I watch her eyes light up as she takes in the contents of the case.  As she examines the gems on display her demeanour changes.  I see her relax and when she flashes me a big smile the big bloke next to her exhales.<br/><br/>Something had just happened that changed the atmosphere here.  Something that had to do with the gems in this case.  They weren’t even the good ones, just bits of the opalite that he and Affram had dug up while fossicking about and then had the better ones made up into jewellery.<br/><br/>“Mel is it?  Ta.  Before I put them in the box perhaps you would like one?”<br/><br/>I head off to the bar, trailing dust with every step.  I can’t help wondering about the woman who arrived just after me.  They didn’t seem to be expecting her either and she mentioned an interview so she wasn’t looking to book in as a guest.  She was done up in a pretty exotic dress if you were looking for work.<br/><br/><em>I sure hope I can get a schooner of cold VB. </em><br/><br/>Kozakura?  Must be the porter.<br/>