The absence of a known client profile.
"What I'd like," Diana said, "is to see the Aurora Collection."
Patricia's smile flickered.
It lasted less than a second.
Diana saw it anyway.
"The Aurora Collection?"
"Yes."
Patricia glanced toward the display.
"Those are among our most exclusive pieces."
"I know."
"The necklace begins above three hundred thousand."
Diana tilted her head.
"Does the price change whether I can view it?"
Patricia's smile tightened.
"No, of course not."
But she did not open the case.
Instead, she asked, "Are you considering a purchase today?"
"Possibly."
"For yourself?"
Diana paused.
"Would that matter?"
Patricia laughed lightly.
"I'm simply trying to understand what you're looking for."
"I told you."
Diana pointed toward the display.
"The Aurora Collection."
Ashley looked over from another counter.
Assistant Manager Kevin, a nervous-looking white man in his early thirties, glanced up from the register.
Marcus remained near the entrance.
Patricia finally removed a key.
She unlocked the case.
But she opened it only halfway.
Diana noticed.
Patricia removed the necklace carefully and placed it on a black velvet pad.
The diamond caught the light beautifully.
Diana leaned slightly closer.
Her eyes moved across the setting.
Then stopped.
The third left-side prong had been adjusted.
A recent maintenance repair.
Clean work.
Good.
She examined the centerpiece.
"The center stone is sitting better than it was last quarter."
Patricia blinked.
"What?"
"The prong alignment."
Diana pointed.
"Third left-side mount was slightly high."
Patricia stared at her.
"How would you know that?"
Diana looked up.
"I pay attention."
Patricia's expression changed.
The suspicion deepened.
Diana continued.
"The origin certificate is still stored separately?"
Patricia's eyes narrowed.
"Customers generally don't ask that."
"Some do."
"The documentation is secure."
"That's good."
Patricia moved one hand closer to the necklace.
Protective.
Diana noticed.
She almost smiled.
Patricia's body language said something very clear.
She was afraid Diana might touch it.
"May I see the matching earrings?"
Patricia's jaw tightened.
"I think perhaps we should look at another collection."
Diana straightened.
"Why?"
"Something more appropriate."
The room seemed quieter.
Diana slowly lowered her chin.
"Appropriate in what way?"
Patricia gave the answer smoothly.
"For your needs."
"You don't know my needs."
"Budget, then."
Ashley froze.
Kevin looked down.
Marcus turned slightly.