Man, I really enjoyed this and would love to read more. Maybe even try to do a sequel…..

really good. I also would like to see a sequel, and a prequel. How did she take out the guard?

Thank you, gentlemen! I feel it should be noted that the Patricia Emerald that was the inspiration for this piece is actually a real gemstone currently taking up residence in a museum in New York City.

http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/expeditions/treasure_fossil/Treasures/Patricia_Emerald/patricia.html

really good. I also would like to see a sequel, and a prequel. How did she take out the guard?

Excellent. I like the atmosphere, and, though I’d like to hear the rest, I think this stands alone quite well.

Because some of you asked, I’ve created a prequel to this story with a recounting of how she subdued the guard. :)

Enjoy!

Great job on the challenge, and I really liked reading this after the prequel. The two work together quite nicely. Gotta’ love a suspenseful, cliffhanger ending too.

I love how subtly you have made this thief the most attractive woman known to man in the heads of your readers – little details like that, really, ahem, add, to your work…!

Exquisite storytelling, particularly in that third paragraph – really well-written – MH :)

THis is exceedingly well done. It is a complete story, that tells us a lot and yet does not feel cramped at all.

And it has spawned a whole series of storeis, too. Nice :-)

Ah, I’m telling you I had an idea almost exactly like this, but I really liked how you put this one into words.

Although, this doesn’t make the story any less fascinating, but I’ve always found ruby’s way more beautiful than emeralds.

Emerald is my birthstone, so I cheer for its use! Those are ominous footsteps..and maybe reason for her to sweat so much. :)

Liked the read. Good story.