Chapter Eleven
Suddenly, for Jenna, this situation was all very real, and with it, the real possibility that they were in over their heads already. This was a long way from five years ago and what they did then. Though Dan was an ex-detective, he wasn’t one now.
Eyes narrowed, Dan held up his hand. “Let’s take a minute before you call her. Don’t give away too much information to Kerri, the details, I mean. I know she’s a friend, but let’s keep it simple. You can tell her you and I both have heard from our contacts in Europe a jewel thief is here, and the senator and his guests might be a target.”
“Well, there is not much more that I can tell her, is there?”
“Yeah, I guess not. Sorry, Jenna, I don’t mean to micromanage every move. I’m so convinced the thief is here I can practically smell him—or her.” Dan looked down at his phone again. “I’m waiting on any updates about who they are looking at for similar robberies in Europe. I want to know if there is anyone else besides Harper that we can put on our radar. Nothing yet.”
Jenna looked at him and smiled. “You don’t want to believe it’s Harper, do you? That you didn’t pick up on some things. That you were distracted by her beauty?”
“Yeah, yeah, have your fun. I’ll give you that, maybe I didn’t see her for what she was, but that was because I wasn’t that interested in her.”
Jenna laughed. “Okay, I’ll let it go. Can you stay for a few minutes more? I think we are out of sight here at the river.”
“Sure, I’ll hang around to see what Kerri can do. Do you know how to reach her?”
Jenna nodded. “Of course, I can call now; her number is in my phone.”
Dan pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’ll call one other contact I thought about while you do that.”
Jenna got Kerri’s voicemail, so they were doomed to wait yet again. Dan had similar luck with his contact. They tried to think of other ways to attack the situation while waiting on Kerri and Dan’s friend to call back. They were both surprised it took less time than they thought. Jenna picked up her buzzing phone. “Okay it’s Kerri.” She listened, nodding, watching Dan pace.
Then Dan stopped an exhale as Jenna gave him the thumbs-up sign.
Jenna felt her roiling stomach calm down, and a sense of peace took over. The feeling was almost like old times. It was always her and Dan against everyone as they went for it, whatever their goal was, and letting nothing stop them. She felt the same feeling now. Things were finally happening.
Jenna put the phone back in her pocket and smiled at Dan. “Kerri said the senator and his wife were very anxious to hear what we wanted to say. They are worried about their other guests getting robbed, and basically turning what would have been a huge money-making finale and public relations dream into a nightmare, complete with a police investigation. The senator is sending a car. We are set to meet at their house on Tybee Island. I need to go back to the hotel and change. The car should be here in about forty-five minutes.”
Dan looked at his watch. “Let’s hope this is a good omen. Okay, let’s go wait for the car and compare notes about how to explain all of this to the senator and why we are involved. Can I come up to the room?”
“Yes, Brock is golfing with the senator’s team. The senator begged off Kerri said. Brock will be disappointed.”
“Oh, that makes me sad,” Dan said, grinning.
Jenna knew Dan was covering his true concerns by kidding her because so much was riding on stopping this thief before it became another media frenzy pulling him back into it. She was afraid it might, too, and here she was, getting involved in his crazy life again. Not to mention what might happen to her own life if she were legally connected to Dan. She tried not to think about that, though her brain was asking her, what are you doing? with increasing frequency.
On their ride over to Tybee Island, they rehearsed what to say to the senator that would earn his trust without giving away too much of their personal interest. It would be a fine line, but as always, Jenna trusted Dan to carry it off.
The senator and his wife greeted them personally and took them into the senator’s study and closed the door. The senator waved them toward the burgundy sofa in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. “Kerri tells me good things about you, Jenna. We know of your magazine, and I met your father one time, in Scotland actually, at a golf event, not long after he moved back there.”
At the memory of her dad’s love of Scotland, Jenna smiled. “Oh, I didn’t know you knew him. Yes, he loved Scotland, and the older he got, the more set he was on living there. He built on the same property which was his mother’s family home. Of course, he kept his place in New York, so he could continue his gem and diamond importing and design business. At least, he kept it as long as he could. His business was so much a part of him, his identity, and hard for him to think of giving it up.”
“Yes, indeed it was. I was very sorry to hear of his death.” Senator Roseland poured himself a cup of coffee. “Please help yourselves to coffee and these little cakes, whatever they are.”
Dan gave her a nod.
Jenna took a deep breath. “So, we felt an obligation to tell you our contacts mentioned the jewel thief got wind of your event, which was no surprise. They were, are, here in Savannah, and then well, after one necklace was stolen at the first party—”
“Yes, so Kerri said,” the Senator interrupted as he looked at Dan. “So, how do you fit into this, Dan?” Senator Roseland focused his famous blue eyes on Dan as he took a sip of coffee.
Jenna could understand why he was so popular, especially with the women voters. His dark-brown hair, with a hint of silver at temples, and those light-blue eyes, combined with his natural charm, was quite the package. She could easily believe he was a former college quarterback. He and Marta Roseland made a perfect pair. Marta, with her natural blonde hair and blue eyes, combined with a still-flawless complexion, trim figure, and quick wit, was every bit as impressive as her husband.
Dan put his coffee cup on the tray beside him. “I live in Paris a good deal of the time, or I did. I recently came back to New York City to re-settle there. I have a lot of ties in the police community in New York and in Paris. I’m a good and long-time friend of Jenna.”
“Are you two together here in Savannah for the events?” Mrs. Roseland asked.
“Well, sort of, I guess.” Jenna looked at Dan. “We ran into each other by accident.”
Dan gazed at Jenna. “I didn’t know Jenna would be here, actually. We ended up at the same hotel. It’s been a few years since I’d seen her.”
The senator nodded and added a bit of cream to his coffee. “Well, I’m glad you both are here and coming to our fundraising events. I want to keep all of this under wraps as long as I can. Jenna, I do appreciate your discretion. I know this would be a headline for any news outlet. Naturally, I don’t expect you to avoid it when you do write up your coverage. That would be dishonest. But it is important we don’t give the thieves an upper hand, don’t you agree?”
Jenna nodded. “Yes, of course, Senator. I will cover the events, write about them, but only after the events are over. And I hope by then, the thieves will already be old news,”
The senator smiled. “I have my security people assigned to work with the locals on the necklace theft. But they might be out of their league on this one. No one is coming after me; they are coming for my wife’s jewelry and those pieces of my guests. This is an entirely different breed of criminal. At least, its’s new for me and for this part of the state.”
Dan glanced at Jenna. “Yes, you’re right. I think this is a copycat jewel thief. But that is a good thing. We have a better chance of knowing what he or she will do if it’s a copycat because they are following a pattern. It’s similar to a string of European thefts some years ago. Whoever this is, they seem to be following a similar style. That’s my theory, anyway.”
“I see you’ve given this a lot of thought, Dan. So, tell me, what should I be doing I’m not doing already, other than hiding my wife’s jewelry and replacing it with fakes?” the senator asked.
Dan shrugged. “Unless you plan to come clean with all your guests about being a target for the jewel thief, not too much more. After all, they are already on alert because of the other theft. I’m sure the hotel can and will put on extra security. Their hotel safes are good, but they are no match for an accomplished thief. Not this kind of thief. You might want to talk to the hotel manager about security there if you’ve not already. It’s important to make sure they understand this is an international jewel thief whom we’re dealing with and one who has been very successful.”
Senator Roseland made a note on the pad sitting beside his coffee cup. “Yes, I will do that. I don’t see the need to alarm my guests further. Like you said, most know about the necklace theft, and they are all used to guarding their treasures. I don’t want the media to get wind of this. My entire focus will be blown to bits. It will be all about the jewel thief, and that will push my campaign event to second page news, if it’s even as good as that. I don’t need this right at election time. As you might guess, I have a lot of time and money tied up in these events here, especially the Black-and-White Masked Ball.”
Dan nodded. “I understand. What Jenna and I propose is that we, with the help of your security team, work out a surveillance strategy. Otherwise, we will all be stepping over each other and not covering all the places that will need covering.”
“Yes, I see your point. Okay, I’ll set up a meeting for you with the team. Can you come back tonight early, say an hour or so before the dinner?” Senator Roseland asked.
Dan turned to Jenna for her response. “Yes, we can do that, right?”
Jenna nodded and stood. “We’ll do all we can to help.”
Dan rose, too and looked at the senator. “We’ll get back to the hotel and work on what we think is the best plan. We’ll have it ready to present to you and your team this evening, and see you back here at about six thirty.”
Senator Roseland stood to shake their hands.
Mrs. Roseland took Jenna aside. “I appreciate your advice about substituting the fake necklace. If my necklace were stolen, it would break my heart. It really would. Kerri has spoken so highly of you, and it’s reassuring to know you are on our side, as well as Dan. Kerri tells me he is a former police officer who not only has experience with things like this, but he has contacts internationally. It’s good to have someone else on our team, someone to trust. And please, if you need anything at all, just ask.”
“Thank you, and I can understand your concern. With Dan’s background, such as it is, and mine, of course, through my dad and his business, we both are always aware of the world of jewels. I continue to be a collector—in my way. Not to give you any competition, though. Fortunately, Dan has kept his contacts here in the states, as well as in Europe, and they have come in handy already.”
The Roselands walked them out to the waiting limo.
Jenna held out her right hand to Mrs. Roseland, who pushed it aside and gave her a hug instead. “See you this evening.”
As the car made its way toward the main road, Dan remained quiet for the first couple of minutes. Finally, he turned to Jenna as they stopped at a traffic light. “That went better than I expected. It looked as if you and Mrs. Roseland were doing some bonding there. Still, I’m kind of surprised they are welcoming us in so easily.”
“Why do you say that?”
Dan reached for Jenna’s hand. “We’re an unknown, you and I, and you are in the media. Even though Kerri knows you, it’s not like the two of you are lifelong buddies or relatives. I didn’t think they would trust us so much or so soon. You did a hell of a job slipping in those reassuring details, by the way.”
“Everyone is not as suspicious as you are—as we are. But the credit goes to Kerri. I’ve known her a long time, if not exactly a lifetime. She knows enough about me to trust me. Now, the real work begins. Mapping out a plan to catch this thief before they take any more jewels and mess up our lives.”
Dan caressed Jenna’s palm. “Don’t you miss it sometimes?”
“Miss what?”
“The excitement of it all, the adrenaline rush, and the never knowing what is around the next corner. You and I working as a team.”
Jenna rolled her eyes. “The wondering if we will be caught, shot at, killed, or put in prison? Is that what you mean?”
“Ah, come on, you know what I mean. The two of us living by our wits, outsmarting everyone, and working as a team, totally in synch. Of course, the best part was, in the end getting our own revenge, and taking down the really bad guys.”
Jenna sighed and looked at the Savannah scenery passing by along the road. “Yes, of course, I know what you mean, but I can’t go back to that life, Dan. I was there doing that for a reason, the same as you. That’s no way to live for the long term.”
“Jenna, listen, slow down. I wasn’t suggesting we become international jewel thieves—again. I was just wondering if you missed it. I guess I’m asking if you missed me, what we—had.”
Jenna smiled up at Dan and removed her hand from his. “No, not at all. Now shut up, and let’s hear more about your plan.”
Dan took her hand back into his. “That’s easy. It takes a thief to catch a thief.” And they both laughed.
The fake Blalock diamond necklace that everyone, including the press, would be lining up to see on the big night would fool most everyone. Even the fake one cost thousands to make by a designer who specialized in making copies for the rich and famous. The fake necklace was now on a plane from the Atlanta home of Senator and Mrs. Roseland, so Mrs. Roseland could wear it to the party. The idea being no one would know the necklace around Marta Roseland’s neck was a fake, and the real one was locked in the senator’s safe.
Once back in town Jenna and Dan parted ways, each to ponder the best ways to spot the thief at the big event. They knew the thief would be there. There was no doubt in either of their minds now.
Dan headed back to his borrowed townhouse to make a few calls.
Jenna went to her room at the hotel, wondering if Brock would show up. Even more important, when he returned, what would she tell him about her plan to leave him? She would be leaving with Dan no matter what he said, but she didn’t want to hurt him more than necessary.
Jenna and Dan were scheduled to go over to Tybee early to meet with the senator and his team, and there was no way she could explain it all to Brock. She couldn’t have him tagging along. She pondered what to tell Brock as she ordered a room service lunch. She finally decided to tell him the senator’s wife wanted her to take some pictures and do an interview for the magazine before the party. That would be boring enough for Brock so he’d not feel left out, and he would be pacified since he could come later, at the time of the actual party.
Dan called her before she finished her lunch. “Can you talk a minute?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
“I’ve got the plan all worked out, so relax and trust me, please, Jenna.”
“I have no choice, but if you have taken care of everything, I’ll take it. I can go have a facial and get my nails done.”
“Oh, I see, I’m doing all the hard work again, right?”
“I’m going to be pampered now, so, see you later.” Jenna ended the call with a smile. The thing was, she did trust Dan about all of this, but did she trust him not to leave her if things went wrong? A lot was at stake here, and she knew he was the one who could think like this thief, plan like this thief, and would be the one mostly likely to catch him or her. Though if the past came out, especially the legal stuff Dan went through, life would get messy. She could be implicated, especially if the authorities went back and did some digging. Dan had the most at stake if Gail Wells or anyone else wanted to connect him to this new string of robberies. Proving it, maybe not, but destroying his reputation and life—a real possibility.
Putting the thought and Dan in the back of her mind for a few minutes, and wondering where Brock was, Jenna pondered her outfit for the evening. Since it would be the black gown for the big event, she brought her black pearls and matching earrings, which were in the hotel main safe and not the room safe. She did remind herself she failed to mention this detail to Brock, but she wasn’t sure why. She didn’t want to examine the thought to much at the moment.
The black pearls and earrings had been a gift from her father. Or the real ones had been. Like the other rich women, Jenna had copies made. She would never risk losing the real black pearls her dad gave her on her twenty-first birthday. They were the ones passed on from his mother’s family. It cost her $8,500 to have the fake necklace and earrings made, and that was a decade before, and a mere fraction of their real worth. It would have cost more even then, except for her father’s connections in the business. She definitely got the friends and family discount and was grateful. The copy turned out better than she expected.
The pain of losing something not only valuable, but emotionally important, and made her even more determined to help protect the families who might lose their jewelry to a thief who only saw the items as a form of cash. Jewels made her father’s fortune and provided her with a good life, but he taught her they could mean more to people than wealth.