A sense of dread slowly crept over me.
I immediately called Nicole.
On the other end, I could hear the concert hall's background music. It was a symphony, strings, applause.
Instantly, my stomach dropped.
"Are you at the concert? Did you take the brooch?"
Nicole’s voice was as indifferent as ever as she answered, "Charles has never attended performances like these. He’s always dreamed of music, but his family couldn’t afford it. You come from a family of musicians. These kinds of events are second nature to you.
She spoke slowly and deliberately. "Charles’s birthday is coming up, so think of this as your gift to him."
"Nicole!!" My voice echoed through the room.
But all that came back through the receiver was the dull beep-beep of a disconnected line. I dialed again, but no one picked up.
Panic set in.
Within minutes, I was in the car, rushing to the venue as quickly as I could.
The moment I stepped out of the car, the music inside froze me in my tracks.
"No! This song cannot be played at this kind of event!"
On the concert stage, a familiar figure, masked and elegant, sat at the piano.
On his chest was none other than my father’s brooch!
The McDermott's heirloom.