A.N.- I know, I know…not so much Jack/Rose…but oh so exciting :P I would love to know what everyone thinks on where this story is going and how I am doing, so please review for my own comfort of mind :P

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Rachel stood forlornly at the window, arms wrapping a shawl around her arms. It wasn't cold, but the air held a dark hue from the rain as it clattered on the overhang outside. He was out there, with 'her' most likely. She sighed with a tremor of defeat, forcing herself to pull away from the brightly colored curtains. The day was almost over.

The bell rang and she felt like she jumped a mile from surprise. The umbrella closed as the man brushed off what he could of the remaining water. He was handsome, reaching near thirty years she gathered. Dark hair slicked back against his head. She couldn't tell if it was from the rain or product, secretly hoping it was the prior.

"Bonjour, ma Belle," The accent left no doubt of his nation's background, but it took the woman slightly by surprise. There were not many French who walked into their doors. German, Italian, Irish, British…but the French? They often didn't immigrate to these shores and with the war going on, they tended to have other things on their mind. "I am here looking for Mr. John Calvert."

His accent was distinct, but his English was impeccable.

"I'm sorry, Sir, but he will not be in until tomorrow." Rachel smiled, picking up a book resting on the window sill by her side and proceeded to make her way back to her place at the desk. "Perhaps you would like to leave a message? Or come back tomorrow? Is it anything I can help you with? Mr…?"

"Mr. Denton," He smiled charmingly and offered a courteous bow. "Olivier Denton. I am here at the request of one of rather significant importance in the French government. Forgive me if I do not offer details. You see, we have long been searching a particular necklace that recent knowledge has led us here."

The woman eyed him cautiously but he gave nothing away from where he stood. "We deal with many different imports, Sir. However, jewelry is not very common. What could France want with a small company like our own?"

The man chuckled, "Miss…?"

"Miss Rachel Spinner, Sir."

"Miss Spinner, it is not your company I am here for, but Mr. Calvert. I have learned that several years ago, this item was in his possession and he may very well know where it currently resides. That is, if he himself does not already carry it. It is a diamond, Miss Spinner. A very rare diamond."

"I have never seen him with such a thing," Her mind searched but truly could never remember a time of it being mentioned. Perhaps John knew of it once, but it lay forgotten with all the others he had lost on that ship. "If he did possess something of that magnitude, I would certainly know of it."

"I see." The implications of his comment, as simple as it was, hit her like a blow. She should have never said as much. It was too much already and the way he watched her, it was intimidating.

"Well, Sir," her voice took an edge of defensiveness. "I'm certain what ever questions you will have with John, you can return another time when he will be in and can answer for himself." She turned away from the man, reaching for a pen on the counter behind her. Anything to make it seem like she had work to be done, she told herself.

"I have it on some good authority, he is out because of a woman, red hair, am I correct?"

Rachel turned, alarm suddenly filling her senses. "How did you know that?"

"I have been informed about anything recent concerning Mr. Calvert. They claim the woman was referred to as one Miss Rose DeWitt Bukater."

"That is correct." The man was making her increasingly concerned. She almost wished there was an easier way to call in someone from the shop.

"This is all very curious, especially since Rose DeWitt Bukater is dead."

"But," Rachel's eyes had widened at the statement as she struggled to find a response. "That's impossible. She couldn't be dead. The woman was standing here, right in front of me. Are you to tell me a ghost walked into my office, Mr. Denton."

"What I am trying to tell you, Miss Spinner, is do not allow yourself to be a fool." There was a stab of insult that the tone of his voice did not match. His posture remained where it had, never making a move closer, never giving an air of anything less that proper civility. "People are not kind in this world, they will do anything when the priceless is involved and, Mademoiselle, this diamond is priceless. Rose DeWitt Bukater was the daughter of a Mrs. Ruth DeWitt Bukater who is currently living in Philadelphia I believe."

"So you are to tell me that I am to trust you with this seemingly important information you so freely offer?"

"I will not tell you where to place your heart, that of course is your own prerogative. I have no doubt, that Mr. Calvert is innocent in his actions, however it would be a shame for him to be…duped…by such a clear imposter."

"Imposter or not, he will be able to tell soon enough," or so her soul wished it. A part of her desperately hoped it wasn't true, but a small part, just a small part, wished to God it was.

"If, perhaps, you would be so kind as to provide me with the answer to that…I'm certain you will find…"

"I would never betray…"

"Non, non, non," He shook his head dramatically, shifting the umbrella resting on his arm. "Betray? Never, I would never ask that. It is more than clear what this man means to you. I too, am merely looking out for this young man's safe keeping."

There was confusion. Who was he that she should trust him with even a word. He didn't appear false, from what she could see…and he did sound sincere. But to be put into a situation like this of any kind. Who was John before she had met him? Even he didn't know.

"The truth is, if he does in fact still carry this diamond, as it is believed by a select number of persons, he will never be safe. The dice have been thrown and the game is being played out, Miss Spinner."

She couldn't look at him, still focusing on the desk, anything on the desk. Her eyes found a pencil, her thoughts found nothing definite. She was full of confusion and scenarios ran through her mind but with all her prayers to God, none were answered immediately.

"I would offer him a fair price for the item, one that would more than allow him comfort for the rest of his life perhaps. Life for love, children, happiness."

It was what she always wanted for him, even if she wasn't a part of it. It was an amazing offer, but in order to achieve it…"If he even has it that is, Mr. Denton."

"Yes, if he has it." He shrugged with casualness. "If not, then it is all the same to me, but still there are some who will act on the rumors they have heard. And there is still the matter of this woman who calls herself by the elegant Rose DeWitt Bukater. Did she look like a woman raised in the highest branches of first class, Miss Spinner? Eating off china and gathering with royalty?"

Now that she thought about it, she really hadn't.

"I have taken up far too much of your time, I apologize. I will return, Miss Spinner, and perhaps by then, we will both have a better understanding of these events." He offered another bow accompanied with a smile she had never imagined could be so amiable. "It was a pleasure to meet you, ma Belle."

Rachel found herself without words as the man took his leave and exited the office. She was left with feelings of uncertainty that did not set well.