Chapter 5
Proctor Newley was in a meeting discussing the forthcoming exhibit of The Brontë Sisters, which would be opened to the public beginning next week. When the meeting ended he turned on his Smart Phone and checked his Voicemail. After listening to Ursula’s tantalizing message he called her right back. “I love presents,” he said.
Unlike older people who eschewed birthdays, he indeed loved celebrating them.
Other than the fact that his vision was declining, Proctor Newley had aged well and gracefully. He had an almost beatific aura about him: rosy cheeks, sparkling eyes, teeth that had not yellowed with age, an easy smile and full head of white hair.
“What’s the one thing you’ve been searching for all your life?”
There was no hesitation. “Obviously, The Brimstone.”
“I may have found it.”
She paused for the statement to sink in.
Proctor immediately felt flush, light-headed and a tad uneasy. A part of him wanted to jump for joy, but another part of his psyche was resistant to going through the agony of disappointment if it weren’t the real thing. He’d already gone down that road twice before.
“Remember Peter Hillyer, the fact checker?” said Ursula. “His son has it. The boy’s name is Dalton. He’s a fact checker too. Thought it was a chatelaine. He sent me a photo of it on my cell. If it’s not The Real McCoy, it’s the most perfect replica I’ve ever seen.”
“Does it have all six charms?” He asked the question half hoping the answer would be no. He was getting a knot in his stomach.
“Yes. He’ll bring it to you at your earliest convenience. He’s had it for seven years. Seven years, Proctor.”
“I’m aware of the significance. Did you bring up Paris and the flea market sighting?”
“No. I was going to, but I accidentally mentioned The Brimstone.”
“Ursula!” he snapped.
“I was caught up in the moment."
“What did you tell him about it?”
“Nothing. Just the name. He thinks it may have had something to do with his father’s death. I don’t believe he told me everything.”
“Well, we’ll soon find out. Thank you for sending this opportunity my way, Ursula. Needless to say, if it’s for real, I’ll contact the other members. You’ll get full credit for bringing it to us.”
“What about the finder’s fee?”
The question surprised Proctor. “The finder’s fee would only be awarded to a non-member.”
“I’d like an exception to be made.”
Proctor was confused. “I don’t know what to say, Ursula. You’ve been part of The Brimstone Society for decades.” He paused for a moment. “Are you implying that...?“
“I’ll be direct. I’m barely keeping afloat. I lost it all with bad investments. The finder’s fee will get me back on my feet.”
“I’ll bring it up to the others. I imagine there will have to be a vote.”
“No. This is between us. I don’t want anyone to know my situation. It’s embarrassing enough telling you. I don’t need to be credited with finding The Brimstone. I need the money. Figure out a way to get it to me. Make up a name and claim that someone else found it. Do whatever is necessary.”
