Last time in the Bassverse: Charles Bass pulled off a hugely successful business merger and possibly a legendary jewel theft, just in time for his 3 o'clock with his therapist.

Chapter 2

Detective Dan Humphrey strolled into his precinct, coffee in one hand and an opened newspaper he was attempting to read in the other. He grimaced slightly at the part of the article announcing the arrival of a recovery expert (whatever that was) coming to aid his investigation. Still, he had no doubt he'd have little difficulty working with the new fellow. The guy was probably just meant to be a watchdog, a liaison to keep the insurance company up to date on the investigation.

Humphrey wasn't a rookie. He had a solid record in clearing cases and was sure this one would be no different. He'd come a long way from his early days as a college journalism major. Back then, he'd wanted to be an investigative reporter. Degree in hand, he'd set off to change the world. But getting a job offer for a full-time writing gig proved even more difficult than getting a byline.

A random ride-along with the NYPD for a story had left him intrigued by the police profession. The gentrification of his neighborhood had left him with an increasing rent bill he couldn't pay.

Quite simply, he needed a job.

It was the right fit at the right time and he'd never looked back.

Dan liked the feeling he could make a difference, though he failed to see how this current case had much meaning in the grand scheme of things. What did he care if some fancy thief wanted some overpriced necklace that was sitting in a museum? He'd researched jewel theft cases and their outcomes were unpredictable: the jewels might never be recovered or they might turn up in a locker at a bus terminal in Miami. He'd be relieved to clear this case and focus on something else other than rich people problems.

He pulled up short as he walked into his office. Seated behind his desk was the 95-pound epitome of a problem rich person. She was stylishly dressed; her ensemble probably cost more than he earned in a month. There was intelligence and curiosity and maybe a little disdain in her wide doe eyes when she looked up at him from the stack of papers and photos spread out before her.

"Oh, good, you're here. I was wondering when you'd arrive."

"Excuse me, miss, I think you're in the wrong place."

"Mm, nope." Her mouth twisted in a wry smile. "I'm exactly where I need to be, Lieutenant."

"It's Detective. Detective Dan Humphrey. If you can tell me what you're looking for, Miss…?"

"I'm Blair Waldorf, and I'm looking for The Empress necklace. I'm here on behalf of the insurance company. To rescue your investigation."

He bristled at that. "My investigation is progressing nicely and not in need of any rescue, I do assure you."

She sighed. "How much experience do you have with high-profile jewel heists, Lieutenant? You're from Brooklyn, right?"

She looked him over from head to foot and he was immediately aware of every single scuff on his shoes and that he was more than a little overdue for a haircut.

"Are you psychic?" He said the first thing that came into his mind.

"Not really, but I do my homework and I make observations. That's the next best thing. Crimes have a culture and a personality. This one is sophisticated…and cunning. It's a very Upper East Side crime. I grew up there; I understand."

"Crime is crime," Dan snorted. "It's not about geography or cultural settings; it's about people."

"Well, you seem to be a student of human nature. What have gotten from these files so far?" She gestured at the spread of evidence on the desktop.

"I've only done a preliminary scan of the pictures taken in the museum the afternoon of the heist…," he began.

"So…no suspects then?"

She needn't sound so superior about it.

"What about him?" She pointed to a clear photo of a handsome, urbane man.

"That's Charles Bass."

"Yes, but what do you know about him?"

"Enough to know that it couldn't have been him. The guy's a billionaire. The day of the heist he completed a merger that made him even richer. What does he need with an expensive piece of jewelry?"

"There's more than money as a motivation here."

"He's not only rich, Miss Waldorf, he actually owns the company that makes the security system used by the museum. This theft is a bad reflection on his product."

"It's a hit, certainly, but one his empire can afford to take. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't debut a newer, better security system in the next few months and make a killing in the stock market."

"You are quite the cynic, lady. Unless your interest in Mr. Bass is more of a personal nature." He gestured at her finger still tracing the outline of the gentleman's face in the photo.

She glared at him and he wondered if perhaps he'd gone too far with the jibe. "This isn't a dating profile, Humphrey. I'm evaluating a suspect. A suspect who's also been present at the scene of three other jewel thefts. Does that seem like a coincidence to you? I don't believe in coincidence."

He was taken aback for a moment. She really did do her homework.

"The motive is a mystery." It was stating the obvious, but it was true.

"Charles Bass is a mystery. But you know what? I'm going to solve it." She got up from his chair and moved toward the door.

"How exactly are you going to do that?" He sounded dubious.

"By using every weapon in my arsenal." She sounded quite confident.

He watched in wonder as sashayed down the hall, mesmerized by the bounce of her dark curls and the sway of her hips. Feminine wiles and uncanny intuition.

Charles Bass had no idea what was about to hit him.

Dan Humphrey didn't know if he should feel envy or pity for the gentleman in question.

To Be Continued in Chapter 3

Author's Note:

Well, we met Chuck and now we've met Blair. Whatever will happen next?

Thank you so much to my readers and reviewers. I treasure you all and hope to hear from you soon. If you sent me a review, I haven't forgotten; replies are coming soon.

Have any thoughts, comments or wishes for the story? Bring 'em on!