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Brody walked into the jewelry store and approached the sales clerk

“Can I see the storethe boxes in his hand

“Is there soentleman smiled at him

“I need to have a piece appraised that I feel is quite valuable I need to speak with the er about it, please,” he stated, his voice quiet

“Certainly, sir I’ll see if he’s available,” the clerk replied, ducking behind a black curtain into a back room

A portly, balding gentleh the back door and approached Brody “May I help you?” he asked austerely

Brody turned toward the man and held out the smaller of the two boxes “Let’s start small, shall we?” He opened the lid of the small jewelry piece and held it out

“This wasI would like to have it cleaned and restored Can you do that for me? It’s an antique”

The man smiled as he took the box from Brody “Quite a treasure you have there,” he said “Are early congratulations in order?” he asked, his eyebrows arched

Brody nodded “Only if she accepts

“With a betrothal ring like this, how could she refuse?” The salesood piece of jewelry He passed the small box to the sales associate “Set this up to be cleaned and restored” He turned back to Brody “You had another piece?” he asked

Brody held out the larger wooden cask “This was part of my mother’s estate when she died but I couldn’t find paperwork to go with it All the other jewelry had appraisals or valuations so, I just need to find out the value this piece and get official papers for it”

The balding gentlee diarabbed a sem Brody saw beads of sweat for increased to the point where Brody thought he was going to pass out

“Are you okay?” Brody asked, gripping the man’s shoulder

The inspection glass fell froard Brody with fascination He stuttered, “W…ould it be ok with you if I take this in back for a m…moment?”