Teen Titans: A Hero's Rebirth

Chapter 8: Conference Center

Disclaimer: I do not nor have I ever owned Teen Titans.

Conference Center

Raven and Roy strolled the pristine streets in central Basel making a few stops at the more upscale boutiques. She purchased several day time outfits, cocktail dresses, evening gowns and even a couple of ball gowns. Roy was patient and aided with some of the choices. The shop assistants were very helpful and arranged for all their purchases to arrive at their hotel by the end of the day. It did not take long for the whole shopping trip and even Roy picked up a few articles for himself.

They arrived at their luxury suite at the top floor of the hotel and prepared to make their way to the watch and jewelry conference.

They were to attend an invitation only opening ceremony where they were to meet and mingle with organizers, press and executives of the numerous luxury brands exhibiting there. It was also a chance to see the massive 610 carat uncut diamond on display in the main exhibit hall.

Raven linked arms with Roy as they entered the main foyer of the conference center. There were already a few dozen people sipping champagne and mingling about. Roy was immediately approached by a handsome, older gentleman in a crisp dark grey suit.

"Roy, I did not know you were going to be here," exclaimed the gentleman with a heavy French accent.

"Pierre, nice to see you again. Yes, we just arrived this morning. Pierre, I would like you to meet my wife Rachel Roth-Harper," said Roy as he motioned to Raven. "Rachel, this is Pierre St. Germain, he is the Director General of one of France's luxury jewelry brand."

"Ahhh, exquisite," complimented Pierre as he placed his lips on Raven's extended hand. "It is indeed a pleasure to meet such a beautiful lady," continued Pierre.

Roy immediately draped his arm around Raven's waist and growled slightly. "Rachel and I married last month and we are here to find some jewelry pieces for her collection," said Roy.

Pierre, still holding on to Raven's hand said to her," Well, it would be an honor to show you some of our collection. Our pieces are sought all over the world and they are favorites among royalty."

Raven smiled. "Thank you, that is very nice of you to offer. I look forward to seeing your company's collection at the exhibit," she said as she elegantly extracted her hand from Pierre's.

Pierre smiled, nodded his head to them and then bid them goodbye before approaching another group in the hall.

"Cheeky bastard," mumbled Roy.

Raven laughed. "Well, European men are known for their ummm... charm. Besides, I had to put up with your flirting all these years."

"Yeah, but you weren't married with a husband standing right beside you," protested Roy.

"True. And I have to compliment you on your fine acting as the possessive, jealous husband," said Raven.

"I wasn't acting," stated Roy.

Raven turned to Roy with a confused look. Roy shrugged his shoulders and led her to the main exhibition hall.

Roy and Raven made their way to the area which housed the uncut diamond. The auction was to be held in five days and until then, the attendees at the conference could view the massive diamond.

Security was heavy around the diamond. Four armored guards stood immediately beside the display case while another six were positioned around the room.

The uncut diamond itself was presented in a smash-resistance display case with internal sensors that detected properties such as motion, weight, temperature, humidity and light. Additional motion, light and pressure detectors surrounded the display in the secure five feet perimeter and from above as well. At night it was transported to a secure location on the premises and placed into a graphene encased vault.

"The place looks like a mini Fort-Knox," commented Roy.

"It has to be, considering the other thefts around the world," replied Raven.

"Let's see if we can find someone from the auction house and ask them who has shown interest in the diamond. I doubt the individual or individuals behind the diamond thefts would place a bid in the auction since that would leave an electronic trail for investigation but maybe they had asked about specifications of the diamond," suggested Roy.

Raven nodded in agreement and they set off to the VIP section to find a representative from the auction house.

Fortunately, the Director of Operations of the auction house was an acquaintance of Roy's. Ollie had purchased several art and jewelry pieces from the auction house over the years and had even helped when some artwork were found to be very good fakes. Ollie had helped find the originals discretely and the director was grateful. So he readily agreed with Roy's request for contact details for any inquires relating to the uncut diamond and sent them the information immediately.