“May I help you, sir?” a clerk standing in front of the counter closest to the door asked.
“Yes, please. I’m looking for something with diamonds or emeralds, maybe a necklace.” He smiled softly. “It’s our fortieth wedding anniversary next week and I want to get my wife something special.”
“How wonderful. If you’ll follow me, I can show you several of our nicest pieces of jewelry, necklaces, brooches, bracelets. I’m sure one of them will be perfect.” She led him to the counter at the far end of the store where he knew the most expensive jewelry was on display.
He studied the trays on the top shelf of the case, asking hesitantly if he could see the necklaces in one of them, and the bracelets in a second one. With a nod, she unlocked the case, setting the trays on top.
As she did, Dante m
