13. Chapter 13
Across town, in a tiny watchmaker’s shop, Mr. Dorling watched Charles Whittingham peruse the gold fobs in the glass case. He finished examining the bracelet and earrings Whittingham had brought in.
“I can do ten guinea, minus my usual fee.” Dorling kept his voice firm. He never missed an opportunity to weasel out an extra few pounds from every transaction. He had dealt with Whittingham for years and years. He knew the man liked to haggle; it was always best to start low with this one.
“Come now, we both know they are worth at least fifteen.” Whittingham’s face darkened.
“There is more onyx than diamonds, not as easy to sell… Maybe I could go as high as thirteen guinea.”
“All right.” Whittingham’s face cleared, and his easygoing smile surfaced again. “But I need you to count it out in front of me. Every penny matters, you know. Especially now that I am merely the middleman.”
“Of course.” Dorling shuffled to the back room to put the jewelry away in his safe. In actuality, the onyx would sell well. He knew of a buyer who had a preference for the dark black stone.
He returned with the money, counting it out carefully under Whittingham’s watchful eye.
The man would be suspicious of his own shadow.
Dorling didn’t know who the young thief was Whittingham worked with these days, but he knew that it was steady income for him, so he tolerated Whittingham’s request.
“Thank you.” Whittingham tucked his money into his jacket pocket carefully. “I expect to be back soon with quite a special piece. A diamond necklace of some heft. Is that something you can handle, Mr. Dorling?”
“Certainly, easy enough to break it up and sell the diamonds loose. How many are we talking about?”
“At least thirty, from what I observed from a distance.”
Dorling raised his eyebrows. That was interesting indeed. “Of what size?”
“Thumbnail size, and strung along three strands. Quite the prize, I’d say. Worth at least fifty guinea.”
Indeed. If the man told the truth, they could sell the piece to one of his rich merchant connections—men who preferred to acquire jewelry for their mistresses discreetly.
“Excellent. I will line up an auction for my very special buyers if you are sure you can obtain this necklace. That will ensure we receive the very best price.”
“It is no problem for my associate. He is very talented. Go ahead and set it up.”
He crossed his arms in front of his chest and assessed Whittingham. “You know, you may bring your associate with you to the auction to observe the process. It would be a good opportunity for us to meet. My door is always open to any friend of yours.”
“Tut, tut. I have told you, my friend is very shy. Trust is a fragile thing, Mr. Dorling.” He tipped his tall beaver. “Good day.”
Dorling frowned as Whittingham walked out the door.
He had a fair idea who the bastard was protecting.
A good judge of character, he was, and his instincts said that Whittingham would only trust family.
Time to send out his investigator and see if his hunch was right.
Once he knew for sure who the lad was, he would make contact personally and neatly cut out the middleman.