Black Opal by Sandra Cox Page A

much I respect his nephew and appreciate Johnny sending him down to make sure the manager fixes the faulty wiring. I’ll throw in a little oohing and aahing.” She patted her hair.
    “Do you think he’ll fall for that dumb blonde routine?” Sabina looked skeptical.
    “People see what they want to see, honey. Johnny can’t see past a woman’s cup size. As far as he’s concerned when God made women, he left an empty cavity in their cranium.” She walked over and straightened a lighthouse picture that was hanging askew over the bed.
    “And this is Adam’s uncle?” Just what does Adam Morelly think of women?
    “Oh just because he considers them on the same level as a good racing horse or beloved dog doesn’t mean he’s cruel to them. He’s considerate in an offhand manner.”
    “That’s almost worse.” Sabina scrunched her face in disgust.
    “Well, hon, you just have to see the humor in it. Knowing my cat Puss-Puss is smarter than Johnny just gives me something to laugh about while Johnny is at his supercilious best.”
    “Did anyone ever tell you that you have a very odd sense of humor?”
    “Quite frequently, sugar. Now grab your ice bucket and we’ll trawl the hall and see if anyone saw anything.”
    “Good plan, Blondie.” Sabina gave Bella’s blonde curls a tweak as she walked by and grabbed the ice bucket.
    “I do miss Maureen.” Bella heaved a nostalgic sigh. “She always calls me Blondie plus other not so repeatable names.”
    Sabina turned, ice bucket in hand and studied her friend. “The link between the amulets is strong isn’t it?”
    Bella nodded. “Once the link in the sisterhood is forged it becomes unbreakable. Can you feel it? The bond between us grows daily. It has become as strong as a lover’s.”
    “What about the protectors of the knowledge and wealth amulets? Do you think we’ll ever meet them?” Sabina asked as she opened the door.
    “I’m sure of it. I’m just not sure when.”
    The door swung silently shut behind them as they stepped into the corridor.
    Bella pointed to the left. “The ice machine is just down the hall.” Their shoes sank into the rich silver-gray carpet as they walked down the corridor. They stopped in an alcove labeled in bright gold letters “Accruements for Our Guests”.
    Sabina thrust the ice bucket at Bella. “You fill the ice bucket and I’ll hang out in the hall.”
    “Yes, princess. Barely a star and already thinking you need a beck and call girl.”
    Sabina grinned then straightened. “Here comes a maid.”
    A young black-haired woman dressed in gray and wearing a white apron, her arms piled high with fluffy white towels, came hurrying down the hall. Sabina stepped in front of her forcing her to stop. “Excuse me.”
    “Yes, ma’am?” The maid’s chin rested on the towels. She tightened her grip around them.
    “I’m Sabina Comte in room five-thirty and this is my friend, Bella Tremaine-McHenry in room five thirty-two.” Bella stepped forward, holding the ice bucket at her side by the tips of her well lacquered fingernails.
    The maid nodded as best she could over the towels.
    “Did you see anyone loitering around our rooms tonight?” Sabina asked.
    “No, ma’am but I just came on duty. Let me drop these towels off and I’ll check with Marie and be right back.” She nodded and hurried down the hall.
    A well-dressed gentleman, with graying hair, nodded to them and stepped toward the ice machine, his bucket in hand.
    Ice rattled as he scooped cubes into the container. He put down the ice machine lid and straightened. Clasping the bucket in one hand, he stepped forward, holding out the other. “Ms. Comti, may I say you have the most beautiful voice it’s ever been my privilege to hear. I was in the audience last night. Your songs brought tears to my eyes.” He pumped her hand up and down. “I’m sorry but I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation.”
    “Did you see something, Mr…” She leaned