The lead limousine pulls to the curb The guard car stops 50 meters behind. Masun climbs out and opens the back door for Qamar Al Utari as she comes down the steps from the entrance.
QAMAR
Good morning, Masun.
MASUN
Good morning, Madam.
Qamar climbs in the back seat next to Shazadi. They greet each other happily. The car pulls away from the curb with the guard car close behind.
INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY
SHAZADI
My dear, we have a very busy day today. Many places to go and things to see. First, we will go to a jeweler who has bought most of the stock of the Nafisi family’s shop. I have heard of this man Al-Yamani but I have never had the need to visit him. Nafisi always had such a good selection. It is too bad that he disappeared like he did.
QAMAR
Yes, there was a lot of discussion as to whether it was political or possibly a robbery or kidnapping. His poor wife certainly had her hands full with all his business affairs. I heard she left the country with the children. At least she must have enough money that she does not have to be concerned for being able to live comfortably. His jewelry store was one of the most lavish in Damascus. I am looking forward to the opening of the new exhibit at the art gallery this afternoon. This Chinese painter has gained a great international following in the last few years. It is good to be able to see such works here without having to travel to London or Paris.
EXT. JEWELERY SHOP ENTRANCE - DAY
The limousine stops in front of the Al-Yamani jewelry store. The driver opens the doors for the 2 women to exit. He goes to the door of the shop and rings the bell. When the click of the lock is heard, he nods to the 2 women to come to the door. He opens the door for them. They enter the shop.
INT. JEWELERY SHOP SHOW ROOM - DAY
Ibrahim comes to the door. He opens it to let the women come in, then closes the door behind them. He turns to the woman, nods and smiles.
IBRAHIM
Good morning, ladies. My name is Ibrahim Al-Yamani. I would be pleased to help you today. Do you have anything in particular in mind?
SHAZADI
Good morning, Mr. Al-Yamani. This is Mrs. Al Utari. I am Mrs. Taja. I have conducted business for many years with Mr. Nafisi but that is no longer possible. I have heard that you have purchased much of his inventory. As I was always pleased with the selection at his shop, I would now like to see what other things you have to offer.
IBRAHIM
Yes, I do have much of the unfortunate Nafisi’s inventory but mainly of the less common items. I was not interested in the simple jewelery such as rings, necklaces, and such. I prefer more collectible objects such as pins, brooches, pendants. Generally I look for large gold objects showing detailed workmanship.
SHAZADI
Those are exactly the kind of things I have in mind. My husband says such large objects are too masculine to wear. I do not buy them to wear but to admire the workmanship in a small portable object.
IBRAHIM
You must have a formidable collection.
SHAZADI
No, in fact I keep very few objects for an extended period. I will study and photograph a piece for a few months and then I generally trade or sell it. I know many parties around the world who have similar interests and we enjoy the sharing of small, beautiful, well-made articles that are not as fragile as Romanov eggs, nor as likely to be stolen as diamonds. It is the sensation of the spirit of the artist and the indications of the culture from which the piece comes that absorb my interest. In some cases it is an ancient piece, but many times a modern work can carry the same anima.
IBRAHIM
(smiling)
Your description is poetic. I am sure if I could hire you I would double my turnover. I just received a few new pieces that you might enjoy seeing. My family and I are originally from Iran and I still do business with a number of old friends of my father there who have access to very high quality work. Fortunately, such trade is welcomed by many countries as it gives work to skilled artisans and brings in foreign income. As a result I have no difficulty importing such works. Nafisi, as I am sure you know, had a very similar trade and I have been fortunate to have made contact with most of his suppliers in Iran so the flow of material is likely to continue in spite of political uncertainties.
SHAZADI
Can you show me any recent arrivals?
IBRAHIM
Certainly. I just received a modern gold pendant with particularly fine filigree work. I think you will be very pleased to see it.
Ibrahim goes to the back room and returns with a small box holding the pendant.
IBRAHIM
Perhaps you would like to come to a special tea room I have here with a strong light and comfortable seats. I would like to offer you some tea if I might.
SHAZADI
That is most kind of you, Mr. Al-Yamani.
Ibrahim guides the woman through a curtain to an area prepared to entertain clients and with lighting to permit them to inspect works closely. He seats them both and uses his cellphone to call a restaurant for tea. He sits at the table and hands the box with the pendant to Shazadi.
SHAZADI
Yes, this is truly lovely. I would like to look at it more closely.
Ibrahim reaches into his coat pocket and produces a jeweler’s loupe which he offers to Shazadi.
SHAZADI
Thank you but I have my own loupe.
Shazadi reaches into her handbag and takes out a jeweler’s loupe. She turns back the lens cover.
IBRAHIM
Oh, I see you have a Russian loupe. Those are very good quality.
SHAZADI
Yes, I acquired this one in Beirut many years ago and it has served me well. I always fear I will lose it.
IBRAHIM
That model is still available, I believe, so I would not worry if you were to lose it.
SHAZADI
This particular loupe has sentimental value as I was quite young when I got it and the circumstances were special.
There is a CHIME of the front door button. Ibrahim rises and excuses himself to bring back the tea which he serves to the 2 women in fine crystal tea glasses.
IBRAHIM
Mrs. Al Utari, is there anything that you would like to look at while Mrs. Taja examines the pendant?
QAMAR
No, thank you, Mr. Al-Yamani, not today. My daughter will be having a birthday in about 2 months so I will come back and find something for her before then.
IBRAHIM
How old is she going to be?
QAMAR
She will be 16.
IBRAHIM
A special age for a young woman. It requires a special gift. If you can be thinking of what you would like her to have to remember the date, I am sure we can provide a gift that will delight her. Possibly a custom-made piece to reflect her interests. A gold cat pendant with emerald eyes would surely light up her eyes. I could draw up a design for you to consider and we could have it made in a week or so. Another animal like a bird, a horse or a fish. Consider her interests.
QAMAR
Those are very interesting ideas you have given me. I will think about it for a week or so and I will call you. When you have some sketches prepared we will return and decide on which to make.
SHAZADI
This is a very nice pendant. If I decide to buy it, I am sure you will give me a very attractive price because you know I will be a regular customer. Am I correct?
IBRAHIM
You certainly have hidden skills besides being being an expert on jewelry. In this case you have read my mind. Let me think of a number and when you return with Mrs. Al Qatari to decide on a birthday gift for her daughter we’ll see if the number you see in my mind is similar to what you wish to pay.
SHAZADI
Very well. Let’s say we will return at the same time in 3 days.
IBRAHIM
Perfect. I will have the
tea waiting for you and possibly some fresh pastries as well. These discussions whet my appetite. It has been a great pleasure to meet you ladies. And Mrs. Taja...please have your loupe with you as I have many other pieces for you to examine.
SHAZADI
I never go out without my loupe. You can never tell when your friend might have a grain of sand in their eye and the loupe is your first aid device. The 3 exchange handshakes and nods and Ibrahim escorts them to the front door.
EXT. JEWELERY SHOP ENTRANCE - DAY
He steps out to signal to the driver who opens the back door of the car for the women.
INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY
QAMAR
Well! He certainly whetted my appetite but not for lunch!
SHAZADI
So you are attracted to the jewelry pieces he offers.
QAMAR
Shazadi, you mock me. I am attracted to pieces of the jeweler. It is good that there are so many birthdays approaching that will require gifts. I foresee many trips to this shop. Will you buy the pendant you saw today?
SHAZADI
Yes, I am sure. We will negotiate but Al-Yamani knows I am a good potential customer. He will give me a very good price this time. He may well sell it for less than his cost to ensure my future purchases. I can resell it in a few months to a contact in Egypt who likes this type of work and will give me a nice profit.