I love murder mysteries! In this story the murder has a twist that Jillian discovers later in the plot. As in previous books Teddy uncovers an important clue that helps bring the investigation to a close. I hope you enjoy this murder mystery. It was fun to write.
When Jillian and Teddy travel to London with her wedding attendants they become embroiled in a jewel heist with a man left stabbed to death. Can Jillian solve the crimes in the midst of her wedding plans? An old friend from San Diego offers his aid but will his help be enough? Perhaps the jewel has a curse.
And so the story begins....(Excuse the funny font sizes - the blog has a mind of it's own.)
Prologue
Lucas Sansurin crouched in a thick cluster of trees along a dark
stretch of road on the outskirts of London and waited. He used the back of his
hand to wipe beads of sweat from his brow. The anxiety of pulling off the heist
increased moment by moment. The treasure he had so long pursued was within his
grasp...only a few more moments before the courier would arrive. He was ready.
To mark the arranged meeting place, he’d dragged a fallen tree branch
to block the car’s path. Yes, with one simple diversion, The Ruby of Siam would
be his – the legendary stone believed to bring success and invulnerability to
its possessor. Soon, he, Lucas Sansurin, an utter failure in the eyes of the
world for his entire thirty-two miserable years, would be that single powerful
owner.
The sound of a vehicle approaching
caused him to stiffen. When the headlights grew brighter, Lucas inhaled and
slowly released his breath.
As the car neared, Lucas took
out a small flashlight and checked his wristwatch to confirm the time. The thief
stepped from where he’d hidden and waved his arms, a signal for the black
Renault to slow and pull over.
He would concoct a story of
being stranded if the leather-jacketed figure inside was not his friend. The
tires squealed to an abrupt stop where Lucas now stood on the side of the road.
He approached cautiously as the driver rolled down the passenger window.
Even in the darkness, Lucas recognized the longtime friend of his family.
Without a word, Lucas reached inside the car and removed the brown paper bag
from the front seat. His eyes never left the face of his collaborator who
simply nodded. This friend, the thief realized, had risked the possibility of
losing his job to help him.
The accomplice rolled
up the window and drove away as Lucas stepped back and watched the car
disappear.
Now the Ruby of Siam belonged to him. The bag felt weighty. He
smiled to himself, and was relieved the plan had succeeded. Then he placed the small
sack inside his jacket and dashed to his bicycle hidden in the thicket, eager
for home and safety.
Before setting off, Lucas took the bag from his jacket, opened
it and took the necklace out. He stroked every facet, marveling at his prize. Relishing
the taste of his coup, he thought of how his luck would change, how he’d finally
bring a better life to his beloved wife and children.
He pulled the amulet over his head and tucked the treasure
beneath his linen shirt. The ruby radiated warmth – a sure sign of the stone’s
power. Now honor and respect would return to him. He wadded the sack into a tight ball, stuck it in an outside pocket,
and peddled with haste back to his village.
Dawn crept from the horizon as he approached the tiny hovel
where his loved ones awaited. He flinched at the sound of a vehicle coming from
behind. Had someone followed him?
His heart caught in his chest at the thought of losing his
prize. In a mad breathless dash, he reached the alleyway and hid in the
shadows. Back against the wall, he waited for the menace to pass.
In the dim light, he realized it was not the accomplice. Fear
washed over him. Someone appeared to be searching for him.
With a final glance at his house, Lucas turned his bike and rode north another
hour to the most populated place he could think of to seek the shelter of anonymity
and divert danger away from his dear ones – Heathrow Airport, London’s busiest
hub for travelers.
Have a great weekend!
See you in my books!
~Nancy Jill
Mystery novelist Nancy Jill Thames began publishing Christian fiction
in 2010. The author of seven books in the Jillian Bradley series, she is an award
winning blogger and listed numerous times on the Author Watch Bestseller’s
List. In addition, she won first place in her church's 4th of July celebration for her chocolate cream pie.
When she isn’t plotting her next
book, she spends time with her six
grandchildren, tags along with her husband on business trips, and
plays classical piano for her personal enjoyment. She is an active
member
of the Leander Writers' Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW),
CenTex Chapter ACFW, and supports the Central Texas SPCA with a portion
of her book sales. She resides with her husband in Leander, Texas.
CONTACT INFORMATION jillthames@gmail.com
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