Page 50 of Wicked Throne

"Thank you. And it's Mrs. Knowles-Scarpetta, but you already knew that."

She gave a wink and then started to walk around the store. I stayed behind the counter just praying for her to leave. She was dangerous and this was a show of power. She knew damn well I couldn't do anything and I didn't want to jeopardize customers and staff.

"See anything you like?"

"I do like this," she stopped and pointed to a ruby and pearl drop necklace.

It had been sitting in the display case for nearly two years. Never thought I'd sell it. Cautiously, I walked over and pulled the necklace from the case. With ease, I sat it on top and allowed her to come in and inspect it closer.

"This is gorgeous," she smiled. "Can I?"

I nodded with half a smile.

I just wanted her gone. Looking past her I saw the guard glaring at the customers who were on their way out and my sales girls were looking at me in a worried. I caught their eye and gave a slight smile. We would get through this. Nothing was going to happen.

The jewelry shimmered as she picked it up. "Raphael, a little help please."

Raphael snapped to attention and came to help her. He was gentle as he eased it around her neck.

"What do you think?" she checked her reflection in the mirror sitting nearby.

"Rubies are said to offer protection, increase passions. This particular piece has been waiting for a wearer for at least two years. It looks at home with you."

Her nails clicked at the center stone.

Talia Giananca was a vain bitch. I had stroked her ego without overdoing it.

"I'll take it," she said.

Walking cautiously to the register, I told the girls to get ready to lock up. We were done for the night. They hurried to the back giving Raphael looks. I handled the register and brought up Talia's total to eight thousand dollars. "I threw in friends and family discount."

"How nice of you," she continued to touch the necklace. "I've been in town for a while now."

"Oh," I said as I ran the card Raphael had produced from his wallet.

"Yes, I'm surprised Thierry didn't say anything."

"Well if we're not arguing," I leaned in close. "We're fucking. Doesn't leave a whole lot of gossiping about exes, ya know."

Talia's face stiffened even more if possible. Home-girl definitely got botox here and there to keep her face as stiff as conceivable. She could have been a mannequin with that face. Or Lord Voldemort's twin sister because her nose was practically two slits.

The yellow receipt paper was spat out and then signed by Raphael.

"Well thank you for coming in. Don't be a stranger," I smiled.

"I won't," Talia gave a slight wave. She was almost out of the door before she turned to leave. "Oh, and I was so sorry to hear about your other club. It'd be a shame if that happened to this place too."

My mouth went dry and my vision clouded over with red.

Talia had burned down the love of my life. She was the reason thatThe Diamondwas out of business; the reason that I was losing money. Had Thierry known and not told me? To say that I was seeing red was an understatement.

We locked up the Magnolia Bloom tight as a tick. I was more than sure my store would still be standing in the morning. As I'd punched in my alarm code, I decided to let Thierry stew. Let him sit and wonder about where I'd gotten off to.

I didn't particularly care for lying.

"What are yall doing tonight?"

I had put Naomi and Trey on a three-way call when I was about five minutes from my house. They had both answered although it sounded like Trey was moaning.