In this study I usually plan battle strategies with Smee, but now I pull the ruby heart from my pocket, drop it on the desk together with my hat and pace the room.You dare give away part of my treasure? I’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget, you nasty little piece of work.Removing the cufflinks from my shirt, I yank it over my head and toss it on the swivel chair between the desk and the windows. In front of the tall mirror in the corner I stop and brush my fingers over my chest. There’s a bruise forming on the right side. Damn, that girl has some strength in her. And an unbreakable will, too. The whereabouts of my treasure is still unknown. Not even in the eye of death did she succumb but instead shot down my excellent plan. None of the scared rats outside would have shown such courage. Well, probably Smee, but he’s the only one.I close my fist around the golden key dangling from a chain around my neck and make a promise. I will find my treasure—together with the little chest.
