Chapter ONE - Weebly

me to take the job?”
Berson shook his head again, his eyes wide. “No,
the brooch is real, and it’s missing.”
“All right,” Ethan said. “Then if you’ll direct me to
your daughter’s servant, I’ll begin my inquiry
straightaway.”
Berson led Ethan out of the study back into the large
chamber with glazed windows. The merchant called for
William, the white-haired man who had come to the
Dowsing Rod that morning, and sent him in search of
Jennifer’s servant. He then bade Ethan farewell.
William returned a few moments later accompanied
by a plain-looking young woman with reddish hair and
freckles. Her eyes were red-rimmed and her face was
blotchy, and even after William introduced Ethan to her
she continued to stare at the floor. She looked
frightened; Ethan thought it likely that his bruised face
did nothing to set her mind at ease.
Ethan smiled at her, but she barely met his gaze.
“This won’t take long,” he said gently. “I just need you
to tell me about the brooch stolen from Miss Berson.”
A tear slipped from the girl’s eye and ran down her