Stolen with Style by Carina Axelsson Page B

did you see from the windows?”
    â€œThe firefighters were busy battling the flames in the building next door. People were evacuating it, and we saw someone being wheeled into an ambulance. We wondered whether we’d be evacuated from the studios too, but they called from downstairs to say that the fire was well contained and under control. We didn’t have to worry.”
    â€œSo while you were standing at the windows you wouldn’t have noticed anyone come into the dressing area after the alarm went off?”
    She shook her head. “I feel like such an idiot. But there really wouldn’t have been much time for anyone to come in here and take the diamond from my bag. And while we didn’t all run to look out of the windows at the same time, I think I remember everyone being there together in the end.”
    â€œWas the curtain drawn across the dressing area like it is now?”
    â€œYes, it was. That much I’m sure of. It was pulled closed the whole day for privacy. We pushed the folds aside a bit to come in and out—like we did just now when we came in.”
    â€œAnd how long after the alarm rang did you come back here to fetch your handbag?”
    â€œAbout five minutes later, I’d guess. Like I said, there wouldn’t have been much time for someone to come in here and take it.”
    â€œAnd when you came back, did you check to see if the diamond was still in your handbag?”
    â€œSort of… I did have a quick glance in my handbag, and I thought I saw the diamond’s box, so I didn’t look further. And from that moment on, I kept my handbag on my arm. It didn’t seem necessary to take the diamond back to the safe anymore because everyone was getting ready to leave.
    â€œWe’d finished for the day, and we were all a little distracted and restless after the fire scare. The girls quickly changed into their own clothes, and Peter and Brandon packed up their equipment. Trish and Tom did too—and Chandra very sweetly helped me pack up the outfits. Then one by one, everyone left. By four thirty, I was the only one here.”
    What she’d told me yesterday about how she’d searched the studio after everyone left now came to mind. I imagined Cazzie here alone, looking for the diamond as the cleaners worked around her.
    â€œSo let me backtrack again. When you came back here after looking out the studio windows, you thought you saw the diamond’s box in your handbag.”
    Cazzie nodded. “Yes, but I only saw the corner… It wasn’t until after everyone had left and I took the box out of my handbag that I realized it was actually the case for my sunglasses—they look so similar!” Her voice started to sound panicked just talking about it. “I was sick to my stomach—especially as I realized that the diamond must have been stolen in those few minutes when we were all looking out the window. At least that’s what I think… What about you?”
    I bit into my croissant and considered, while Cazzie took a long breath. “It certainly does seem that way,” I agreed after a moment.
    â€œDoes knowing that help a lot?” she asked.
    â€œWell, everything helps one way or another,” I said with more optimism than I felt. “At least we’ve narrowed down the time frame for the theft. That’s something.”
    But now I’d have to account for everyone’s time for those crucial five minutes…and somehow I’d have to do it without arousing any undue suspicion. Easier said than done , I thought as I pushed past the curtain divider, aiming to start with hair and makeup.
    But as I stepped out into the studio, I was met by a smiling Brandon. He really was gorgeous. And he had a light meter in his hand.
    â€œHi, I’m Brandon,” he said as I stood there, mouth open—and probably with croissant crumbs stuck to my lips.
    â€œAnd I’m Axelle,” I said,