The Queen's Jewels

Chapter 3: A Trap Is Sprung

John F. Kennedy Airport. Friday, November 12, 2004.

"Sir, we need to inspect your briefcase. Please come this way."

"I understand," Bolotnov said obligingly. "One can't be too careful these days."

Jones, clad in the uniform of a TSA baggage inspector, led Yuri Bolotnov to a small room next to the passenger screening area. Neal accompanied him, also wearing an inspector uniform. Jones opened the briefcase. Apparently only folders of documents were inside. Raising an eyebrow, he looked over at Neal. The X-ray scanner had revealed nothing. Bolotnov's luggage had been thoroughly inspected with negative results. This was their last hope.

"The briefcase contains papers for me to work on during the flight. You'd be doing me a great service by confiscating them so I can sleep instead," Bolotnov joked while he observed the proceedings, ever the self-confident businessman tolerant of security red tape.

Neal smiled sympathetically as he ran his fingers lightly around the edges of the lining of the hard leather case. His index finger delicately probed a minute indentation along the side. He pressed harder and with a quiet snap, the top lining dropped down to reveal a hidden compartment. Inside the compartment was a midnight-blue velvet pouch. As Jones kept a close watch on Bolotnov, Neal pulled out a pair of magnificent pear-shaped diamond earrings.

Neal arched an eyebrow. "More paperwork for the trip home?"

Yuri Bolotnov was detained on possession of stolen property and brought to the Bureau for questioning. Peter performed the interrogation that afternoon while Neal and Jones observed from behind the one-way glass wall.

"I'm awarding him points for his 'Mr. Innocent' act," Jones said. "The sorrowful eyes, the downcast demeanor, the trembling lip, he's good all right."

"What are the odds that the receipt he coughed up can be traced to an actual person?" Neal asked.

Jones shrugged. "It could lead to somebody who has conveniently disappeared. However, as long as Bolotnov continues to claim that he hid the earrings to protect them, and he didn't know they were stolen, there's no case. On the plus side, we've recovered the earrings, but as of now, we have no evidence of him having knowingly purchased stolen property. If we brought him up on charges, we'd be laughed out of court."

"So even though his claim to have purchased them from a Russian immigrant who'd fallen on hard times will most likely never be substantiated, that doesn't help us."

"Right," Jones said. "Bolotnov's not resisting our confiscation of the earrings. He'll leave somewhat poorer, but judging from the financial statement I reviewed, the money he spent on the earrings won't even register."

"Tramonte's the real winner," Neal said, frowning. "He wasn't charged with the crime and was paid for the robbery." Hardly a satisfying conclusion. A couple of weeks ago they recovered a stolen manuscript by Galileo, but the presumed thief, a cybercriminal nicknamed Azathoth, had escaped capture. Efforts to track him down were continuing and Peter kept telling him to be patient, but this wasn't the way Neal liked to operate.

Jones, though, didn't appear to be bothered. "At least we know about Tramonte now, and he'll be on our watch list. The Smithsonian and Regnier's will both be gratified that the earrings are recovered. Plus, with the case wrapped up, we now have a free weekend." He looked decidedly happy at the prospect.

"You sound like a man with plans."

"Not denying it."

"Do those plans involve Helen?" Neal asked.

"They just might," Jones acknowledged, looking even more cheerful. "What's your weekend look like?"

"Fiona's invited me to her place for dinner on Saturday.'' Responding to Jones's grin, he added, "It falls into the study date category. We're going over selections for the band rehearsal on Sunday and she offered her place."