Page 100 of Heist

Chapter Twenty-Six

“Where are we going?” Austin asked as Patrick pulled her to her feet, having ordered her to get dressed for dinner out.

“We’re having dinner with Tim Reyes, my lab tech.”

Austin slipped a cocktail dress over her head and stepped into a pair of orange pumps she’d bought to match the bracelet she wore on her wrist. He’d been amused and touched by the purchase.

“Why are we having dinner with him? I told you he just needed to call me.”

Patrick smiled. I want to see if he can tell us anything about the day the diamonds went missing. I didn’t remember until a couple of days ago that he was there as part of the team that verified the diamonds. He worked for my father before I hired him.”

Austin raised an eyebrow as she pulled her hair back. “I’m surprised you would work with anyone from Sutton Jewelry. I know how you feel about your father.”

Patrick stood in front of the mirror and straightened his tie. “I was hesitant at first, but I put him through a rigorous background check and made sure he understood my position on Nicholas Sutton.”

Austin gave him a small smile. “Well I’m definitely interested in what he was to say then.”

A half hour later, they were in the back of a car on their way to a restaurant where Tim would meet them.

When they pulled up in front of the small restaurant, he helped her from the car. “I want to go to Solitaire early this week. How would you feel about ditching work on Friday?”

Austin frowned. “I’m sorry. I have court on Friday morning, or I would. I’m also supposed to be working on finalizing my exit from Thorley and Associates this week. I could leave at lunch time again though.”

“I’ll take it,” Patrick said.

“Does Tim know why you want to meet with him?”

Patrick shook his head. “He just thinks I want an update on the progress of the new lab here in New York. Starting a new production facility takes time to get things going and I do need an update so it’s not technically misleading him.”

They stepped inside the restaurant where Patrick gave his name to the hostess.

“Right this way, Mr. Sutton, Miss Yates. Mr. Reyes arrived a few minutes ago.”

“Well at least you know he’s prompt,” Austin said in his ear.

Patrick lifted an eyebrow at her as they approached the table where Tim stood. “Mr. Sutton, good to see you again, Sir,” he said, extending a trembling hand. Patrick was used to making employees nervous, but he’d hoped a dinner conversation would be less jarring than an office meeting.

“Thanks for meeting me, Tim. Sorry we kept you waiting. New York traffic,” he said with a shrug as he pulled Austin’s chair out.

“This is Austin Yates, my attorney. Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble,” he said quickly when Tim’s eyes went wide. “She’s representing me on these ridiculous charges associated with the diamond heist and heard you were part of the team that saw the diamonds into the museum. She’s got some questions if you’re willing to answer them so I thought we could kill two birds with one stone. It could be helpful in my defense.”

Tim nodded. “Absolutely, Sir. Pleasure to meet you, Miss Yates. Not sure what help I can be, but I’ll do my best.” His voice cracked and he reached for his water glass.

Austin dug her heel into Patrick’s leg. She didn’t appreciate him throwing her under the bus that way.

“Don’t stress about my questions, Tim. There are no wrong answers and we can talk after you and Patrick talk shop. I’ve heard a lot about this diamond production lab, and it sounds so fascinating.” She leaned forward with true interest.

Time relaxed then and launched into a description of the diamond production process. “I’ve never seen such gorgeous diamonds. I worked in the diamond industry for years and always turned my nose up at the lab made ones, but these are top notch.”

Patrick surreptitiously reached under the table and twirled the bracelet on her wrist. The diamonds on it had been produced in his lab.

“I’ve had the pleasure of wearing a few,” she said with a sly look Patrick’s direction. “They are indeed gorgeous.” The waiter appeared then to offer them wine and appetizers. Patrick ordered several items for the table and a bottle of red to go with it. The rest of the conversation flowed easily, as Patrick quizzed Tim on how the new facility was doing. Austin interjected with questions born of curiosity, but he had a feeling she was trying to get Tim comfortable talking to her. By the time Patrick offered to buy dessert for the group, the lab tech was laughing easily with them.

“Mind if I ask my questions now?” Austin asked when the waiter left to fetch baked Alaska for the group.

“Go ahead, Miss Yates. I’ll do my best.”

“What was your role in verifying the diamonds when they arrived at the museum?”

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