Not long after I was hired to teach at the school of Gemology, Hercule Peridot completed his sabbatical there and resumed his duties at the University. He had long since retired from his teaching as a tenured professor of Geological Sciences. The son of a wealthy businessman, he never wanted for money. He had moved west to earn his Ph.D. from Stanford.
The access road was a narrow winding climb. What emerged was a low profile bungalow nestled in the Hollywood hills. Peridot’s home at 1740 Tsavorite Lane was rather spartan on the outside but would prove quite comfortable inside.
“Thank you for the kind invitation.” I said as we entered through the large turquoise door, the feeling of spaciousness was overwhelming. The entryway contained Amethyst geodes, sentinels guarding the front entrance. Large skylights filled the space with soft light.
“Welcome to my humble abode Adamas,” said Peridot with a sly grin.
It was a three-story, three-bedroom home built into the hillside; we entered on the second level, hardwood floors, and a spiral staircase near the fireplace. Books festooned the shelves, meticulously organized and carefully labeled.
“So this is your Petite Versailles,” I remarked with a smile.
Peridot nodded, “Why yes . . . I find it very comfortable.”
Peridot appreciated technology, nonetheless relished the smell and feel of bound leather books, his entire house a library. “During the planning my specific instructions to the architect - built in bookshelves throughout the house,” said Peridot. “This will be your room Adamas, make yourself comfortable, we will chat later this evening over dinner, to review our findings in Mumbai.”
My room was on the third level adjacent to Peridot’s study – I stopped to admire the panoramic view of the City of Angels.
Once unpacked, I couldn’t help but wander into his study out of sheer curiosity. On the shelves were mineral specimens, gemstones, and carvings. One piece in particular caught my eye. It was a rather large ring with an intense yellowish green stone. I examined it carefully. This is a spectacular gem, I must ask about it later.
During our many video chats in recent years I could now see how he was able to always stay within the frame of the video as he moved around his office. Mounted on the walls were three webcams that appeared to use face detection technology, “Voilà . . . so that’s how he does it,” I muttered to myself.
It was a large comfortable room well illuminated with diffused light from a skylight. There were four large flat screens above an imposing oak desk. As I stood examining the room my hand caressed the office chair; it was supple chocolate brown leather exhibiting a luster much like his shoes. There was a full bar with stools in the corner, a group of matching leather chairs surrounding a round table in front of a fireplace. The west wall was a large sliding glass door that exited to an inviting deck . . . in all the most luxurious room in the house, so it seemed.
Our trip had been a long one; rather fatigued, I withdrew to my room to get in a nap . . .
Bing – bong – bing – bong, the Westminster clock chimed, it must have been about five o’clock when I awoke. Built into the nightstand was an intercom, there was a message light glowing. The text message, “Dinner at 6:00, join me in the kitchen on the first floor – Peridot.” I glanced at my phone and the same text alert was there. My phone was synchronized with the intercom system. Incredible. I tapped it to engage the digital assistant, “See you then.”
Dinner was on the table when I arrived and Peridot was seated with book in hand.
“What are you working on?”
“Just a little recreational reading, Sir Conan Doyle. I find the adventures of Mr. Holmes very enlightening. They certainly exercise the mind,” said Peridot.
"Professor, in your office I noticed a ring. It was an intense yellowish green. I suspect it was a garnet.”
"You are correct Adamas, allow me to provide you a clue. The refractive index (R.I.) of that garnet is 1.740," said Peridot. He smiled, "When we approached the house did you happen to observe the street sign and address just above the doorway.”
"Of course - 1740 Tsavorite Lane." I broke into a hearty laugh, "That's a superb Tsavorite garnet specimen of you have there professor.”
"Thank you, would you like a little wine with dinner?”
“Oui, s'il vous plait - have you heard from our client in India, Mr. Kaniyar?”
Peridot looked up from his book, “Why yes, received an e-mail just this afternoon. It seems our friend, Mr. Davies, did return for the stone. He could be anywhere in the world by now. We may see his carefully-crafted doublet again I'm afraid.”
“Let’s not concern ourselves with that matter right now, enjoy your dinner . . .”
… to be continued.
… to be continued.
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