The pawnshop owner looked at the pearl necklace the oddly dressed woman had handed him. She was clearly a woman of some wealth. So why was she here in his small dusty shop? Was she recently divorced, perhaps? If so, she might not want the necklace her now ex-husband had given her. Still, he was an honest man and he could not accept the item in good conscience.
"It's not that I don't trust you, my dear lady," he explained. "But if you were to bring your necklace to an appraiser, they can give you a better offer than I can."
"Can you recommend one?" Arianna asked.
"There's Mr Albertson on North Street. That's about two blocks East, oddly enough. He's quite reputable. Should give you a fair trade."
"Thank you," Arianna replied, as the pawnshop owner smiled and handed her back the necklace.
She walked the two blocks until she reached what was clearly a minor shopping district. There were several stores including a bakery, a music store, and the jeweller's/appraiser's as well as a small bodega and a pub.
Ignoring the man and his date who were arguing outside the pub, Arianna stepped into Albertson's and walked up to the counter.
"May I help you?" asked the young man who was standing behind the counter. He looked to be about thirty five.
"Are you Mr. Albertson?" Arianna asked.
"Yes, and no," the man replied. "I am Joe Albertson the younger. My father is the owner of this shop."
"I see," Arianna deflated a little.
"I can handle most transactions," Joe explained.
"I need an appraisal," Arianna told him. "I have a necklace I wish to sell. The pawnshop owner said I would get a fair price here."
"Mr. Michaels," Joe smiled. "He's a good man. Always fair to his customers. My father apprenticed me in appraising. I'd be happy to help you."
Arianna drew the pearl necklace out of her bag and placed it on the counter.
Joe's eyes went wide. He had heard of blue pearls before. But never had he heard of any so vibrantly coloured or seen them in person.
He retrieved his appraiser's kit and studied the necklace very carefully.
"These are amazing," he whispered. "I wish I could offer you their full value, but this shop just doesn't have a few million dollars."
"What can you offer?" Arianna asked him. "I just need money for travel?"
"How far are you going?"
"At the moment, Cornwall. But I'm not sure if my journey will end there or not."
"Are you searching for someone?" Joe asked her.
"An old flame," Arianna replied. "I knew him several years ago and we lost touch. I want to see him again."
Joe had the feeling that this woman still held a torch for the flame in question.
"Have you considered looking up his name online?" he suggested. "Might save you some money and a trip. Plus you could keep your necklace. I'd hate to have you part with it unnecessarily."
"Where's the fun in that?" Arianna smiled.
A few minutes later, she walked out of the shop, several thousand dollars wealthier, and with the address of the local travel agent.