesty. I step up to Penny’s side and instinctively place my hand on the small of her back. She straightens reflexively at the delicate touch, and I take the briefest of moments to appreciate the intimacy of the connection before turning hardened eyes on Johnny. “Can I be straight with you?”
He dips his chin deferentially, his face impassive in preparation for me to say something outrageous. I’m sure he’s heard it all—nipple rings, connecting chain rings, diamond teeth inlays. I bet he hasn’t been told a story like this, though.
“We bought a ring a few days ago. Gorgeous, unique piece that she absolutely loved. But it was taken, right from my hands, on the sidewalk downtown by a guy with freckles that was wearing a red hoodie.” I observe Johnny closely, watching for the smallest tell that he might know what I’m talking about. And I see the slight dilation of his pupils—he knows who I’m talking about, I’d bet on it. “We were told that this guy sometimes does business here. To be honest, I don’t give a shit about him, or you, or your business. All I care about is the ring. I’ll even buy it again because I understand you’ve got money invested in it.”
I’m making it sound like I already know he has it in the hopes that he’ll believe I have more intel than I do. Or maybe Penny’s eternal optimism is wearing off on me, turning me into a hope-filled believer too.
But Johnny’s a better businessman than that. A smarter one too. “I don’t have it. Don’t know what you’re talking about,” he clips out, his eyes cutting past us to the guy at the door.
“You haven’t even seen it yet,” Penny pleads, holding up the picture of the ring on her finger, where Johnny can’t help but look at it. I get the sense that with the barest glance, he could tell you the karat weight, quality, and value of virtually any piece of jewelry. “Have you seen it?” she asks, doubt creeping into her tone.
Johnny shakes his head. “I don’t have that ring. Perhaps something else would be an acceptable replacement for it?” The consummate salesman, he gestures to the cases between us, which are filled with stunning, sparkling diamonds and colorful gemstones.
“Penny, can you give me a second?” I say out of the side of my mouth, never dropping my gaze from Johnny. “Look around or something.”
She gives me a huff of displeasure but does step away, thankfully. I lower my voice, leaning in toward Johnny. “Look, we need that specific ring. It’s important. I saw your reaction and you know the guy. Could you give me his name or where I can find him? I’ll pay a finder’s fee, and if you give a shit about him, I’ll even promise to not hurt him. I just need the ring.” I can see the refusal in his eyes, so before he can speak it, I offer, “Or if you don’t want to tell me, can you reach out to him? Be the middleman between us, and I’ll buy it from you so you get your cut of the profit. Whatever you want. Cash, hockey tickets, signed memorabilia. I just need the ring.”
The words virtually stick in my throat, because begging isn’t in my nature. But for Penny, I’ll do it. I’ll do anything.
Knowing he’s got the upper hand, Johnny takes a slow, deep breath, letting a smug smile lift his lips. “I know the kid. I’ll see what I can find out.”
“Thank you. Appreciate it.”
Johnny laughs as he pulls out an iPad from below the counter. “I’m not running a charity here.” He clicks a few times and then lays it on the case in front of me. There’s a $1,000 payment pending.
I grit my teeth, swallowing the argument. If there’s any chance he actually knows the kid and will reach out, it’s money well spent. I tap my phone to pay and a tip screen pops up. “Seriously?”
Johnny’s grin is filled with pure satisfaction. “Tips are customary for quick service.”
Sighing in resignation, I click the 20 percent option. “Call me as soon as you know anything,” I say, scribbling my number on the paper he offers. He takes it back, and without a look, slips it into his pocket.
I hold my hand out, and when he shakes it, he turns into Mr. Congeniality. “Nice doing business with you, Honey.”