The Empty Grave (Lockwood & Co., #5)

by Jonathan Stroud

The inside of the box was lined with tissue paper. Curled up in it was a golden necklace, and its pendant was a shimmering blue stone, smooth and oval and darkly translucent. It was supremely lovely. I held it up between my fingers and gazed at the heart of the stone. It was like looking into deep, fresh, clean water. “What is it, Lockwood?” I asked. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so beautiful.” “It’s a sapphire. My father got the gem out East somewhere, and he had this necklace made for my mother. It was her favorite piece of jewelry. That’s what my sister told me once, anyway. I’d forgotten all about it until today.” “So your mum didn’t have it on her when she—?” “I don’t think she wore it in the ordinary way. It was too special to her. My dad gave it to her soon after they met. It was a symbol of his undying devotion.” I let the sapphire catch the light once more, then lowered it back into the box. I handed it back to him. “It couldn’t be anything else,” I said. “No, exactly. Anyway, Luce…” Lockwood cleared his throat. “I was going to ask if you—”