Eye of the God Read Online Free Page B

extensively, covering more than twenty thousandmiles of terrain in thirty years. Both an entrepreneur and an aristocrat, Tavernier used his connections to develop a deep knowledge of customs, taxes, trade, and some might argue, bribery.”

    For the most part Alex was more interested in the logistics involved in pulling off a heist than the value of the object he stole. Yet there was something intriguing about the history lesson offered by Dr. Mitchell. It was as though she knew the diamond, as though she loved it. Alex watched her continue the lecture. He noticed the expressions on her face and listened to the inflection in her voice. It was quite obvious that she was passionate about her subject, but even that hardly explained why she never once looked at her notes on the podium. It was obvious she knew every detail of this story by heart.

    “In time the diamond passed from Tavernier into the hands of the French monarchy where it became known as the French Blue. Ultimately, it was inherited by Louis XVI. I think we all know how his chapter of history ended on the guillotine, along with his wife Marie Antoinette, during the French Revolution. It is in the middle of that uprising that things get interesting for the diamond and those who would later come to own it. Though many mysteries still surround the story of the Hope Diamond, the history we do know is just as fascinating, if not more so, than any myths that may be attached to the renowned jewel.”
    Abby paused for a moment and took a deep breath. “But let's be honest, shall we? We are all interested in the darker parts of its history.” She smiled as the audience seemed to lean forward, collectively.
    “According to legend, the diamond was originally stolen from the Hindu idol Rama Sita, which is said to have cursed the jewel so that all of its future owners would suffer tragedy. Indeed, its victims are infamous. King George IV, Napoleon, Caroline of Brunswick, May Yohe, Henry Hope, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Harry Winston, and Jackie Kennedy, are just a few of those who crossed paths with the diamond.
    “Even our postman James Todd endured his share of tragedy. Just a year after delivering the Hope Diamond into the hands of Leonard Carmichael, Todd was crushed by a truck, lost his wife to a sudden heart attack, and watched his home burn to the ground. Some would argue those events were just a string of unfortunate coincidences in the life of an ordinary postman. But it is no wonder so many believe the diamond is cursed. That legendary curse is part of what makes it so valuable today. Currently on display right here at the Smithsonian, it would fetch as much as two hundred million dollars at auction.”
    An appreciative gasp rippled through the audience.
    “The Smithsonian will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the diamond's arrival next week with a huge extravaganza in its honor. Please join us as we continue the story of the Hope Diamond with a presentation you will never forget. I would be delighted to see each and every one of you there. Have a wonderful evening and feel free to visit the Hope on your way out.”
    With that, Abby gave the audience a polite nod and stepped from the podium as they sat in stunned silence.She knew the power of story to draw people in, and she knew just when to stop. They wanted to hear more, and that was exactly what she intended. Abby would wager her next paycheck that every person present would be at the celebration next week.
    It took a few seconds for the audience to realize she was finished. As she made her way toward the exit, they erupted in applause as if trying to draw her back to the stage. Abby slipped into the hallway and made her way down the gallery to pay respects to the diamond on her way out. It was a tradition she started many years earlier when working on her dissertation.
    The Hope Diamond had its own display room inside the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals. The wing was large and