“They’re deadly.” Smooth and cool to the touch, they rapidly warmed in my palm, imparting a sensual feel to them. And they frightened me more than I could say.
“What?”
I shook my head. “Don’t mind me. I’m at odds with myself tonight.” I coiled the rope in my hand and went back downstairs to the dining room, Tommy hard on my heels.
Heads spun to watch with interest as I crossed the rug. I held out my closed hand, then turned it over, opened it, and let the pearls dangle from my fingers. There was a concerted gasp.
“Ah. Yes.” Ammon Runihura’s eyes gleamed malevolently. “If these are not the real thing, then they are an excellent reproduction. No, young sir, you hold onto this precious artefact, while I tell the tale of it.”
I didn’t want those opaque jewels in my possession, but it seem
