The Montclair Emeralds and Joy

Solid, dependable types - that was how Virginia Middlebrook and A.C. Ryerson saw themselves. Far from daring usually, they decided to take a chance and explore their friendship. And sharing a Caribbean holiday seemed a perfectly sane way to get better acquainted.

But there, in a high-stakes poker game, they won a bracelet of uncommon beauty, a mysterious talisman. From that moment on they barreled recklessly into love - and adventure. Never before had they abandoned themselves to such joy. Or exposed themselves to such danger.