Chapter 126 - truth and reconciliation

Lawrence

The annual gallery fundraiser glittered under enormous crystal chandeliers, elegant music and conversation filling the soaring marble hall.

"It's an honour to have you here, Lawrence. " One of my elderly partners commented.

"I'm pleased." I smiled at him.

I moved through the well-heeled crowd with singular purpose, guards trailing discreetly against the perimeter.

There on the raised dias surrounded by her family's most ostentatious donations and industry elite, preened the petty thief who had stolen so very much.

My polished oxfords clicked sharply on imported Italian tile as I ascended the steps neutralising the advantage of height. As one, patrons shuffled sideways allowing a wide berth for unpredictable alpha confrontation.

I ignored the blatant eavesdropping in favour of locking eyes with startled prey who had expected easy camouflage among her pampered set tonight.

"Bijou, a word." I infused iron command into genteel phrasing brooking no defiance before such scrutin