Chương 62: Much Ado

Gladys MacLeish was a maestro in the world of antiquities. She was fully capable of pulling in the unexpected experts. When dealing with temperamental geniuses she was a force to be reckoned with. In no time the Joanna crown was studied, analyzed , poked, prodded and even had 3-D models created of it. Quite a few of the gem stones were surprisingly from Anatolia. Leading some of the experts to believe that the stones were taken from defeated Turks.

Taking care of the crown was a walk in the park for Gladys. Much of the work had in fact already been done. But her most pressing issue was, what was she going to ask The Wotan? This was in fact keeping her up at night. She had already filled two note books with possible questions. She knew not to ask anything that could be answered yes or no. Like were you at the Battle of Waterloo? Did you ever meet (please insert famous name)? Don't ask anything that could be answered with a one word answer. Like who burned Rome? Because Cally would do that! Gladys had been given the chance to ask questions before. She had asked, 'Did you visit the Americas pre-Spanish conquest?' Her one question was wasted. The answer was 'Yes.'

The when, where and how were separate questions! Damn it! Suddenly a thought occurred to Gladys. Cally never allowed a BCE question or in the more common popular thought BC or before Christ. She would smile and say "Oops, a BC question." It counted! She had lost a question in this manner before. But Cally had answered that she had been to the Americas! So it had to have happened after the birth of Christ. How to ask? What to ask? Dang it! The Wotan was tricky tricky.

If she asked 'How did you come to the Americas the first time?' She would probably get, 'By boat.' Maybe just maybe, ' In what manner did you travel to and around the Americas the first time?' This would call for a more thorough answer, right, right? With her luck that damned old wolf would probably say she walked. Maybe she should consult a lawyer? They're good at asking questions.

Gladys had spoken to her only child Sarah several times since she accepted this assignment. She was smart and had a good head on her shoulders. But she didn't understand how sneaky the Wotan could and would be!

One of the researchers came at that moment. "Ms. MacLeish, I've been studying the list from the ship's manifest from the ship Esmeralda of 1753. I believe the Esmeralda was a treasure ship! The crown is clearly listed but it is in a list of coronation jewels. Two swords are listed, one silver and the other gold plate. Eight silver state trumpets with chased laurel wreaths, gold bracelets or Armills and twenty pieces of gold banqueting plate. There is even a scepter that is described as enameled, engraved of chased gold and silver with pearls and rubies. Is it possible the rest of these jewels still exist?" The poor researcher was vibrating in his excitement.

Thinking carefully, Gladys finally had to shake her head. " I don't know. But I can call the crown's owner and ask." Shifting from one foot to the other the researcher looked like he needed to potty. "Um, Ms. MacLeish, um when you call could you ask if I could visit the actual documents? This was mentioned as a possibility. Um, this could be the most important thing to happen in my entire career! I would count this as a huge favor!" Other researchers also crowded around. It was clearly a, 'me too' situation!

Gladys understood his fervor. She had it herself, didn't she? "Okay. No problem." Calculating the time difference she called Cally's cell number that she had previously gotten from Sarah. "Cally, hello! I hope you are doing well?" Being careful of the human ears in the room, Gladys continued, "Your crown should return to you by next week. I hope this is satisfactory? One of our researchers has noticed in the Esmeralda's manifest other crown jewels. The question has come up if these objects still exist and in your possession?"

"Gladys. Is THIS one of your two questions?" Gladys blanked out.'Huh?' "NO! no I wasn't the one asking! One of the researchers noticed the list and brought it up. He, uh, also wants to visit the original documents." Cally was smiling on her end. She loved messing with people! "Ah. okay. Most of my jewels are in the bunkers here at Clan Home. Hmm, I believe I decided to keep all the Irelia in one geographical location. I have a few other bunkers in various places. Can't put all your eggs in one basket ya know? Look at what happened to the library at Alexandria?"

Gladys went rigid. "You did not just do that to me! The Great Library of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt, OMG! I! That's BCE! No I'm not asking! You! I! You're trying to trick me!" Gladys hung up without further thought. Trembling with barely controlled anger and curiosity. 'I have to be so careful' She'll try to snatch my question back!

"Um, Ms. MacLeish, what did they say?"