All That Glitters

Chapter Three

Clutching Leblanc's blue diamond ring, Rikku telephoned the

police detective who had interviewed her at Tidus's house.

She'd found the ring in her purse after arriving home

from Tidus's, but to anyone else, it would look as if

she'd stolen it. She had to clear her name immediately.

If accused of theft, her interior decorating business

was ruined. People who hired Rikku to work in their homes

had to be able to trust her.

Pacing nervously, she waited for the detective to

arrive. She grasped the ring in her hand, not daring to

let it out of her sight. How had the diamond gotten into

her purse? Was someone trying to frame her? Why?

Her doorbell chimed, and Rikku ran to answer. Standing on

her stoop was Donna Corsky.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Rikku asked. "It's after ten

o'clock at night."

"But you're wide-awake," the psychic said as if stating

the obvious was a brilliant revelation. "I'll make a pot

of tea."

Donna slipped inside. Her dark eyes darted as she studied

the layout of Rikku's two-story carriage house. The

downstairs was an open room with a galley kitchen

against the south wall. A spiral staircase led to the

bedroom. As Donna strode toward the kitchen, her long

scarves swirled like the silky plumage of an exotic bird

— a multicolored vulture.

Behind the counter that separated the kitchen from the

rest of the room, she lit the burner under the teapot.

"I was right when I said a Taurus man would sweep you

off your feet."

"You're referring to Tidus." She had also said he'd be the

death of her.

"Such a dear." Donna grinned knowingly. "Taurus is ruled

by Venus. As are you. A Libra. I see a sky filled with

romantic sparks."

Rikku's fingers closed tightly on the diamond ring. This

sparkler was closer to earth. "What happened at Tidus's

house after I left?"

"Questions from the police. Blah, blah, blah. When I

left, Tidus was comforting Leblanc."

About the loss of her ring. "She must have been

distraught."

"Of course. Leblanc was attacked by the cat burglar. Such a

marvelous excuse for being coddled! She's been after Tidus's ass

for quite a while, but he prefers you. You two have so

much in common."

"Like what?" Tidus Clarendon was a wealthy, privileged

attorney. Rikku was raised in foster care and struggled

all her life. What could they have in common?

"Taurus and Libra. You both adore beautiful things. Yet,

you're practical." Donna emerged from behind the counter.

"And, of course, you're both thieves."

"What?"

"Give me your hand, Rikku. I'll read your palm."

And take the diamond? Rikku hid both hands behind her

back. "You're wrong, Donna. I'm not a thief."

"Don't fucking lie! You did a bit of shoplifting as a girl.

Unlike you, Tidus has never been arrested. He's far too

clever. His eyes are focused on the golden sword. Blue

eyes, much like yours."

The teapot screamed to a boil. At the same time, the

doorbell rang.

"It's the police," Rikku said as she went toward the

door. "I called them."

By the time the detective came inside, Donna had already

poured boiling water into two mugs and added tea bags.

It was rather amazing that she'd found everything so

quickly. Maybe she truly was psychic. As she exited, she

said, "I'll read your palm another time, Rikku."

After she left, the police detective took the ring, much

to Rikku's relief. She said, "I'm sure Leblanc was frantic

looking for this."

"She didn't report it missing," the detective replied.

"But she was wearing the ring earlier tonight," Rikku

said. "I saw it."

"This might be a copy."

When the detective held the diamond in the light,

reflections from fifty-seven facets in a Tiffany cut

shimmered in breathtaking splendor. Rikku knew — as well

as she knew her own name — that this gem was genuine.

After a few routine questions, he turned to leave. "Be

sure to lock your door. If — as you claim — someone hid

the ring in your purse, they'll come after it."

She closed the door behind him. Donna might have come

here looking for the diamond. The psychic was a likely

cat burglar. Her association with the wealthy of Denver

gave her access to their homes, their secrets, their

precious belongings…and their gossip. Why had she

accused Tidus?

When her cell phone rang, Rikku feared it might be him,

coming for the ring. "Hello?"

"Did I wake you?" The sound of Tidus's voice was both

exciting and troubling. "I wanted to apologize about

tonight."

"I'm okay," she said. "How's Leblanc?"

"No damn crazier than usual." He paused. "You sound nervous,

Rikku. Would you like some company?"

"I couldn't ask you to come all the way to my place."

"No problem. I'm on my cell phone, parked next door to

your carriage house."

He was outside, waiting in the dark, watching the light

from her windows. A gaggle of goose bumps marched up her

arm. Was he here for nefarious reasons? There was only

one way to find out. "Since you're already nearby —"

The doorbell sounded.

She unlocked the door, and they faced each other. Each

with cell phone in hand.

Rikku disconnected. "Guess we don't need these."

"Guess not." When he entered, his energy filled the

room. Her home seemed somehow brighter, lit by an

ominous amber flare. "There's something I want to talk

about."

Her heart thumped. She prayed he wouldn't confess to

being the cat burglar. "What is it, Tidus?"

"I think Leblanc staged her assault. She wouldn't allow the

paramedics to check her injuries. I don't think she was

attacked."

"Why would she fake it?"

Like Donna, he surveyed her home. His gaze focused on the

spiral staircase leading to her bedroom. "Leblanc's after

something."

"She's after you," Rikku said. "She went to a lot of

trouble to prepare that romantic candlelit dinner.

Pretending to be attacked is a quick way into your arms.

Obviously, she has the hots for you."

"There's only one thing Leblanc cares about. Money."

Don't we all? "They say it makes the world go round."

"With Leblanc, it's an obsession."

"What do you care about, Tidus? Donna says a Taurus is

supposed to adore objects of art and beauty."

He turned toward her. "I appreciate the finer things."

"Such as?" The Sword of LeFevre. A blue diamond ring.

"The red-gold shine of your hair." His direct gaze

caressed her. "The pattern of freckles across your

nose."

She quickly glanced away — afraid to connect with this

incredibly attractive man who might be a cat burglar.

"Why did you come here?"

"To see you." He strolled to the counter, noticing the

two cups with tea bags. "Were you expecting company?"

"Not anymore."

"You live alone," he said.

His words struck a portentous chord. She was alone. If

she screamed, no one would hear.

He took a step toward her. "I want to know you better,

Rikku. I want to know if I can trust you."

As he approached, she was aware of his height, his broad

chest and muscular forearms. He could overpower her so

easily. His nearness should have made her wary, but a

strange instinct drew her toward him. When he touched

her arm, electricity trembled through her body.

"Trust," she said, "can be dangerous."

"Leblanc knew I was bringing the sword to my house. I think

she was trying to figure out a way to get her hands on

it. And to frame me."

"Or me," Rikku said.

"Why do you think she wanted to frame you?" Tidus asked.

Rikku decided to put her cards on the table. "To get me

away from you," she explained. "She knows I find

you…attractive." Rikku swallowed nervously, not sure how

Tidus would react.

He moved closer to her. There was no escape from him

now. Taking her hands in his, he brought his lips close

to hers. "Rikku," he whispered. "Where is the blue

diamond ring?"

To be continued...