Matthias sat rigidly behind the wheel of his Bentley without comment.
Matthias had been more subdued in manner when he arrived in the morning. Charley’s absence had not been a surprise but it did nothing to soften that line between his brows. Matthias’s brooding had taken on a stern new edge overnight, keener in alertness and a conflicted, almost pained uncertainty, as if torn between his natural inclinations and his duty. Charley had wrought that look when she had questioned the execution of his official capacity, challenging his actions and his loyalties, stomping all over his impartiality to fear or favor, and testing the soundness of his mettle for the sake of finding the missing diamonds and saving the innocent young friend of the Bommels. Matthias had borne it with equanimity the pr
