Deadly Deals by Fern Michaels Page B

in each ear. That means four earrings per woman. The translation to that is it frees up room in their jewelry boxes for even more gems. You getting my drift here? I also know that women love and adore earrings. They like to pick their own rings and bracelets. Do not ever buy them a necklace unless it is a string of matched pearls like the kind Myra wears and none of us could afford even if we bought it on the installment plan. It would take forever to pay it off. So, it’s earrings. I’m open for discussion, gentlemen.”
    Espinosa sounded like he was going to cry. “Four earrings at a carat each is four carats. That’s got to be a year’s salary at least.”
    Jack sniffed. “There are half-carat earrings and quarter carats, but women are embarrassed to wear them. Jill and Patsy at Dorchester Jewelers told me that in confidence. I don’t think they’ll mind me sharing with you. Maybe if we all go there and buy the earrings, they’ll give us a discount.”
    Harry leaned over and reached for Jack’s ear. “I’m going to kill you! First, you tell me I need to change my decor, and now you’re telling me I have to buy four earrings. Is that what you’re telling me, Jack? Considering my precarious financial situation, that is not what I want to hear.”
    Jack moved closer to the window. “It was a suggestion. Now, if you want Yoko to be embarrassed, well, that’s your business. You already screwed up with all that pink crap you bought…on sale, I grant you. You might be able to get away with a quarter carat, because Yoko is so tiny, but I don’t think so. You know what, Harry? I’m tired of helping you. You are so ungrateful, I can’t stand it. I’m going to talk to Jill and Patsy, and I’m getting two sets. I’ll get a part-time job to pay for them. What about you guys?”
    â€œYeah, I’m in. I don’t want Alexis to be embarrassed. She’s too beautiful, and she deserves four earrings,” Espinosa said generously.
    â€œGood thinking,” Jack said, smacking his hands together. “What about you, Ted?”
    â€œYeah, yeah, count me in,” Ted said.
    â€œHarry?”
    â€œShut the hell up, Jack. I’ll buy my own present.”
    â€œYou dumb shit, you couldn’t even come up with a good color scheme. Oh, I feel so sorry for poor Yoko. Now, gentlemen, you have one more decision to make. Gold or platinum? Jill and Patsy said platinum, but the choice is yours.”
    Further discussion stopped on a dime when Espinosa said, “Okay, we’re here. There’s a guardhouse, and you have to show a pass, or the owner has to call and say a visitor is expected. What do you want to do?”
    â€œHarry, get out and put the guy to sleep. How long, guys?” Jack asked.
    â€œWe can ask the guard if anyone else has come through for Newsom. If Snowden’s men aren’t here already, I’d say two hours,” Ted said.
    Harry rolled his eyes in disgust. “And you think that schmuck stopped here and asked for directions! He probably dropped from a helicopter or rode in on a horse to confuse the guard,” Harry said.
    â€œYou think?” Jack said airily.
    â€œNo, I don’t think. I was making conversation, so I don’t go with my instincts and kill you on the spot. Stay here. I will take care of matters.”
    Harry was out of the vehicle and walking around the front of the Rover before Jack could get his wits about him. The guard opened the door, and Harry motioned him back inside.
    Harry turned on his charm, or what he hoped passed for charm. “Sir, how many people have come through here in the past two hours? I don’t want you to lie to me, because if you do, I’ll have to kill you. Do you understand what I just said?”
    â€œYes. Who are you looking for?”
    â€œNever mind. I ask the questions. Articulate, sir.”
    â€œMr. Donaldson