CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-THREE: STOLEN TREASURES

"What do you think?" Mason asked finally. Claire chewed her lip thoughtfully. "It's certainly worth looking into. But something doesn't feel quite right. Why would Dmitry risk everything for some jewelry?" Mason shrugged. "If he's really in financial trouble, he might be desperate. We should try to talk to him, see how he reacts." They got their chance later that evening at a cocktail party in the ship's grand ballroom. Dmitry stood alone near the bar, nursing a glass of vodka and looking thoroughly uncomfortable in the festive atmosphere. Claire and Mason approached casually, drinks in hand. "Lovely evening, isn't it?" Claire opened, flashing a friendly smile at Dmitry. The man grunted in response, his dark eyes regarding them warily. Undeterred, Mason pressed on. "This whole situation with the missing items must be putting a damper on the cruise for everyone. Have you had any problems with your valuables, Mr...?" "Volkov," Dmitry supplied curtly. "Dmitry Volkov. And no, I have