13. Brooke
brOOKE
Tears threaten to fall. I can’t believe I lost the most precious gift my aunt ever gave me.
Stuart says, “The clasp must have broken. You were wearing the necklace when we sat down at the table. I noticed how lovely it looked with your suit. It’s probably in your chair or under the table. We’ll go back and look.”
“Okay. Let’s hurry.”
Quickly, we return to our table at the front of the ballroom.
Frazzled, I scurry from chair to chair, pulling each one out. We check underneath napkins and peer under the table. Nothing. My breathing becomes faster and more ragged.
“Let’s check the neighboring tables in case it rolled or was accidentally kicked as people hurried to leave,” Stuart says.
“Good idea.” That thought gives me a glimmer of hope.
We look everywhere, including under the skirt of the raised stage. No pearls.
At this point, the room is empty except for the servers who are clearing tables and staff removing the presentation equipment.
One of the servers approaches us, asking, “Do you need assistance?”
“Yes. My friend here is missing her black pearl necklace. Did anyone find it?”
“I didn’t. I’ll check with the other servers and call security to come. Someone could have turned it in to lost and found.”
“Thank you. We’d appreciate that,” Stuart says.
Turning to me, Stuart steps closer, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and pulling me closer. “Don’t worry. We’ll find the necklace. It’s going to be okay.”
I wring my trembling hands as a lump forms in my throat, and my eyes moisten as I struggle to hide my emotions.
“I know it’s just a necklace, but my aunt left it to me in her will. Wearing it makes me feel like she’s still here, giving me strength. I miss her so much. The thought of losing my last connection to her is too much.”
“I understand. Based on your reaction, I assumed the necklace has a particularly special meaning to you. Don’t give up. It must be here somewhere. While we wait for security, let’s sit down at a table and talk through what happened. You may remember something helpful.”
“Okay.”
“I know you were wearing the pearls when they served the first course. When was the last time you’re sure they were around your neck?”
“I don’t know.” My eyes dart around the space looking for any sign of my missing jewelry. I appreciate Stuart’s help, but it’s hard to sit still and focus when I want to be searching every inch of the ballroom.
He takes my face in his hands, softly saying, “Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Now, try to remember. Did you touch the necklace at some point? Did your neck feel lighter at any time?”
I let out the breath slowly, “I’m not sure.”
“Keep your eyes closed and replay the lunch in your head, starting with when they served the salad.”
“Okay. I’m thinking.” My eyes pop open a moment later. “Wait a minute. I do remember one thing. Ms. Davidson complimented my necklace when the servers were removing the salad plates. Then a different server arrived with the main course.”
“Do you remember noticing the pearls after that?”
I close my eyes again, attempting to ignore the loud clanking of dishes and metallic clicking of utensils against glasses as the cleanup crew clears the tables.
Replaying the next part of the lunch in my head doesn’t help. After a couple of minutes, I give up, shaking my head and meeting Stuart’s eyes. “No. I was just relieved the server didn’t spill the food on my lap.”
“What do you mean?”
“The server was incredibly clumsy. First, he bumped into my shoulder. Then he steadied himself by placing a hand on the back of my chair as he leaned forward to put the plate in front of me. But he almost missed the table. Thankfully, I was paying attention and pushed the plate forward, preventing the fish from landing on my lap. He apologized profusely and hurried away before I could tell him not to worry.”
Stuart’s eyes narrow as the corners of his mouth turn down. “That’s strange. Servers at this upscale Beverly Hills hotel should be trained much better than that. Is it possible he knocked your necklace off?”
“I guess it’s possible. But if that were the case, wouldn’t it have fallen into my lap or onto the floor near my chair?” I shrug in confusion and frustration.
“Possibly,” Stuart says, hesitantly.
As I begin to grapple with the reality of the situation, my mind starts analyzing the alternative explanations.
“So far, I’ve thought of three possible explanations for why we haven’t found my necklace.
Option 1: the necklace dropped, someone found it or will find it soon, and they will take it to lost and found.
Option 2: the necklace dropped, someone found it, and they intend to keep it.
Option 3: the waiter used the awkward serving technique as a ruse to steal my necklace.
I’m thinking that Options 2 and 3 are extremely unlikely though. ”
He nods. “I agree. Let’s hope it turns up at lost and found. But it’s important that you speak with security now so they can take immediate action. Hopefully, video from the security cameras will show what happened.”
Hearing footsteps, I glance toward a side entrance. A man in a dark suit is walking toward us, taking long, purposeful strides. Reaching our table, he says, “I’m security agent Townsend. I understand you wish to report a missing necklace.”
“Yes. My black pearl necklace is gone.”
Stuart holds my hand, giving it frequent squeezes, as Townsend asks questions. He takes notes as we explain the sequence of events.
A few minutes later, Townsend says, “I’ll make a report and send it to the email address you provided.
Please review it and let me know if you remember any additional details.
We’ll check with the staff too. It’s possible that your necklace has already been found but not yet dropped off at the lost-and-found desk. ”
“Don’t you have security cameras? Wouldn’t they show what happened to the necklace?” Stuart asks.
“We’ll check the video footage, but it’s unlikely. Most of the cameras are focused on the doorways. Maybe we’ll be lucky though.”
“Are the servers still here? Maybe you could talk with them now. This is very upsetting for my friend. It’s a valuable piece of jewelry, and has immense sentimental value to her,” Stuart adds.
“Unfortunately, most of the servers have already left for the day. The hotel hired extras for this event. Rest assured, we’ll contact all of them.”
“Thank you. When can we expect an update?” Stuart asks.
I appreciate him pushing Townsend to take immediate action and report back to us. That means a lot to me. And I know that Townsend will be more likely to respond to a viscount’s request than mine.
“As soon as we have any news, we’ll be in touch. Here’s my card. Feel free to check in with me tomorrow.”
“We will, but please call if you have news before then. I can be reached at the Lincoln Hotel. Just ask for Lord Sandridge.”
Townsend nods and gives a quick bow to Stuart, saying, “Of course, Your Grace.”
I’m not an expert, but I don’t think you refer to a viscount as “Your Grace.” I’ll have to Google that to be sure though. My guess is that the security agent hasn’t encountered many guests who are part of nobility.
“Let’s go, Brooke. We’ve done all we can for now. I’m sure Mr. Townsend will be calling with good news soon.”
“I’m sure you’re right. Mr. Townsend, thank you for your help. Please do all you can to find the necklace.”
“Of course, Ms. Bennett. I’m sure it will turn up soon. I doubt it was stolen, given the upscale attendees at this event. Also, the staff here are well-vetted, and the crime rate at the hotel is minimal.”