“Keep looking,” Claire urged, stepping closer. “It has to be in there.”

“Check the side pockets.”

Mr. Han reached into the interior zippered pocket.

He pulled out a set of brass keys on a plain metal ring.

He turned the canvas bag inside out, showing it was completely empty.

“There is no watch in this bag, Miss Mercer,” Mr. Han said, his voice flat.

Claire stared at the empty bag, her face turning from pale to a bright, angry red.

“She must have slipped it into her pocket!” Claire insisted.

“Or she passed it to an accomplice.”

“This is a conspiracy.”

Vivian stepped forward, her voice dripping with ice.

“Mr. Han, surely your staff can do a body search.”

“This woman is clearly hiding it somewhere on her person.”

Mr. Han raised a hand to halt her words.

“Mrs. Mercer, we have searched the bag with the guest’s permission,” Mr. Han said.

“A physical search of her person is beyond our authority and would require law enforcement.”

“Then call them!” Claire screamed.

“Call the police right now!”

“I want her arrested!”