37. The thickening of the plot

"What is it?" I ask looking at him in anticipation.

"My priority is to keep you safe," he says cupping my face and gently brushing his thumb against my cheek.

"What do you mean?" I asked, looking into his eyes unblinkingly.

"Before your mother's tragic death, she was guarding something incredibly valuable...the Baltimore gem.

"Baltimore gem?" I repeat, my mind reeling. What in God's name was that?!

"Yes, It's a cherished family heirloom, a crystal worth a staggering 100 trillion dollars."

I gasp silently, my hand flying to my mouth in disbelief. Do we really possess something of that value?

"100 trillion dollars!" I murmur, struggling to comprehend it all.

"Listen, Emily, you inherited that along with his wealth, it wasn't mentioned to you earlier on purpose"

I don't say anything to that, not like anybody tells me anything.

"So where is this gem?" I ask

"I have no idea, only your mother knew its whereabouts"

"When I shot that man that night, he wasn't completely dead, we took him