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“Well, I can see why he’d do that. He does like when people treat him like he’s a person rather than an entity to be feared. He does work with the police, especially on tough cases, and we’ve learned to give him shit when he deserves it. But you wouldn’t have known that.”
“No, I hadn’t. I just saw Garnet was getting upset, so I tried to find a somewhat polite way to tell him to stop bothering her.” Paying the black dragon would be a bother, but I’d do so while smiling.
Garnet loved the stone, which made it priceless.
As there was no time better than the present, I grabbed my phone, located Mr. Acri’s number in my microscopic contact list, and sent him a text message inquiring if he’d like the remaining six thousand and eight hundred for the stone as cash or as a check.
A few moments later, my phone rang, and the display indicated the black dragon wanted to speak to me personally. While hesitant, I swiped my finger across the screen and answered, “Good evening, Mr. Acri.”
The black dragon’s laughter rumbled. “I have been caught, I see. How did you find out its true value?”
“There are dragons nosing about my business, and one of them was kind enough to give a rough appraisal as it’s Garnet’s absolute favorite stone. I’d like to pay you its proper value.”
“My clan owns the mine that stone was found. My wife found it. A stone is only worth what people are willing to pay—or what is offered. I do appreciate your integrity and honor, however. That has even more value than the money you have offered. Keep your money, Miss Kinsley. Consider the difference to be a gift. You are clearly doing your best to provide for your little family. That is of far more importance than money. The rest of your purchases were made at honest market value. As you say, we are nosy dragons, investigating the business of others at our whim. Does that give you some peace?”
“Some, yes. Thank you. Still, that’s a great deal of loss on your part.”
“It’s no loss at all. I saw young Garnet’s joy with her stone today, and that she cherishes it enough you are bringing it with you so she can have it when you’re busy shows far more about your character than you may realize—or appreciate.”
No kidding. “I will find a way to repay you,” I swore.
“A most potent threat indeed. I shall be on my guard against such a thing. Have yourself a good evening.”
Before I had a chance to say another word, Enzo Acri hung up. I wrinkled my nose. “He refused the money, and he said his wife had found it from one of their mines.”
“They own the mine, yes. Two hundred was likely their base expenses for the trip. And Mrs. Acri loves the underdog, which you are. I wouldn’t worry about it.”
I would, but I made a point of pretending I wouldn’t for his comfort more than mine. “All right. So, you think I should show up in leather?”
“Trust me when I say that you showing up in leather will stun the entire lot of them. I was under the impression that would be among the last things you might do.”
“Drastic times call for drastic measures. I’ll go get changed. Garnet, show Chester where your favorite milk is along with your favorite bottle of hot sauce and your potatoes. Also, show him where Tourmaline’s travel nectar is. I think it’s time to teach Erik I am not a wilting lily or a coward. Yes, I ran—but I did not run because I was afraid for my sake.”
“You were worried for his. Please trust me when I say he knows this. And he’s not mad at you, but he does regret everything you two have missed because of Miami’s prejudices.”
“That makes two of us.”
SEVENTEEN
“He likes his women difficult, rare, and of the highest quality.”
Sunday, April 26, 2167
The Sapphire Ward
Dragon Heights, Wyoming
Chester drove me to a large home in the Sapphire Ward. It didn’t quite count as a mansion, at least when compared to its neighbors, but I received a few important messages.
Erik had lived far beneath his familial means in Miami, a lot like me. Unlike me, he would have known about his family’s wealth from an early age. I’d figured out my family had more money than I’d thought a little later in life, but my parents had raised me without much in the way of extra trappings on purpose.
They had wanted me to remain compassionate towards others, and money in vast quantity did a good job of removing compassion.
Erik had played at being from a similar bracket as me. I’d have to congratulate him on his acting skills—and then confess I’d done the same, at least later in life when I’d figured out my parents had more wealth than they had let on.
There was only one problem with the situation: someone in Erik’s family owned a Bentley S1 in a solid, bright green. Its chrome shined, and everything about it defined perfection. As soon as Chester parked, I let myself out, gathered Garnet in my arms, whistled for Tourmaline, and went to investigate the ancient car.
A quick peek inside revealed it had a dark green interior and had been kept in meticulous condition.