“Mr. Cole has been notified.”
“Thanks.”
Marcus checked the time.
Ten-sixteen.
He was beginning to find the delay rude.
Not offensive.
Just rude.
He moved toward the necklace.
There was a small black leather information folder lying beside the display.
He opened it.
Stone specifications.
Provenance.
Insurance history.
Recent inspection.
The central diamond had been recut in 1962.
Interesting.
Marcus bent slightly to read.
Then Adrian Cole’s voice arrived behind him.
“Excuse me.”
Marcus turned.
Adrian was not smiling.
The older couple remained across the showroom.
Adrian had left them.
Marcus straightened.
“Adrian?”
The manager ignored the question.
“That material is not for general viewing.”
Marcus looked down at the folder.
Then back.
“I have an appointment with you.”
Adrian’s expression barely changed.
“Name?”
“Marcus Hale.”
A pause.
Too small for most people to notice.
Marcus noticed.
Adrian’s eyes traveled down.
Cardigan.
White shirt.
Gray trousers.
Sneakers.
Then back to his face.
“I don't have a public appointment under that name.”
Marcus stared.
“I didn't say public.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened slightly.
“The private schedule is restricted.”
“I know.”
“Then how did you get the name?”
Marcus almost smiled.
“What name?”
“Mine.”
Marcus set the folder down carefully.
“You think I walked into the store and guessed the name of the private-client manager?”
Adrian glanced toward the young associate.
The associate looked uncomfortable.
He began moving toward them.
“Mr. Cole—”
Adrian lifted one hand.
“I have this.”
Marcus looked at the associate.
The young man stopped.
Adrian said:
“Sir, I’m going to ask you to step away from the private display.”
Marcus looked at the necklace.
Then back.
“I was directed here.”
“By whom?”
“Your staff.”
Adrian’s mouth tightened.
“Who?”
“The woman who checked me in.”
“Name?”
“I didn't ask.”
Adrian looked toward the front counter.
The young Black woman who had originally checked Marcus in was helping another client.
Adrian did not call her over.
Instead:
“Do you have confirmation of your appointment?”
Marcus pulled out his phone.
“Of course.”
He opened the email.
Appointment confirmation.
Ellison & Rowe Private Client Division.
10:10 a.m.
Marcus Hale.
Assigned host: Adrian Cole.
He turned the screen toward him.
Adrian barely looked.
“Emails can be forwarded.”
Marcus lowered the phone.
For the first time, irritation became something else.
Concern.
Not because Adrian doubted him.
Because Adrian was refusing to verify.
There was a difference.
“If you think the email isn't valid, check your appointment system.”
Adrian’s voice became colder.
“I know my schedule.”
“Apparently not.”
That landed.
Adrian stepped closer.
“Sir.”