Source One

the Manhattan store. It was the third store he’d gone into in the diamond district.
    He’d explained what he was looking for to the woman at the counter.
    The woman reentered the showroom from the back a few minutes later. Set the ring she was carrying down onto a square of black velvet.
    “We just got this in. It’s an estate piece. It still needs a little cleaning, but it’s definitely unique, like you said you wanted. The center diamond’s a full carat. The surrounding diamonds add up to almost another carat.”
    The ring sparkled as Brian picked it up. The large, clear diamond in the center was surrounded by smaller ones set in a halo design. It had a vintage look, and he was sure Amber would love it.
    “Any good jewelry store in California could size it for you,” the salesperson continued. “What do you think?”
    Brian smiled at her and nodded. “It’s perfect. I’ll take it.”
    The TSA agent at the security gate handed the ring back to Brian later that day and grinned. “Nice. Good luck.”
    Brian smiled. “Thanks.”
    Half an hour later, Brian had settled into his first class seat.
    He turned on his laptop and thought about Amber. He’d be proposing to her on the yacht Saturday night. He’d made reservations at a restaurant in the city and reserved a hotel room for afterward.
    Brian’s plane landed six hours later.
    A message from Matt was waiting as he turned on his phone.
    Brian debated then hit the callback button.
    “I’ve found something important. It’s about your girlfriend.”
    Brian frowned. “What is it?”
    Matt hesitated. “I’d rather tell you in person.”
    “I’m at the airport. Just getting home. Why don’t we meet tomorrow?”
    “Are you going to see your girlfriend tonight?”
    Brian’s heart beat hard. What in the world was this about?
    “What couldn’t wait?” he asked Matt as he sat down next to him at a bar an hour later.
    “$50,000 was transferred from your bank account into your girlfriend’s.”
    “What?” Brian whispered. Brian took a deep breath as he waited for an explanation. Surely Matt had it wrong.

CHAPTER 18
     
    Amber stood in the bedroom watching Brian unpack. Katie had just gone to bed.
    Brian had seemed distant all through dinner. Now he stood staring down at his open suitcase.
    “Brian? Is everything okay?”
    Brian’s head jerked up.
    Amber frowned as he stared at her.
    Finally he cleared his throat. “Matt – the security guy I told you about. He’s found something strange.”
    “What is it?”
    “Money was transferred out of my bank account………..transferred out of mine and into yours.”
    Amber froze. “What?”
    Amber’s heart pounded as she stared up at Brian. “You don’t think I did it, do you?”
    Brian blinked. “No, sweetheart. Of course I don’t. It’s obviously some kind of a misunderstanding.”
    ***
    Amber stared at the glass pitcher in her hands. She knew it would slip if she didn’t set it down. Her hands were shaking badly.
    Brian had just come home from another meeting with Matt.
    “The transfer came from the computer upstairs. While Mrs. Quinn and I were away.”
    Carefully, Amber set the pitcher on the island and turned around.
    Brian’s head was tilted as he stared at her. “Why didn’t you tell me you needed money?” he whispered. “I would have helped you.”
    Amber’s heart seized.
    No. No. No.
    Amber knew she should say something. Tell him he was wrong. But she was so shocked she couldn’t speak.
    Brian turned around. Tugged a hand through his hair. His expression was pained as he turned back to her.
    “I trusted you. I thought you cared about me. About Katie.” His voice was gruff with emotion. “My God, Amber……I was going to ask you to marry me.”
    Amber stood frozen. Her breathing was ragged.
    She shook her head. Jolted herself out of the numbness.
    She had to make him understand.
    “Brian,” she whispered.
    Brian took a breath. “W as what you said about your mother a lie? Were you the one who took money from your father’s account?”
    “No! Brian, I didn’t do it! I didn’t do what you’re saying. I’d never do anything to hurt you or Katie.” Amber’s heart beat furiously as the words finally poured out.
    She choked in a breath. “Brian, I didn’t tell you on the phone, but one day this week, it looked like some things had been moved around on your desk. Someone must have…….”
    “What? Broken into the house to take money from my account and put it