Read Online The Cakes of Monte Cristo by Jacklyn Brady - Free Book Online

that?”
    The change of subject surprised me. I wanted to be a sounding board for Simone if she needed one, but I’ve never had a close girlfriend before and I’m still learning the ropes. I decided to take my cues from her and change the subject.
    â€œI think it can be repaired,” I said. “I need to check our insurance, but even if we have a deductible I’m sure we’ll be able to afford the work, thanks to the Vintage ClothingSociety. Money’s not the big issue, but finding a spare week or two to let workmen swarm all over the place is another matter. Plus, I don’t have the time right now to research contractors and find someone who’s both good and reliable.”
    â€œAnd qualified to work on a building with historic significance.”
    â€œThat too.” Truthfully, I hadn’t even considered that until she mentioned it, and mentally doubled my estimates for repair cost and time.
    â€œIf it’s not one thing, it’s another,” Simone sympathized. “If you want a recommendation for a contractor, I could give you a couple of names.”
    I nodded eagerly. “That would help a lot. Can you e-mail the names to me?”
    â€œNo need.” Simone dug around in her purse and pulled out a couple of business cards. “This would be my first choice,” she said, pushing one of the cards toward me. “We used this firm when we renovated part of the office last year.” She handed me a second card, adding, “If they’re not available, this guy is almost as good.”
    Intending to store the contact information on my phone, I reached into my bag. My hand brushed the cool wood of the box and I reconsidered my earlier decision. Simone was a friend. What could it hurt to show her the necklace?
    I retrieved my phone and also put the box on the table between us.
    Simone arched a delicate eyebrow. “That’s exquisite. What is it?”
    â€œJust a little something I found inside one of the broken stairs at Zydeco this morning. You want to see what it is?”
    Simone leaned forward eagerly. “What kind of question is that? Of course I want to see.”
    I opened the box carefully, unwrapped the velvet, and showed her the necklace.
    Simone gasped and put a hand to her throat. Her eyes grew wide and darted between my face and the necklace.
    â€œIt’s not real, of course,” I said quickly. “I mean, it couldn’t possibly be. But it’s pretty, don’t you think?”
    Simone’s eyes landed on my face and stayed there. “I think you’re wrong. I think those are rubies—very valuable rubies if I’m not mistaken.”
    I had started to laugh, but her expression stopped my laughter with a gurgle. I’d never seen a real ruby before, but I was quite sure Simone had. Not that I thought she could value a stone with the naked eye or anything, but she had a better chance of identifying a genuine stone than I did. The only precious stone I’d ever owned was the diamond in my wedding set, and I hadn’t worn those rings in years.
    â€œHow valuable?” I asked.
    â€œRight now, very. Rubies have become so rare, they’re worth more than twice as much as diamonds.”
    I studied the stones in silence. “If they’re real,” I said softly, “the necklace must be worth a fortune.”
    â€œI’m sure it is,” Simone agreed. “It’s clearly an antique piece, and it may even have a history that adds value. If I were you, I’d get it appraised. And I’d keep it somewhere safe until you know exactly what you have there.”
    â€œI’ll do that,” I said. “But I want to show it to Miss Frankie before I do anything. She owns the building, so technically, it belongs to her.”
    â€œAnd you say your new temp is the one who noticed it first?”
    I nodded slowly. “Yes. Why?”
    â€œDo you think she’ll try to claim