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“How lovely,” Truitt said He stared across the office to where the Golden Buddha sat “But nowhere near as lovely as this”

Truitt walked over to the Buddha, followed by Ho

“Magnificent,” Truitt said easily “May I touch it?”

“Please,” Ho said

The insurance adjuster was acting just as Ho had hoped Equal parts respect and subliood chance the appraisal would be in his favor If it was not to his liking, Ho was sure he could bully the agent into capitulation

Truitt rubbed his hand over the face of Buddha, then stared into the jeweled eyes “Might I ask some about the history?”

“He’s from the thirteenth century and from Indochina,” Ho said

Truitt opened a s and removed a jeweler’s eyepiece He placed it over one eye and examined the stones “Exquisite”

Ho watched as the adjuster examined the Buddha from head to toe The man seemed coe co into it a little and he mentioned that some of these pieces contained an inner chamber”

“The part of Buddha where there is no ego,” Truitt said quickly, “the void”

“Then you are familiar with the idea?” Ho said

“Oh, yes,” Truitt said He was glad the Corporation had seen fit to provide him with a report on ancient Asian art The “void” had been part of the study

“I can’t seem to find one on this piece”

“Let’s look closer,” Truitt said

The twothe object, but no secret compartment was found Truitt decided to use the revelation to his favor