“Where did you find it?” Balsam demanded. “It was inside the left-hand pocket of this parka,” the officer replied. The sergeant turned to Rob. “Is this your parka?” Rob looked stunned. “Why, yes, sure. But I never—” Balsam pulled a small card out of his shirt pocket and began to read.” “‘You have the right to remain silent. You’ ” “Sergeant,” Nancy cut in urgently. “Before you go any further, may I look at that earring?” Balsam frowned at her a moment, then said, “Okay, but no funny business.” The police officer held up the earring. Nancy peered at it, then bent to see the back. “Doesn’t that stud fastener look awfully modern to you, Sergeant?” she asked. “That’s not something I know a lot about,” the sergeant replied in an even tone. Nancy leaned in so that her face almost touched the police officer’s hand, and then straightened up. “Sergeant,” she said, “I’m no expert, either. But I’m ready to bet you that the Empress of Austria didn’t wear ruby earrings stamped ‘Made in Hong Kong’!”
