We returned to our table as the waiter served the drinks, took our meal order and retreated.

“So, Mrs Otellio, what’s this about?”

“Don’t call me that, Nick. I never took Vincenzo’s last name. Just as well.”

“Why?”

“The man is a pig. I didn’t see that side of him until we’d married. He thinks I’m just something pretty that he can hang on his arm. I deserve better than that and I regret the day I met him. I want a divorce but he won’t give it to me.”

She paused for a while, then continued.

“Randall and I parted on good terms. Our marriage wasn’t working. He found me too… adventurous, shall we say?… and I found him too staid. We loved each other but it wasn’t enough. He gave me something that I treasure highly: a gold necklace with a large, smoky diamond pendant. The diamond has a name, “The Bête Noire,” the Black Beast. It’s a valuable stone. I want it back."

“Who has it?” I asked.

“Vinnie took it, but he denies it. I’ve looked everywhere, including the safe here in his office.”