Chapter 3: Suspicions

"…and we lost David in the confused crowd!" concluded Alex, as the spies related to Jerry what had happened at the Jubilee.

"Hmmm…it certainly does appear that David is our prime suspect," replied Jerry. "Were you able to confirm that the diamond was in his briefcase, Alex?"

"No, Jerry! Both briefcases were lead lined, so I couldn't see inside of them!"

"And you didn't see anything unusual with Barbara or Jared?"

"No, Jer," remarked Clover. "They just stood there, while the lights were off."

"Did you see where they went after the lights came back on?"

"No, Jerry! We immediately began investigating the metal display case!" replied Sam.

Jerry sat back and thought for a moment.

"Ok, spies, I'm returning you to school today, but on Friday, there is another diamond display extravaganza. It just cropped up on the calendar this week, and will be held at the Convention Center here in Beverly Hills. Plan to attend, but as spies, not guests. If David is our thief, he should be there too."

"Right, Jerry!" responded Sam.

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Soon it is Friday, and the spies get ready to go to the Convention Center. Jerry has graciously allowed them to take KIRTT home with them, so that they can go straight to the Convention Center without being WOOHP'd.

They arrive early, to take up their positions: Clover will shadow David; Alex will be below stage; and Sam will be in the rafters. Jerry has provided all three gals with x-ray/m-ray combo contacts (so they can see inside of lead cases, as well as in the dark); tracking barrettes with miniature firing guns; laser lipsticks; and Sam was provided with a set of high-powered binoculars.

The big draw was the Otten Hand cut Precious diamond, never seen before in public. William Otten, a little known eccentric billionaire, wanted to display the gem at the International Diamond Exchange Exposition. Diamond buyers and sellers from around the world were converging on Beverly Hills, even on such short notice, for the opportunity to buy or sell large quantities of diamonds. The event was only for the weekend, so the thief was going to have to strike quickly.

Security was understandable tight. All participants went through airport like detection devices, including all briefcases. Two guards were stationed by the lights control box, and another two at the circuit breaker box. Also, four guards were deployed below stage.

Otten had decided to use basically the same pedestal that was used at the Jubilee, but the base was made of tungsten, instead of steel, for additional strength. He felt that with the additional guards, and with WOOHP spies present, his diamond would be safe.

For the spies, Friday and Saturday were uneventful. David did not appear at the Expo, although he was listed as a credentialed guest. Jared and Barbara were there both days, however.

Finally, on Sunday, David showed up.

"I see David entering the Hall," Clover reported to Sam and Alex.

"Okay, Clover. Stick with him!" replied Sam, "Alex! Stay alert! He'll probably head below stage sometime!"

"Right, Sammie!" replied Alex.

"Clover, can you make out what is inside of David's briefcase, with your combo contacts?"

"I sure can, Sam! It is filled to the lid with money! Can you see him from above with the binoculars, Sammie?"

"I sure can, Clover! Do you think you can fire one of your tracking barrettes on to the heel of his shoe?"

"I can, if he'd stand still for a sec!"

"Alex! You may have to fire a tracking barrette onto David's shoe when he goes below stage!" instructed Sam.

"Okay, Sammie! Will do! Clover, let me know when he is heading to the trap door area backstage. I'll be in the shadows as he descends the ladder, and get the tracker on him!"

"Gotcha, Alex!"

But David didn't go below stage. He went backstage, where his contact met him. Clover watched the same ritual Alex reported earlier: Both men greeted each other, opened their briefcases unlocked them from their wrists, exchanged them, and relocked the exchanged case on their wrist. During the briefcase exchange, Clover was able to fire a tracking barrette on David's shoe.

"Okay, Sammie! The exchange has been made! I'm going to make the bust!" announced Clover.

"Wait, Clover! The Otten diamond is still in its case on stage!" replied Sam.

And as she said that, Sam saw Jared and Barbara leave the Expo.

They're obviously not involved in the theft! Sam thought to herself.

Just then, the lights went out. But Security was ready for that trick this time, as a gas powered generator kicked in after only two seconds, providing electricity. The diamond was still safe.

"Clover, can you see inside David's new briefcase?" asked a somewhat confused Sam.

"Yes," answered an equally confused Clover, "it is filled with small cut diamonds, about the size for a ring or jewelry."

"I think we need to get together! I'll meet you below, Clover. You too, Alex! We'll meet in front of the stage by the diamond," instructed Sam.

Soon, the three deflated spies were standing in front of the Otten diamond display case.

"Now what, Sammie?" asked Alex.

"I don't know, Alex! I was sure we had a solid lead with David, but you say his briefcase contained small cut diamonds, Clover?"

"That's right, Sammie! Where do we get our next lead? What about Jared and Barbara?"

"I saw them leave the Hall just before the lights went out," replied Sam.

"Maybe we'd better call Jerry," said Alex sadly.

But before they could make the call, they heard a small explosion outside of the Expo Hall, and the Hall lost all electricity! Instinctively, the three spies donned their combo contacts, looked at the diamond and the base, and could see that someone was drilling a hole through the base, to get this diamond as well, and were within inches of getting their prize!

"Quick, gals! Below stage!" stated an excited Clover.

The spies flew below stage, only to find the four guards stationed there totally surrounding the pedestal base!

"We'll see if one of them removes a bracing pin to get the diamond!" whispered Sam.

"Only one problem, Sammie!" returned Alex. "There ARE no bracing pins!"

The spies watched the pedestal with their contacts helplessly, as the access hole was completed, and the diamond disappeared down the shaft! The lights did not restore, however, as in previous thefts, and the Hall remained shrouded in darkness.

"Now what?" whispered Clover.

"We'd better inform Mr. Otten that his diamond has been stolen!" replied Sam quietly