Vanessa laughed.
"Well, this isn't a museum."
Arthur looked at her.
"No. It's a jewelry store."
"Exactly."
He nodded.
"Then I suppose your employees should know something about the pieces they sell."
Vanessa's face tightened.
"Excuse me?"
Arthur pointed toward the engraving.
"Can you tell me what this symbol represents?"
Vanessa looked down.
She had never noticed it.
"It's part of the design."
"Which design?"
She hesitated.
"I'm not sure."
"Do you know who manufactured the movement?"
"Sir, I don't have to explain every technical detail."
Arthur smiled faintly.
"Of course not."
He looked at the watch again.
"That's unfortunate."
Vanessa became defensive.
"Listen, I have worked here for two years. I know our products."
Arthur nodded.
"Then perhaps you should know that this particular movement was developed by a family workshop in northern England."
Vanessa stared at him.
"How would you know that?"
Arthur did not answer immediately.
He reached into his jacket and removed a small pair of reading glasses.
He examined the watch more closely.
"The second hand seems to be moving slightly unevenly."
Vanessa looked annoyed.
"That's impossible. Every item is inspected before display."
Arthur raised his eyes.
"Then someone should inspect it again."
She laughed.
"Are you seriously telling me that our technicians don't know how to do their jobs?"
"I'm telling you what I see."
Vanessa stepped away from the counter.
"Perhaps you should wait for someone else."
Arthur nodded.
"That might be best."
CHAPTER 4: THE MAN IN THE BLACK SUIT
A few minutes later, a man entered the showroom.
He was tall, bald, and dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.
His name was Michael Reynolds.
Michael was the chief executive officer of Windsor Luxury Retail, the company operating the jewelry gallery.
He was accompanied by a security assistant.
When Michael entered, Vanessa immediately straightened her posture.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Reynolds."
Michael nodded.
"Good afternoon."
Vanessa smiled.
"Welcome back."
Michael barely acknowledged her.
His attention was fixed on the elderly man standing beside the watch display.
He stopped.
His expression changed.
Then he hurried toward him.
"Mr. Bennett!"
Arthur turned.
"Michael."
Michael extended both hands.
"It's wonderful to see you, sir."
Arthur smiled.
"Good afternoon."
Michael looked toward the display.
"Have you had a chance to inspect the piece?"
"Yes."
"Is everything as expected?"
Arthur paused.
"Not exactly."
Michael's smile faded.
"What seems to be the problem?"
Arthur looked toward Vanessa.
"Perhaps you should ask your employee."
Michael turned.
"Vanessa?"
She looked confused.
"Yes, sir?"
"Has Mr. Bennett received assistance?"
Vanessa hesitated.