“No, but I must tell you something.”
The man spoke softly, almost in a whisper, leaning toward her. He smelled of old books and faintly of metal.
“I’m sorry. I’m not interested.”
Sophia tried to pull away, thinking he was another city eccentric or a con man, but the man gently touched her arm. He didn’t grab her, only touched her lightly, carefully.
“Take off the necklace. I see what’s in the pendant.”
Sophia froze. Her fingers went involuntarily to the piece of jewelry.
“My husband gave it to me for our anniversary. What do you think you’re doing?”
“Open it in front of me,” the man said quietly. There was no threat in his voice, only a strange, terrifying certainty.
“It doesn’t open. It’s a solid piece.”
The stranger shook his head.
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