"Well, he asked to see one of our expensive watches, but..."
Michael frowned.
"But what?"
"I was explaining our purchasing procedures."
Arthur remained silent.
Michael looked at the display.
Then back at Vanessa.
"Did you recognize him?"
Vanessa shook her head.
"Should I?"
Michael stared at her.
"Yes."
He took a breath.
"Everyone working in this store should know who Arthur Bennett is."
Vanessa looked uncomfortable.
Michael continued.
"Mr. Bennett is the founder of Bennett Horological Group. His company owns several of the world's most respected luxury watch manufacturers."
The room became quiet.
Michael added:
"He is also the original designer of the movement inside the watch you've been refusing to show him."
Vanessa's face turned pale.
She looked at Arthur.
Then at the watch.
Then back at Michael.
For the first time, she seemed unable to speak.
Arthur simply adjusted his glasses.
"Well, Michael, now that we have established who I am, perhaps we can discuss the watch."
CHAPTER 5: THE OWNER'S DISCOVERY
Michael immediately apologized.
"Mr. Bennett, I'm very sorry about this."
Arthur shook his head.
"There's no need to apologize for someone else's behavior."
Michael looked toward Vanessa.
"Please explain exactly what happened."
Vanessa began speaking quickly.
"I didn't know who he was. I thought he was just asking about a product outside his price range."
Arthur looked at her.
"Outside my price range?"
She swallowed.
"I didn't mean..."
Arthur interrupted gently.
"You don't need to finish that sentence."
He looked toward Michael.
"Michael, I want to ask you something."
"Of course."
"How much does this watch cost?"
Michael answered.
"Ninety thousand dollars, sir."
Arthur nodded.
"And how many were manufactured?"
"Twelve."
"How many remain in private collections?"
"According to our records, eight."
Arthur looked at the watch again.
"Then this is one of the rarest pieces in the collection."
Michael nodded.
"Absolutely."
Arthur paused.
"Have you checked its movement recently?"
Michael turned toward the display.
"Not personally."
Arthur pointed toward the second hand.
"It appears to have an irregular movement."
Michael immediately called the technical department.
A senior watchmaker named Daniel Foster arrived within minutes.
He carefully removed the watch from its display.
Arthur watched as Daniel examined it.
After several minutes, the technician looked up.
"Mr. Reynolds, there may be a problem with the balance wheel."
Michael frowned.
"How serious?"
Daniel answered:
"I need to inspect it more closely, but it may require servicing."
Arthur nodded.
"That is what I suspected."
Vanessa stood quietly.
She was beginning to understand that the elderly man she had dismissed knew more about the watch than anyone else in the showroom.