The room was dim and smoke filled. Located in the back of a small pub in London, it was the current meeting place for Giles Fisk and his two cohorts, Arthur Black and James Styles. Fisk had money and an air of English aristocracy but it was all obtained through the stealing and reselling of rare jewels. Arthur and James were career criminals who over the last year had worked for Fisk exclusively. In that time, they had stolen and re-sold over $2 million dollars worth of jewels throughout Europe. In their line of work, a storefront business was impossible, hence the back room of the Boar's Head Pub.
"Ah, yes. We have hit the jackpot now," said Fisk holding up a large diamond pendent necklace. He looked further into the brief case full of brilliant diamonds and other jewels.
"You were right, it went like clock work," said Arthur pleased that Fisk seemed happy with his work.
"I don't even think they realize they've been robbed," added James.
"Yes," Fisk said still rummaging through the jewels "but I don't see La Coeur de la Vie."
James and Arthur cast a worried glance at each other.
"We took everything that was in the safe," Arthur said. "If it isn't there, it wasn't in the safe."
"That can't be," Fisk said quietly but deliberately. "It wasn't on display. It should have been in the safe with these other items."
"Why don't you look deeper. There are quite a bit of jewels there," James suggested.
"It is not here," Fisk said annoyed at his hired thieves. James and Arthur shrugged their shoulders, uncertain as to what happened or what they should do. It made them uncomfortable when Fisk was on edge. Fisk had a reputation for being impulsive and inconsistent, a deadly combination in the crime world.
"Maybe it was sold," Arthur announced.
"That seems unlikely. The stones were set to be sent to the U.S. to be sold." Fisk explained. Fisk stood brooding. The two henchmen waited quietly.
"I want you to go find out what happened and retrieve the jewel." Fisk ordered.
"Fisk, this stuff here is just as good," argued James.
"And, some is worth more," Arthur added.
"Let me remind you of something. I am the boss. You work for me. I say I want La Coeur de la Vie, you get it. Got it?"
"Got it," both James and Arthur said in unison. Together they left the building.
"How are we going to get La Coeur de La Vie?" asked Arthur.
"I don't know. Jewelers usually keep good records on the transactions of their jewelry. If it was sold or moved, there may be information in the office." Arthur suggested.
"I don't feel like returning to scene of the crime. If they realized they were burglarized, it could be a long time before we could get in there again."
"Hopefully they don't realize they have been burglarized. Come on."
"YOU!" Jennifer Edwards exclaimed as her car pulled up along the Themes River and Jonathan opened the door to let her out.
"Would you mind getting out of the car. I want to talk to you for just a minute," Jonathan Hart said confidently, certain he would have the chance to explain himself to Jennifer.
"Well, I don't want to talk to you!" Jennifer replied turning forward in her seat and waiting for the car to pull away.
"For just one minute would you please get out of the car so I can talk to you and you'll never have to see me again in your life if you don't want to." Jennifer looked up at Jonathan, annoyed at herself for what she knew she was about to do; get out of the car. She was still angry that he had arranged for her to be detained by the police and now she was missing her flight back to New York.
The last two days had been a roller coaster ride of love, intrigue and even murder. As a journalist, she had been zealous in pursuing Jonathan Hart's story regarding his business in England. Unfortunately, Jonathan Hart was not easy to get a hold of. After a failed attempt at pretending to be hotel staff to gain entry to his penthouse apartment, Jennifer sought relief in a drink at the hotel bar. Fate would seat her next to none other, Jonathan Hart. It was clear he had no interest in conducting an interview and had disdain for 'Jennifer Edwards'. Giving her name as Louise Tobin, Jennifer was invited to dinner with Jonathan and had the most glorious evening she had ever had. He was charming, witty, handsome, and kind with a hint of mischief. She knew that first night that she loved him. Unfortunately, her true identity was revealed when her editor, Brooks, was forced to publish the story regarding Jonathan's business venture in England with out her knowledge. Brooks was subsequently killed. Jennifer felt Jonathan had forgiven her deceit; he had after all given her a most tender kiss while cruising the river Themes. But by the end of the day, Jonathan had told the police she was impersonating people and had been on the scene of a murder. Her heart was broken.
"One minute?"
"One minute," Jonathan agreed.
Reluctantly Jennifer got out of the car.
"You have 50 seconds left," she said looking at her watch to time him.
"Turn around," Jonathan said.
"What?"
"Please, turn around," he repeated. Jennifer eyed him. What is he up to? She turned around to see London Bridge. She was about to turn back to Jonathan when he directed her attention to the top of the bridge. Jennifer watched as four banners unfurled.
WILL YOU MARRY ME?
Jonathan waited anxiously for Jennifer's reaction. Would she forgive his arranging for the police to detain her and then force her from the airport as she was boarding the plane? He had only hoped to keep her in England so he could find her after finalizing an important business deal. If the deal wasn't completed by 5 p.m. it would fall through. Not wanting to risk losing her, Jonathan took Max's advice to tell on Jennifer to the police.
The site of the sign took Jennifer's breath away. She turned around laughing in disbelief, "You're crazy!"
"Crazy about you," Jonathan stated moving towards her.
"After all the trouble we've been through, you want to marry me?"
"Well, I don't think we'll get in trouble on a weekly basis," Jonathan replied.
"But, you live in Los Angeles and my apartment is in New York."
"I don't want your apartment, I want you."
"My clothes are in New York," Jennifer said looking into Jonathan eyes.
"There are nice clothes in Los Angeles," Jonathan said searching her eyes for a clue as to what her decision may be.
"What will I tell my father?" Jennifer asked knowing her father would be in a state of shock that his rock solid daughter would marry a man impulsively after knowing for only 3 days.
"Tell him," Jonathan started as he put his hands on Jennifer's arms and pulled her closer, "that someone loves you and you're getting married." Jennifer felt her heart jump at the mention of the word 'love'. Jonathan pulled her close and kissed her firmly but tenderly.
"Flowers for the lady?" a street vender, asked.
"Well?" he asked letting her go. The street vender looked eagerly for Jennifer's answer as well.
Never looking away from Jonathan's eyes, Jennifer handed her plane ticket to the street vender, "Have you ever been to New York?"
Jonathan smiled, his total joy brimming though. Jennifer smiled back.
He led Jennifer to a waiting carriage driven by Max, Jonathan's long-time friend and man-servant, "Max, take us once around the park."
"I sure will Mr. H." (From Two Harts Are Better than One)
"This is so amazing," Jennifer exclaimed as they rode off in the carriage.
"It is isn't it?" Jonathan agreed.
"Six month ago I really felt lost in the world. I felt like I was going through the motions but, there was no purpose or excitement..."
"Or passion," Jonathan added.
"Yes," Jennifer replied surprised that he would understand.
"And now here I am so filled with joy," Jennifer finished. Jonathan leaned over to kiss her.
"I have something for you."
"I don't need any more," Jennifer stated. "I have everything I need."
"Well I want you to have it as a symbol of how much I love you." With that Jonathan took out a small black box and popped up the lid.
"Oh Jonathan, its exquisite," Jennifer exclaimed looking at the large heart shaped diamond ring.
"Its La Coeur de la Vie."
"Heart of life," Jennifer said.
"Yes, you are the heart of my life," Jonathan said taking the ring and putting it on Jennifer's finger. Jennifer was speechless.
"I am so glad that we found each other," Jonathan started. "I have been very fortunate in my life but, like you, I felt something was missing, and it turned out to be you. You have so completely filled my life."
Jennifer stared into Jonathan's eyes.
"I love you," was all she could muster.
"I love you too, " he replied.
James and Arthur arrived at the jewelry shop. The shop was still open with several customers inside. James and Arthur went around to the alley and entered through the back door. They could hear talking from the show room but the office area was clear and quiet. Arthur began rummaging through the papers on one of the desks.
"I am not finding anything," he said.
"Me neither."
"What is the meaning of this?" the jeweler shouted as he entered the office.
Arthur took out his gun, "Now settle down old buddy. We just want some information."
"What kind of information?"
"La Coeur de la Vie," James approached the jeweler with his gun pointed at the jeweler's chest, "Where is it?"
The jeweler looked at the safe, which was closed.
"You really should have paid for that expensive security system when you had the chance," Arthur teased, "We've come and gone and come back again without your ever knowing. Now where is La Coeur de la vie?"
"I sold it."
"Really?" Arthur said in disbelief, "What bloke could walk in here and afford to buy a precious piece of jewelry costing over 5 figures? We know that that rock was headed out of England. So again, where is it?"
"I told you I sold it."
"To who?" James asked cocking his gun.
"Jonathan Hart," the jeweler blurted in a panic.
"Jonathan Hart?" Arthur mulled the name in his mind, "Oh yes the chap that saved Kingsford motors."
"Yes that's him," confirmed the jeweler.
"Where can we find him?" James asked.
"I believe he is staying at the Ritz if he is still herein England."
"Very good, now you see that wasn't to hard," Arthur said. He nodded at James and began to leave.
"Too bad for you that you had to catch us here," James said shoving the gun in the folds of the jeweler's 300 plus pound body. He pulled the trigger.
"Here we are," Max said as he pulled up to the Ritz hotel where he and Jonathan had been staying. Lost in a passionate kiss, Jonathan and Jennifer didn't respond. Max shrugged. He got out of the carriage and opened the door for the two lovers to get out. He waited.
Finally he said, "It won't be long for that English gossip rag gets wind of this. I doubt you two want to be hounded by the press on this your first night together."
"The press," Jonathan said, "they never leave me alone."
"You are such a great story," Jennifer replied.
"From now on, all my secrets are exclusively yours!"
"Mmmm," Jennifer murmured in approval, kissing him again.
"Alright Max, here we come," Jonathan said.
"What are we doing now?" Jennifer asked.
"Well, I thought we could get ready for a special dinner for a very special occasion."
Jennifer grinned and Jonathan kissed her again. They started up the steps to the hotel.
"Oh no," Jennifer exclaimed.
"What!"
"My luggage! It's on its way to New York."
"Hmmm. well, lets go up to my room and see how we might take care of that," Jonathan suggested.
"Ok." Jennifer agreed. She didn't really care too much about her luggage anyway. Just being with Jonathan was all she needed.
Once in the suite, Max disappeared into the living area while Jonathan escorted Jennifer to a second bedroom. He opened the door and guided her in the room.
"I think you will find everything you need here," he said.
Jennifer turned around put her arms over his shoulders, "Actually everything I need is here."
Jonathan smiled and then kissed her. Jennifer turned back into the room.
"Hey, my suitcase." She looked at Jonathan, "You are pretty sneaky!"
Jonathan grinned, pleased with himself and his plan.
"I have requested the Hart Industries plane to pick us up tomorrow. I can't do that non-stop flight to L.A. again. The jet lag cramps my style. If you like we can stop in New York on the way back to get your other clothes."
"What about those nice clothes you have in Los Angeles?"
"Or we can get you new clothes in LA, which ever or both."
"I need to make arrangement for my apartment anyway. We should probably stop off." Jennifer said.
"Why don't you keep the apartment?"
"Its expensive and I don't need it, do I" Jennifer asked wondering what kind of marriage arrangement he was thinking of.
"I do lots of business in New York. We could keep it as a place to stay while we're there."
"You must already have a place you stay in New York."
"Yes, but its a corporate apartment, not as cozy and intimate as I am sure yours is."
Jennifer realized that she wasn't going to talk him out of it. In fact, in all the time she had known him, she hadn't talked him out of anything yet. What is this power he has over me? She wondered.
He smiled. That's it, that infectious smile.
"Alright then," Jennifer agreed.
Jonathan pointed across the room.
"I took the liberty to get you an evening gown." Jennifer looked.
"Its gorgeous!" She said walking over to the emerald green sequined gown.
"Can you be ready in 45 minutes?"
"Oh yes," Jennifer said feeling giddy.
"Great, I'll see you then."
Jonathan left the room and went to find Max.
"Is everything ready Max?"
"Just as you asked for Mr. H."
"Great!"
Arthur and James quickly left the jewelry shop and headed towards their car.
"What are you planning?" James asked.
"I am not sure," Arthur replied.
"Jonathan Hart must be really rich, maybe we can get more than the ring," James offered.
Arthur nodded, "We'd certainly deserve it after all Fisk has put us through."
"What if he gives it to someone?"
"I don't think that will be problem. If it gives it to someone, it will a person near and dear to his heart so he would likely lead us to them."
"Right," James agreed.
"I am hungry. I think we should get something to eat and figure out a plan. It can't be to easy to waltz up to someone like Jonathan Hart and rob him."
Arthur and James headed towards a small fish and chips place near the river to plan their retrieval of La Coeur de la Vie.
Jonathan stood in the living area, waiting nervously for Jennifer to emerge from her room. Jonathan was dressed in a tuxedo and looked stunning. Max too was dressed up including white gloves for the occasion.
"So what do you think Max?"
"You look great Mr. H."
"I don't mean me, I mean about Jennifer."
"She's terrific Mr. H. I'll admit I was surprised you went after her since she tried to break into your room and ruin your business here but now I can see what you see in her."
"Yes," Jonathan agreed watching Jennifer's door, anxious to see her.
"Mr. H., it won't be long before this gets out..."
"You think Max?" Jonathan said distracted.
"Well, the sign on the London Bridge kind of gave it away. I think maybe by tomorrow this will be gossip for the rumor mill."
"What's your point?"
"Just thought you might want to think about it incase there is someone else you want to share the info with personally."
"Jennifer may want to tell her father," Jonathan agreed.
"We should probably notify the Red Cross too," Max teased under his breath.
"What?"
"Well, hearts will be breaking all around the world when it is learned that you are no longer available."
Jennifer's door opened, "What's no longer available?" Jonathan and Max stared speechless at the beautiful creature before them. The emerald green dress couldn't fit her more perfectly, outlining the features of her curvaceous body. The green of the dress brought out the green speckles of her hazel eyes and accentuated her auburn hair, which she wore down in soft curls.
"Max was just thinking that my recent engagement would disappoint the women of the world. But, in fact, I think it is the men who will suffer that you are no longer eligible, don't you agree Max?" Jonathan said as he approached her, kissing her on the cheek.
"Definitely."
"Oh, that is so nice."
"You look....," Jonathan stopped to find just the right word.
"Gorgeous," Max threw in. Jennifer smiled.
"Exquisite," Jonathan added.
"You guys are spoiling me," Jennifer blushed. "So, where are we going?"
"Ready Max?" Jonathan asked putting his arm around Jennifer and turning toward the curtained window leading to the terrace.
"Ready Mr. H." Max said as he drew the curtain open. As the curtain receded, Jennifer saw flowers, candles and a table set for two.
"I thought of taking you to an expensive restaurant but then I thought too many people, too much noise. I want to have time alone with you," Jonathan explained as he led Jennifer to the terrace.
"You are a hopeless romantic, Jonathan Hart."
"Hopeless, no. Romantic yes, with a muse as beautiful as you."
Jennifer smiled.
The couple seated themselves at the table and Max served.
"How long have you been planning this whole thing?" Jennifer asked putting her napkin in her lap.
"Not long. I mean I have only known you for a couple of days," Jonathan said.
"It seems like I have always known you," Jennifer stated.
"It does," Jonathan agreed. They both stared into each other's eyes taking in the moment.
"Dinner is served," Max announced bringing in two plates.
"Oh this looks delicious, Max," Jennifer said, "Did you cook this?"
"Yes, I must say it was not too easy. The English really don't know too much about cooking. It was hard to find all the ingredients. I had to go to an American grocery store."
"You did great, Max," Jonathan praised. Then turning to Jennifer he said, "Max is an excellent cook."
"I am glad, because I can't cook much at all," Jennifer shared.
"Really?"
"Are you going to change your mind about marrying me now that the truth is out?" Jennifer asked.
"Nah. There is more than one way to cook," Jonathan winked.
"Jonathan!" Jennifer exclaimed, blushing and looking to Max to see if he understood Jonathan's connotation. Max ignored the flirtations of his boss, poured some champagne and left.
Jonathan raised in glass in toast, "To you, my most beautiful bride."
"I'll drink to that!" They clicked their glasses and took a sip.
"Mmmm, this is excellent," Jennifer remarked.
"Glad you like it," Jonathan responded. "Should I order 20 or so cases for the wedding?"
"Ahh the wedding. I am still in shock about that."
Jonathan smiled, "I hope that is good."
"If I feel this wonderful now, imagine how I will feel when it sinks in that I am marrying Jonathan Hart. I am sure many women have tried to sign up for the job."
"Many tried, only one succeeded!"
They laughed.
"Really Jonathan, how is it that someone hasn't snatched you up sooner?" Jennifer said probing for some information about past loves.
Jonathan looked at her raising one eyebrow knowing she was searching for some information.
"Once, I toyed with the idea. It wasn't so much that I wanted to get married but, I was seeing this girl for a while and it seemed like marriage was supposed to be the next step."
"So why didn't you?"
"She wasn't you." Jonathan replied, "I have been waiting for you."
Jennifer smiled, "Really, Jonathan, tell me why,"
"I told you why," he responded. "You see, when I was trying to figure out if I should take this step, I confided in Max. He told me that if I had to talk myself into it, it probably wasn't right, at least not at that time. He told me that when I met the right woman, I would be overpowered by my feelings for her. And as far as marriage goes, that I would be absolutely certain when it was right. I wouldn't need to think about it. I knew I wasn't certain, and although I cared for Nicki, my feelings weren't all overpowering. I didn't think they would ever evolve into more so, I broke it off. And, I have been looking for you ever since. It sure would have been easier if Max could have given me your name. All I had to go on was that you would so effect me that my feelings would be intense and overwhelming. And boy were they!"
Jennifer smiled. She couldn't believe this most perfect man loved her like she loved him. It seemed like a miracle.
"Now it is your turn," Jonathan said.
"There is not much to say."
"Oh come on. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. I see how men look at you."
"I haven't had much luck in the man department. My last 'relationship' if you want to call it that, was a man who had money and looks but no humanity. He could be cruel although not to me personally, he just always approached everything like a competition. I have never been with anyone I thought I would ever marry, until now."
"Humanity, huh?"
"Yes. You have the most I have ever seen in any person. It's one of the things that attracted me to you, along with your boyish charm and handsome good looks,"
Jonathan flashed his best smile, the one that made Jennifer melt every time she saw it.
Upon entering the restaurant, Arthur and James heard several men expressing concern over a marriage proposal hung on the London Tower.
"Hey, Clive, two ciders," Arthur greeted.
"What in the world is everyone talking about?" asked James.
"Hey Art, James. A huge sign saying 'will you marry me' was hung on the Bridge. Now all our ladies are expecting more than flowers," said Clive the pub bartender handing them their drinks.
James shook his head, "I hope I never fall for a girl enough to do something stupid like that."
"Wouldn't matter. You don't have the clout or the money," Clive teased.
"What do you mean?"
"It ain't cheap making a sign like that. Plus, you got to have permits. The Queen doesn't just let anyone hang their laundry on the Bridge,"
Arthur looked at James, "I bet Jonathan Hart has clout,"
"Hart? The guy who saved Kingsford?" Clive asked.
"Yes."
Clive nodded, "Yep he could do it. Blast that guy. I can't show my face around Mary for a month because of what he done."
"Thanks Clive," Arthur said pulling James away.
"It appears that Mr. Hart did give that ring away," Arthur told James quietly.
