C38 Thirty-Eight

I felt solid warmth behind me and turned, the smell of cinnamon filling my nose.

Ever so perceptive, Vaughan took note of something on my face and became alert. "Is anything wrong?"

"No, no," I was quick to reassure him. "It's just"--I turned to face the auctioneer--"that necklace..."

"What about it?"

I locked gazes with him. "I need to get it."

Vaughan looked at it, his eyes calculative