The Craftsman and his Muse

The delicate work of soldering the thin strips of gold to the base was finished, and the enamel paste was ready. A gentle hand lays the enamel into each cell, working carefully from a large color plate to get the shading exact. The finished piece was gently placed into a small kiln, and set to cycle until the enamel had turned into a brilliant glass. While the piece was being fired, the backing piece was fit with a tiny microphone, a battery holder and a tiny hidden switch. After the enamel was fired, the front and back were delicately hinged together, and a delicate gold chain and clasp added to make a delicate necklace.

A velvet lined box tied with a white ribbon was placed under the Christmas tree in the 5th floor break room with a simple tag reading Estephania. It joined the heap of boxes, bags and bundles waiting for the Rangeman Christmas party.

Eager slim fingers untie the ribbon and flip open the box - a gasp of delight bursts from Steph's mouth - "Hector, this is amazing, I have never seen such a beautiful necklace!" She leans over and kisses Hector, and whispers "Thank you, this is perfect!"

Ranger translates for Hector - "A butterfly to match your eyes, with a microphone for distractions that nobody will suspect, to keep my Estephania safe."

And later, by himself, Hector prays for the safety of the only woman who could accept a gangbanger as a friend.