Charmed to Death (A Farmer's Market Witch Mystery Series Book 1) by Constance Barker

Author:Constance Barker [Barker, Constance]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Constance Barker
Published: 2020-11-29T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

“Come on,” I said. “We need to see what she’s up to.”

I led Millie through the crowd, keeping a good distance away from Vera, who seemed to know where she was going. She weaved through the rainy-day crowd, straight to a large antique jewelry seller in a corner of the large building. Millie and I loitered nearby, pretending to be interested in some antique, handmade comforters. There were conversation pieces, not really for use, and their designs were straight out of Dutch Hex country.

“Recognize them?” Millie asked.

“I do,” I said. “Horses ensure protection for farm animals and pets. Protects against lightning and disease and are placed in five-pointed stars.”

“The lamb ones represent children. ‘Rachel’ is inside the heart, so I’m guessing the comforter was made to protect a girl named Rachel.”

We drifted closer to the jewelry seller, trying to eavesdrop. Where was Percy when we needed him. We were rewarded when the older man approached Vera.

“Can I help you?” the man asked.

“I certainly hope so,” Vera answered. “I was wondering if you buy amulets.”

“I do, and I will, if it’s an interesting piece. You have it with you?”

“No, no,” I don’t,” Vera said. “But I have a picture. Can you make some kind of decision on that?”

“Well, I’d rather see the piece, obviously, but I can give you a rough yes or no from a photo.”

Vera opened her purse and took out three photos that she handed to the owner.

I watched, not trying to hide my interest. The owner and Vera weren’t paying attention to anyone but each other.

The owner looked at the photos, one after the other, and I sensed his excitement growing. He tried to hide it, but it was there. His hands were trembling.

“You have this amulet?” he asked.

“Not on me,” Vera said. “But, yes, I have it.”

“Have any idea what it’s worth?”

Vera shook her head. “Not really.”

“Well, over the past year, I have had several inquiries into this piece—if it’s the piece I think it is. There are more than a few fakes circulating through the antique world. That’s the trouble with valuable antiques. There are always people willing to make a replica and try to pass it off as the real thing.”

“I think, I think it’s authentic,” Vera said. “But I haven't had it examined. Tell me, is there a way to make sure?”

“There is, but I won’t tell you what it is. If I did, you might go home and alter this piece to make it look even more real than it is.”

“I see your point, but I assure you, I would never try to fool anyone.”

He chuckled. “Every faker in the world says that line. Not that I think you’re faking anything. You understand my caution.”

“I do,” Vera said. “I would not expect anything less. If it’s a fake, I would like to know that too.”

I watched as the owner sized up Vera. While she appeared too naive to try and sell something false, appearances were often thin veneers that hid something rotten.

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