JADE SUNSET - Part I

Twenty-seven jadeite beads with a clasp designed by Cartier.  

The Barbara Hutton-Mdivani Necklace has an estimation at one million for each of the twenty-seven beads. Twenty-seven million dollars. Stacks on stacks. Making it the grand finale for tonight’s auction. Stealing it wouldn’t be easy. Then again, nothing I did ever was. 

An ocean breeze blew over my ‘72 Chevelle SS convertible and I almost forgot about the Polaroids in the glove box. The salty air was wet on my tongue.  

The top was pressed down so I could absorb the last of the fading sun. Why else have a convertible? This was Newport Beach after all. The cherry red paint with dual black racing stripes down the center of her body stood out enough. My crusty mug in full view wasn’t going to hurt. These people had too much money for their own good. Or more likely it was debts passed off as money. Either way, they weren’t looking at me. 

A morning radio station was giving away tickets to tonight’s gala, Jade Sunset. An invitation that would allow any Tom off the street access to one of the most expensive auctions in the world.  

There would be a wide range of items on the auction block. A pair of Rolex watches owned by Paul Newman drew in fans of both watches and the celebrity. Along with some high-end paintings by all the heroes, Monet, Rembrandt, Van Gogh. Boxing gloves signed by The People’s Champ, Muhammad Ali, worn in the Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman. All interesting no doubt, but simple distractions to the prize I was after. 

The Barbara Hutton-Mdivani Necklace.  

Ol’ Barb was a collector of fine jewelry. I guess being heir to a retail empire can give you a taste for the finer side of life. She was one of the wealthiest women in the world by the time she was 21. All I ever owned was my cherry bomb Chevelle.  

Reaching over, I dropped down the glove box and retrieved the Polaroids. The ones in my possession totaled three. I got out of the car and popped open the trunk.  

A blond woman walked by wearing the biggest sunglasses I had ever seen. Made her head look like a bug. She wore a large cropped sweater that hung off her tanned shoulder, a denim miniskirt, and shin high Ugg boots. The uniform of Orange County hot girls. She caught me starring. 

“Nice car.” Her voice’s confidence matched her appearance. “Don’t see too many of those around here.” 

“Thanks.” I went back to getting my bag from the trunk, but I couldn’t resist. “What? No Starbucks?” Just couldn’t keep my mouth shut. 

She stopped her walk. “Does it look like I drink dessert?” 

The woman posed and gave an exaggerated spin.  

“Just thought it was the latest fashion accessory. Only thing you seem to be missing.” 

“I drink black coffee.” 

Good answer. My heart rate quickened. The last thing I needed. Wants over needs was a risky business. Focus. 

“I’ve been to a Starbucks. They do serve black coffee,” I said. 

“Yeah, and it sucks.” 

Damn, I liked her. “Where you headed? Maybe we can go there together?”  

“I don’t think so.” 

Thankfully, she turned me down. I had to clean up and put on my monkey suit. The radio station didn’t get me tickets and I sure as hell wasn’t on the guest list. I pulled my canvas garment bag from the trunk and closed it. The load of American made steel shutting put a smile on her face. 

“Can I at least get your name?” I threw the bag over my shoulder and stepped up onto the curb. She was taller than I expected. Another plus. 

She hesitated, but gave in. She stuck out her hand. “Maxine.”  

I reached for it and she pulled her hand back. She flashed a perfect smile at me.  

“I don’t touch strangers,” she said. 

I feigned offense. “I’m Kurt. Now, we’re not strangers.” My hand remained hanging in the air for what felt like an eternity.  

She accepted. 

Her touch was electric. Like a conductor zapping my body and making my knees weak. 

“Nice car, Kurt. I wouldn’t leave the top down around here.” 

“It’s Newport Beach. Plus, nobody knows how to drive a stick. Best anti-theft device around.” 

“Good luck.”  

She walked by me and I caught a scent of lavender making me long for a bed and a nap. No time. The sun had almost sunk behind the horizon of the Pacific Ocean giving me thirty minutes to shave and freshen up. The gala was starting in two hours. 

Continued in Part II >>>