The captain’s irritation faded, replaced by a look of faint alarm. He raised a placating hand. “Ma’am, perhaps it’s simply misplaced. Have you checked your room thoroughly? Valuables often—”
The woman cut him off with a furious glare. “I am a VIP passenger! That bracelet is a family heirloom, and I expect you to take this seriously. I didn’t misplace it—it was stolen, and I want it found!” Her voice, trembling with anger, filled the small room.