Chapter 38: Jewellery

The following morning Helena heard about a vintage and old jewellery sale in Broadbeach. Ringing Julie ask “Can you take me to the event please?”

Julie mentioned “Bill has about 5 booking to take people to the event but I’m available to take you.”
“Good, do you have any other booking for the day?” Helena asked.

“No, I’m free at this stage.” Julie replied.

“Great, can I book you for the day and I’ll shout lunch?” asked Helena.

“No worries, I would like a girly day out, it’s been a while. I’ll pick you up around 9.30ish!” asked Julie.

“Ok see you down stairs at 9.30am.” Helena responded and hung up her phone.

Helena dressed in a longer dress than normal with deep pockets. Taking some $250 thousand in her purse. Helena set up the money in envelopes containing $10,000 and 50 bundles of notes in $1,000 lots.

Just before 9.30 Helena went downstairs to the lobby. Julie was just driving in. Helena decided to get into the front of her limo this time. They took off for Broadbeach. Arriving at 10am they parked in the limo area of the hotel. Paying the $10 entry fee for both they started to look around at the jewellery.

Harry mentioned ‘Look at that clear rock with a price tag of $2000.’

Helena asked to see the broach. Placing the broach in her left hand Harry mentioned ‘This is a diamond, someone has miss labelled it. Offer $1000 for it.’

Helena asked “Will you accept $1000 for this?”

The seller said “I’ll split the difference say $1500?”

“Sold.” Helen mentioned and got out $2000. taking away $500 handed it over to the seller. He handed her a receipt for $1500 which included a picture of the broach. Helena pinned the broach to her dress and placed the change in her pocket. Harry mentioned ‘That rock is worth millions, another win for you.’

Julie and Helena continued shopping. Helena then saw a Royal Albert dinner set like her parents use to own. The set was complete it was an eight place setting with all accessories including tea pot, gravy boat and 2 cake stands. They were asking $9,000. Helena Did not even bargain but offered the full price. They pack the set up and Julie borrowed their trolley and took the setting to the limo.

Helena and Julie continued shopping and found a few more items of jewellery that she liked. Most purchases were of diamond or ruby’s. In total Helena spent around $70,000. Leaving the hall the girls went to get some lunch. The queue for the buffet area was quite long. Asking a passing staff member Helena asked for another restaurant that was not so busy. She took them upstairs to the exclusive dining area. The prices started from $90 upwards. Helena had no problem entering but Julie was a bit taken back with the price. Helena mentioned, smiling “It’s my shout and if I want to spend this price, the service better be very good”.

The wine waiter came around with a free glass of sparking wine. They both refused, Helena saying “I do not drink alcohol and Julie is driving. We would both love a cappuccino please?” He departed in a huff.

Shortly the maitre asked “If everything was well?”

“No” replied Helena. “That last person went off in a huff because I do not partake in any alcohol and my good friend Julie is driving. We asked for a cappuccino each and still waiting for a menu. Hopefully this is not a reflection of the service here?”

“No Madam, I shall arrange service shortly!” He walked away angry.

Within 3 minutes they were served their cappuccino’s and the menu was presented, this time by a well dressed female attendant. Helena choose a dozen oysters Kirkpatrick, a medium rump stake with salad, no dressing. Julie was worried about the price, seeing the concern, Helena asked Julie “Would you like the same?”

“Why not,” Julie replied “I could not really make up my mind.”

The waitress took the menu’s away smiling at a good price meal. Helena and Julie really enjoyed the meal and the good service of the waitress. At the end a tray of desserts was presented asking if they would like to finish off their meal. They chose two different desserts. The waitress then came along with two more cappuccino’s without asking them. Helena smiled at her saying “You know how to keep me sweet young lady!” She smiled.

The bill of $700 was presented. Helena placed $900 in the folder and another $100 under her plate. The waitress helped them with their chairs and Helena mentioned “What’s under the plate is yours. Thank you for your service.” they departed with staff smiling at them.

Returning to the antique hall they had another look around at what was left. Julie kept looking at a lovely opal necklace. The price was only $1,200. Helena purchased the item without Julie seeing her. Helena they purchased a few more items. Harry checked out any item with gold and he found a few that were marked as gold but were not, this he mentioned to Helena. In the end Helena had about $2,000 out of $100,000 left. Returning to the limo Julie drove Helena home and helped her with her purchases upstairs.

At the unit, Helena gave Julie $2,000 for the days driving, Julie know better than to say anything. Then Helena gave Julie the necklace. This shocked Julie but she thanked Helena, telling her “She should not have purchased it.”

Helena laughed saying “If I cannot look out for my good friends, whats the point of having all of this money? Enjoy the gift please.” Julie gave her a big hug then departed for home smiling.

Helena then photographed all of her purchases for the day and kept the receipts in an envelope to record in room 3.

The next morning Helena walked to Zac’s office arriving just before 10am. The seller of the units, Andrew was introduced to her. Harry Ok him. He wanted to talk in private to Helena before deciding what to do. They went to the local coffee shop that knew Helena well. Andrew also asked for a cappuccino. He asked Helena “Why do you want my units?”