“Every so often VerHauten unearths a particular stone with the potential to become a world treasure—if it’s cut correctly. It takes a very special cutter to look inside the stone—”

“Cut a window?” Decker said.

Milligan smiled. “Yes, Sergeant. They cut a window to try to determine how the grain runs. But that’s not enough—not nearly enough. Computer enhancement helps, but it still boils down to human experience, judgment, and just plain talent. One wrong move and a stone can be shattered. VerHauten has a list of preapproved exceptional cutters and Arik was on that list. He had done fine—exceptionally fine—work in the past. That’s why we…that’s why I was taken aback by the vehemence of Yalom’s accusations. I’d maintained good relationships with the man, found him quite sane actually.”

Marge said, “And you’re telling us that VerHauten wasn’t interested in Yalom’s land and mining company holdings?”

“It was an interesting moment of diversion,” Milligan said, casually. “VerHauten is very much aware of the Angola problem. It’s an annoyance, but they’ve been dealing with it for years.”

Decker said, “Tell me about the Angola problem.”

“It’s complicated.”

“Let me make a stab at summing up the problem,” Decker said. “Angola has land that’s diamond-rich, thereby presenting VerHauten with unwanted competition.”

Milligan seemed to be choosing her words. “There has been some free flow of loose stones from the alluvial riverbeds. But the company has adjusted itself to the situation.”

Marge said, “Why doesn’t VerHauten with its billions in assets just buy up the land?”

“Because most of the land produces boart—industrial diamonds—about two dollars a carat on a good day. Yes, there’s money to be made in boart. But at the time I was with VerHauten, they chose to concentrate on gem-quality stones. From VerHauten’s perspective, it was easier to buy up the few expensive diamonds the lands produced than to mine the stones themselves.”

“But that swells up VerHauten’s inventory, doesn’t it?” Decker said.

Milligan pursed her lips. “Have a side interest in business, do you, Sergeant?”

Decker said nothing.

Milligan said, “Suffice it to say VerHauten knows what it’s doing. It has been around a long time. If Sir Thaddeus says Angola’s not worth the bother, it isn’t.”

Marge said, “And Yalom’s holdings weren’t attractive to VerHauten?”

Milligan started rummaging through papers. “His alleged interests held no interest at the prices he wanted.”

Decker said, “Why the word alleged when talking about Yalom’s land holdings?”

“VerHauten had some doubt as to Yalom’s claims of ownership. Another reason we didn’t want to deal with him.”

“Doubt of ownership based on what?”

“Based on sources.”

“What sources?” Marge said.

“That’s VerHauten’s affair.”

Decker said, “Why’d VerHauten try to negotiate with Yalom if you felt he didn’t own the land you were negotiating for?”