SHERLOCK BOND (40s, sharp eyes, dressed in a slightly rumpled but stylish suit) stands facing ANNA (30s, elegant dress, visibly distressed) and MARK (40s, well-groomed, trying to appear calm).
> Mr. Sherlock, is it really you? I can't believe I'm meeting the great Sherlock Bond.
> (A slight bow, adjusting his hat) > The pleasure, I assure you, is all mine, Miss...?
> Anna. Anna Hayes. And this is my... husband, Mark.
> (Nods curtly) > Mark Hayes.
> Mr. and Mrs. Hayes. Now, let's focus on this unfortunate necklace. Where did you last see it, Mrs. Hayes? Anna wrings her hands, looking around the lounge as if the necklace might magically reappear.
> Last night... in our cabin. On the dressing table. I always keep it there when I’m… relaxing.
> And when did you discover it missing?
> Just… just now. We were getting ready for lunch, and I went to put it on… and it wasn't there.
> (To Mark) > And you can confirm this, Mr. Hayes? You also saw the necklace on the dressing table last night? Mark hesitates for a moment, his eyes flicking nervously towards the window.
> Yes, yes, of course. I… I saw it. Beautiful thing. Sherlock observes Mark closely. Something in his demeanor seems off.
> "Beautiful" you say. Can you describe it, Mr. Hayes? Just to confirm we are speaking of the same item. Mark shifts uncomfortably.
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> It was… you know… diamond. Big diamonds. On a… silver chain? Or was it gold? Anna sighs, exasperated.
> Mark, you know perfectly well it's platinum! And not just "big diamonds," they are specifically cut, teardrop shaped, vintage diamonds.
> (Intrigued) > Vintage, you say? That adds another layer of… value, doesn't it?
> It’s priceless to me. It was my grandmother’s.
> I understand its sentimental value, Mrs. Hayes. But we also need to consider its monetary worth. Would you estimate its value? Anna names a sum, and Sherlock raises an eyebrow, impressed.
> Indeed. A very significant loss. Tell me, Mrs. Hayes, who knew about this necklace being in your cabin? Anna thinks for a moment, her brow furrowed.
> No one… I don’t think. I mean, I mentioned to a few people we were going on this cruise, but I wouldn’t just announce I was bringing valuable jewelry.
> "A few people," anyone on this ship?
> Well… we met a couple at dinner last night. The Millers. Very friendly. And the steward, of course, for our cabin. He’s been in and out.
> The Millers and the steward. Right. And your cabin steward, do you know his name?
> Uh… Carlos, I think? Yes, Carlos.
> (Takes out a small notebook and pen) > Carlos. And the Millers, first names?
> David and… Sarah, I believe. David Miller and Sarah Miller. They were at the Captain's welcome reception too.
> Excellent. We have a starting point. Now, Mrs. Hayes, if you would be so kind as to show me your cabin? Time is of the essence. This ship sets sail in… (Checks his watch) …twenty-two minutes. Anna and Mark look at each other, a flicker of panic in their eyes.
> Twenty-two minutes! Oh, Mr. Bond, do you think we can find it in time?
> We shall certainly do our utmost, Mrs. Hayes. Come, lead the way. And Mr. Hayes, if you would be so kind as to join us. Two sets of eyes are always better than one. Sherlock gestures for them to lead. Anna, still looking distraught, starts walking quickly towards the exit of the lounge, Mark follows, still with that unsettling nervous energy. Sherlock brings up the rear, his keen eyes scanning the lounge, taking in every detail, even as he walks.
> (Muttering to himself, almost inaudibly) > Twenty-two minutes… indeed. Let’s see what secrets this ship, and its passengers, are willing to reveal. FADE OUT.