Milligan said, “Allegedly, he owned land that was supposedly rich in diamonds. He wanted a joint venture with VerHauten and they weren’t interested. Mr. Yalom wouldn’t take no for an answer.” She looked down. “I can’t believe someone actually murdered him.”

“And his wife,” Marge said. “Do you know if he was involved with anyone—business or otherwise?”

“I only know he wasn’t involved with VerHauten.” Milligan took her eyes from the window. “I don’t know anything about the man except that he had grandiose ideas.” She stood. “Anything else?”

“Ms. Milligan, why did you deal directly with Mr. Yalom?”

“A grave error on my part.” She laughed but it lacked mirth. “I answered Arik’s correspondence directly because the man had a sterling reputation as a player in the secondary market. As a top employee of VerHauten, I was very conscientious about the company’s image. They don’t look kindly on top-rated dealers bad-mouthing the company. They try to appease before setting on their barristers.”

“A billion-dollar company like VerHauten actually gives a hoot about one lone salesman?” Marge asked.

“Yes. Despite what you’ve heard, VerHauten is very much a family business.”

“Mr. VerHauten is personally involved in the day-to-day activities?” Marge asked.

“VerHauten’s the company’s name,” Decker said. “Thaddeus Whitman is the chairman of the board. Sir Thaddeus Whitman, isn’t it?”

Again, Milligan, bit her lip. “Very good. Sir Thaddeus is VerHauten. And he doesn’t like slights, no matter who gives them.” She leaned forward and rested her elbows on the desk. “These people are very…gossipy. Very clannish.”

These people. Meaning Jews? Because most diamond dealers were Jews. Decker asked, “Which people?”

Milligan’s eyes went to his face. They betrayed nothing. “Diamond dealers are a very closed-minded lot. But they’re jolly good at what they do. No one’s debating that, least of all Sir Thaddeus. The company needs them to process and sell its raw stones through America. Not that VerHauten puts up with renegades. But Yalom’s reputation, according to the IADD and word of mouth, was beyond reproach.”

“What’s the IADD?” Marge asked.

“International Association of Diamond Dealers.” Milligan looked absently at her desktop. “VerHauten had had direct dealings with Yalom in the past with no problems.”

“Overseas dealings?”

“Pardon?”

Decker said, “VerHauten isn’t allowed to do business in the States, correct?”

“Yes, correct.”

“So their dealings with Yalom. They were overseas dealings?”

“Of course.”

Marge asked, “What kind of dealings? I thought he wasn’t considered a major player. He didn’t warrant a box, did he?”

“Of course not!” Milligan smiled. “You two have done some homework.”

Decker said, “So as a buyer, Yalom was small.”

“As a buyer, Yalom was a flea,” Milligan stated. “But as a cutter…he was on our list.”

“List?” Marge asked.