Misfortune calls

As Jamie walked confidently into the mansion, eyes were all over her. Especially one set of eyes in particular. This particular set of eyes belonged to Savannah Forrester, older sister of Juliet Forrester who had recently disappeared. She watched the new arrival closely, not because of the dress, but because of the handbag, which had a "J" surrounded by roses and hearts. This particular bag was custom made for Juliet for her eighteenth birthday. Juliet never went anywhere without it. Savannah knew this was more than a mere coincidence. This newcomer wore the same exact dress Juliet had worn the night of her disappearance. She even wore the same jewelry.

Jamie felt the weight of the eyes that were upon her, but she brushed it off as everyone being captivated by her natural beauty. She started her work in earnest as she began taking photos of the video cameras that were placed in each corner of the room. She picked up a glass of white wine from a passing servant as she walked toward the next room.

Savannah had noticed her exit to the next room. She knew hardly anyone was in there, since most people were still mingling and socializing in the grand hall. She decided it was time to go after this woman, and interrogate her about the purse, the dress, and the jewelry.

Jamie was oblivious to anything other than her homework. This room contained some very valuable historic pieces and paintings. While there were no detectable video cameras in sight, she knew they could be concealed just about anywhere. She pulled out her laser detecting goggles, which looked more like a regular pair of glasses than goggles. She looked around the room. Yes, there were lasers at about ankle and knee height. At least if she chose this room to steal from she could probably set over them, and crawl under them. She didn't notice anyone else enter the room.

Savannah came up behind Jamie quietly, then put her arm around Jamie's neck. Her hand covering Jamie's mouth. "I'm going to ask you some questions, and you're going to answer them" she whispered. "Nod your head if you understand."

Jamie was scared, and frozen where she stood. She wasn't sure what was happening, but she was sure the person who held her was not trying to sell her car insurance. Jamie slowly nodded her head.

"That purse you carry. Where did you get it?" Savannah queried.

Jamie decided it was in her best interest to play dumb. "I've always had this. My name is Jamie" she answered, hoping to throw her inquisitor off guard. "That's what the J stands for."

"I find that very hard to believe" the voice of the assailant rasped into Jamie's ear. "You see, I had that purse custom made for my younger sister Juliet, who went missing a couple of weeks ago. Now you either tell me the truth, or things will get much worse for you. I promise you that. Where did you get it?"

Jamie knew there was no way she could give up Thomas. She stuck to her guns. "I'm very sorry to hear about your sister, but I've told you the truth."

"You don't realize who you're messing with. I will give you one more chance. Where did you get it?"

"I have nothing more to say. I told you what I had to say." The next thing Jamie knew her assailant wrapped an arm around her neck and tightened her grip until all Jamie knew was darkness.