The Ruby Trap

By L.B. Simon

Aidan Carver, a former thief, now working with police and insurance companies to investigate robberies, finds himself entangled with a client. Before he knows it, he's back in jail, accused of theft. His only hope lies with Isa and Savannah his trusted sidekicks. Can they prove his innocence? Or is he back where he had started; just another thief behind bars?
The Ruby Trap is the prequel short story in the Aidan Carver series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L.B. Simon
• Release date: Aug 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370467662

L.B. Simon

L.B. Simon moved to Canada in the early 90’s. She was born in Eastern Europe, to parents of different nationalities, spent most of her early life traveling, and she speaks four languages. She worked in the immigration and mental health sectors, and in many schools in Toronto’s west end, with newcomer families. She had coordinated diverse programs, facilitated workshops, and had done advocacy work. She now lives in Toronto with her family, pursuing her lifelong dream of being a writer.

Book preview

Also available from L.B. Simon

Scorpios and Sapphires – An Aidan Carver Novel

The Ruby Trap

An Aidan Carver Short Story

L.B. Simon

SK

Soaring Kite Publishing

Toronto

Copyright

The Ruby Trap – An Aidan Carver Short Story

A Soaring Kite Mystery

Copyright © 2017 Ljubov Botor.

All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, the reproduction or utilization of any part of this publication in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, or stored in a retrieval system, is forbidden without prior written consent of the publisher, Soaring Kite Publishing, 73105 – 2300 Lawrence Ave East, Toronto, Ontario, M1P 2R2.

This is a work of fiction. All the names, characters, places, businesses, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

First published in 2017

Cover art by Viktoria Simon

Contents

Also available from L.B. Simon

Copyright

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

The Short Story

Author's Note

Teaser Chapter

About the Author

Dedication

To my family. Thank you for loving me unconditionally.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Dima, Helen, Justin, Milena, Viktoria and my family for all their help and support!

The Short Story

Aidan Carver stared straight into the detective's eyes. They were alone in the poorly lit, cold interrogation room, but Aidan knew full well, that there was an audience behind the two-way mirror.

What happened, Aidan? Asked Commandant Lachance, of the Paris Police, his tone icy.

I told you; I have no idea how that damned necklace ended up in my possession. Last night, Gia Venturi showed up at my hotel room. She was wearing the ruby. I am clueless as to why she didn't take it with her when she left.

The same Gia Venturi whom the insurance company hired you to investigate just two weeks ago? The man's smile was sardonic. Aidan nodded and the man went on. If I recall correctly, you proved that her apartment was broken into, the jewelry she hadn't worn that night was indeed stolen and cleared her of all suspicion of fraud. Now you are telling me that she is setting you up? Lachance raised his eyebrows.

That is what it looks like. Aidan took a deep, steadying breath.

Hm, to be completely honest with you; I have trouble buying this story of yours, Aidan. You were adamant that she was clean; that the robbery was feasible. Now you insinuate that she is a con artist, even a mastermind? The detective leaned closer, his tone conspiratorial. This wouldn't be your first theft. After all, we are here today, because you were caught strolling after closing hours in a London museum. What was it? The man's glance darted to the ceiling, pretending to rake his brain. Two years ago?

Yes, and I learned my lesson! I have been on the straight and narrow ever since! Lachance, come on, you know me! Aidan balled his fists, his knuckles blanching under the pressure. Why would I jeopardize everything over a trinket!

Um, that is actually a very good question. I don't know son, why don't you tell me? And it is quite a costly trinket, not to mention that its beauty is breathtaking. Lachance raised the evidence bag with the intertwined gold chains, and large blood-red stone, admiring it appreciatively. I have to admit it, even I am tempted to steal it. And we all know you are a real magpie; with a strong penchant for things that sparkle, are a challenge to get to, and are expensive.

A magpie? Really? Aidan narrowed his eyes, his blood boiling. I have been clean for two years, damn it! I have been working with law enforcement, and insurance companies, ever since my arrest. It was part of the deal I made; work as an honest consultant or rot behind bars. C'mon man! How many times did I get your name plastered on the front page for successful recovery of stolen items and even catching the bad guys? Aidan couldn't keep his voice from rising.

Ah! But we are not here to talk about your wonderful ability to solve crimes and shaking down your shady contacts; but rather the fact that when I came to your hotel room earlier today, you opened the door holding the ruby necklace in your hand, hissed the older man, his eyes ablaze with unmasked disappointment. This ruby necklace! He lifted the evidence once again. Belonging to Gia Venturi, which she reported stolen this morning!