The central figure in Gems & Jewels is Jarrod Van Kliem.  The story starts out with him returning to Orlando from Congo Free State where he had successfully settled labor unrest among workers with his family’s company, Jewel Enterprises.  He’s treated a bit like a celebrity billionaire businessman, but he is also intensely unpopular with certain elements in the public.  He’s also very unpopular with certain members of his family who are convinced he’s returned to attempt to take over the company.  He’s a bit of a ladies’ man.  He owns a jai alai froton, among other business interests.  He has a very close and powerful inner circle which protects him, advises him, and does the dirty work from time to time.  He can be ruthless, and he certainly has a dark side but by all accounts he’s fair and decent.  Is he the good guy or is he the bad guy?  The readers will have to decide based on what they learn about him in Book II.