Eye of the God (44 page)

Authors: Ariel Allison

BOOK: Eye of the God

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Fifteen minutes later, the sedan rolled to a stop on the south side of the River Liffey before a set of upper-class row houses. The building, clad in warm brownstone, rose four stories above them. Small, manicured yards were filled with the remnants of summer flowers.

“That one, right there.” Alex pointed to an apartment on the ground floor adorned with lace curtains and a series of window boxes. He got out of the car and opened her door. “Shall we?”

Holding the pewter box in one hand, Abby rang the doorbell. It took several moments, but they soon heard a shuffling within and the door swung open to reveal a tiny wisp of a woman. Wrapped in a pink housecoat, the elderly woman blinked into the sunlight, observing her visitors with a startling pair of blue eyes.

“Good morning.” Abby took a step forward, the box in her outstretched hand. “I think this belongs to you?”

“Oooh, yeh found me ring!” the old woman exclaimed, taking the box with a frail hand. “I was wondering where eh 'twas.”

“Yes,” Abby said after a long pause. “We found it.”

The old woman turned her crisp blue eyes on them. “Thank yeh.” Her smile turned her face into a maze of wrinkles.

Suddenly unsure of what else to say, Abby nodded and turned to go. Alex followed, unable to meet the gaze of the sweet old woman.

“Wait,” Abby said, turning around. “What does the inscription mean? On the inside. Why Alligator Food?”

Laughter filled the street, like the sound of silver bells ringing in the wind. “Me husband was such a prankster,” she said between peals of laughter. “He always thought it looked like yer lips were saying, 'I love yeh,' when yeh said the words Alligator Food. He inscribed the words on me ring so I would never forget.” She leaned forward, her eyes ablaze. “And I never did. We spoke those words to each other every day for fifty years, and I've said them every day since I buried the man.”

“Thank you,” Abby said. “I needed to know.” She and Alex turned to go.

“Wait,” the old woman called. A mischievous grin spread across her face. She tossed the box to Abby with surprising strength. “I don't need this anymore. Why don't yeh keep it? It might do yer love some good.” Then she closed the door and left them speechless on the doorstep.

Alex took the box from her and slipped the ring on her finger. “So, Alligator Food, huh?”

She looked at him, pensive. “Give me some time and maybe so.”

He took her hand and rubbed it softly with his thumb. “There's something I need to tell you.” His voice was hesitant, filled with trepidation.

“What?”

“My name isn't really Alex Weld.”

Discussion Questions

Eye of the god
is told in third-person through a variety of characters, both contemporary and historical. Which historical character did you resonate with most? Why? Which contemporary character did you resonate with most? Why?
Dr. Abigail Mitchell, director of the Smithsonian, plays a leading role in the contemporary narrative. Why is Abby so driven in her career? What are the inherent dangers of that kind of determination and focus?
The thieves, Alex and Isaac Weld, have an interesting relationship. They are brothers, business partners, and at times foes. What talents do each of them bring to the table, and how does it create tension between them?
At the outset of the story, we are introduced to the “curse” of the Hope Diamond. As the story proceeds, we see that each character grows to love or need the diamond for different reasons. How might their lives be different if they did not allow the jewel to play such a prominent role? In what ways do they bring the curse upon themselves?
Each of the three historical narratives is accurate in detail and context. Which one did you find most interesting? Why? How do Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, Louis XVI, and Evalyn Walsh McLean each succumb to the curse of the Hope Diamond?
The Hope Diamond plays a key role in this story, almost becoming a character itself. How would you describe the jewel to someone about to visit it at the Smithsonian? What is so special about it? Why has it captured imaginations for hundreds of years?
The relationship between Abby and her father is troubled and at times hurtful. What are the issues in that relationship? How do they affect Abby? Can you relate to the longing she has for her father, as well as the fear of him?
Alex Weld finds it easy, and in fact quite enjoyable, to manipulate women. Yet when he meets Abby, he begins to struggle with using her. What effect does Abby have on him? Why does it cause him to feel guilty? How do his developing feelings affect the relationship with his brother?
In many ways, Dow and DeDe are surrogate parents for Abby. How do they affect Abby in her job and in her relationship with Alex? Why is Dow's role in Abby's life of particular importance?
Throughout much of the book, the Broker is a shadowy figure, manipulating the lives of each character. How does he complicate the lives of both Alex and Abby? What is his stake in the story?
Just like each of the other characters, Abby is obsessed with the Hope Diamond. Yet how does her obsession differ from the others? Is it a good or a negative influence on her life? How does it affect her choices and her relationships?
How would you describe Abby's spiritual journey? What role does her father play in it? Why is she so afraid to enter each of the various churches? Can you relate to her hesitance in the pursuit of spirituality?
How will Abby be different as she moves forward with her life? How has Alex affected her? What has she learned about herself through her contact with the Hope Diamond? How do you think she will grow spiritually from this point forward?