Kit Daemon. Chapter 8. (Forty years tomorrow. It seems like only yesterday when)

[Kitosdad]

" Forty years tomorrow. It seems like only yesterday when we were married." Big Al smiled into Veronica's adoring face." I've spent so many years on the oil-rigs, and in the oil fields that the years have just flown away without my noticing, but now it's time to make up for all those long absences from my little lady. Mr. Stentor, I want the best thing you have in your store. I don't care what it costs, just wheel it out and name your price."
The jeweller's face broke into a huge smile on hearing this, and he hurried to display his finest wares. These American's are fools with their money, he said to himself. He opened the huge safe and withdrew several items which he placed on the glass counter, after having closed the safe once more.
" Well Sir, these are my most expensive items. Please take your time in choosing."
" Hey Stentor, call me Tex, no need for formality with us folk, we're common folk just like yourself." Stentor winced on hearing this opinion of his standing, but he swallowed the remark. There was too much profit at stake to risk losing these damned American's custom.
" Thank you Tex, I'll do that," he replied with a smile.
Veronica pounced on the tray just like an excited schoolgirl.She drooled over the rings and pearls exhibited there, giving little shrieks of joy.
" Oh look Tex honey, they are exquisite aren't they? "
" Yes honey, they sure are. Do you see anything your prefer though? "
" That surely is a difficult question sweetie, they're all gorgeous."
" Well, just take your time honey, just choose whatever you like."
Veronica went through the motions of examining every piece, finally giving a whooping shout on spying the necklace.
" Oh Tex, look at this, ain't it just the grandest thing you ever did see?"
" Sure is sweetie. Try it on for size", his laughter boomed around the shop.
Thank the Lord we have no other customers thought Stentor. They would have fled at that sound. Holding a mirror up to before her he remarked, " It suits you perfectly Madam."
Veronica beamed at this and said, " This I must have Tex, it's a dream."
Tex smiled and replied, " Not as much a dream as you are honey." They all laughed at this, and Stentor was filled with glee at the thought of making such a good sale.
" How much are you asking for this necklace then Mr.S?" boomed Tex.
Clearing his throat the jeweller replied,
" Three million pounds Tex." There was a moments silence during which Tex looked at Veronica, and she mouthed, " Please darling."
" OK Mr.S, wrap it up we'll take it! "Stentor's face was aglow with pleasure. He hadn't expected to find such an amiable customer for the necklace so soon, and at such a price.
" Very good Tex", he smiled.
" Tex pulled out a cheque book and asked, " Cheque OK? "
" Of course Sir, but I will have to ask you to wait until the bank clears the cheque before you can take the necklace." His face reddened as he said this. It was customary for this procedure, but he could tell by the look on their faces that this wasn't going down very well.
Veronica started to wail. " But I must have it before tomorrow for our anniversary celebration."
" I'm so sorry, said Stentor, but that just isn't possible Madam. The bank will take five days to clear the cheque. Even express clearance will take twenty-four hours."
" Now just a dang moment " boomed Tex. Are you telling me that my wife can't have this necklace in time for our celebration?"
" I'm afraid I am Sir. The only way you could take the necklace now, would be to pay by cash."
Tex relaxed on hearing this and said, " Well that OK, why didn't you say that in the first place. Honey, you just sit yourself down there and I'll go to the bank and get this guy his cash." Stentor was flushed with relief. The thought of losing this sale had almost given him an heart attack.
Hastily he brought a comfortable chair forward and Veronica sat down in at and dried her eyes.
" Tex turned to the jeweller and said, " I'll be back in a few minutes," and left the store. He climbed into the Daimler and drove away. He drove around the corner and stopped once again. He lit a cigar and smiled to himself ... everything was going to plan.

http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic40239.html#kit_daemon_chapter_9_after_a_few_minutes_he_restarted_the_engine_and_drove
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