How to Leash a Thief

by Cat Clayton

“Hiya, Steely. How are you doing?” Caylee asked, pulling down her sunglasses, observing me. She flashed her signature sugary smile.

  “I’m good. How about you?” I dragged a chair over and sat down, nervously sipping my tea. Brandon caught my eye from the pool and nodded. Awkward.

  “Girl, it’s so hot out here the chickens are laying fried eggs, but other than that, I’m peachy.” Caylee fanned herself with a paperback book. A delicious Fabio-type lusting after a ravaging, long-haired beauty adorned the water-splashed cover. Ever since her late teen years, Caylee had devoured romance novels like candy.

  When I cracked open a book, I preferred true crime thrillers.

  “When are these 4th of July parties ever not hot?” At least this close to the pool I could hope for brief splashes of cool water.

  Caylee sported a pink and white polka dot bikini. Only someone with her perfect body could pull it off. I hoped I looked that good after thirty and two kids. But at the rate I was going, I highly doubted kids would ever enter the picture.

  “I’d give anything for winter right about now.” She glanced over at Brandon and their kids in the pool. “Honey, I’m really sorry to hear about you moving out of Nick’s place.”

  Me moving out? As if it was my choice. But I wasn’t up for a debate, so I downplayed it as best as I could.

  “Oh, it’s only for a few days. Until he cools off.” I hoped I sounded as nonchalant about the situation as I’d intended.

  Her worried expression and silence spoke volumes. I wondered if she knew something I didn’t, but again, I didn’t press the issue.

  “It’ll blow over soon. Really,” I said more for my benefit than hers.

  She cleared her throat. “So, did you hear the wonderful news? Bee is expecting again!” I obliged her change of subject.

  “I hadn’t heard. That’s great. Although I hope she doesn’t close the boutique for too long this pregnancy. Last time she had a baby, we went into retail therapy withdrawal.”

  Caylee let out a giggle which sounded like relief to me. Probably happy I didn’t pursue the Nick conversation. “Oh my gosh, I know, me too! I can’t believe this will be number four for her. I’m going crazy with just the two.”

  “Nick, so good to see you, my dear!” I heard Mrs. Pieper’s voice ring out. I froze, too nervous to glance over my shoulder. I knew this moment would come, but I hadn’t realized hearing his name out loud would be like a kick to the chin.

  “Oh, sweet giblets! Don’t look now,” Caylee whispered, clutching my elbow and squeezing.

  Did I listen?

  Nick stood on the deck with a slutty-looking blonde glued to his side. I sucked in a breath. The same blonde from his office the other day. She flipped her hair to one side as she laughed at something Nick whispered to her. I felt the heat in my cheeks. My side of the bed wasn’t even cold yet!

  “I’m sorry, hon. I didn’t know he was bringing someone. Who is she?” Something in her voice told me she knew, but she didn’t want to let on. I’m certain she didn’t enjoy her stuck-in-the-middle situation. I knew she loved me.

  I stared over at them, seething. “I don’t know, but I saw her in Nick’s office two days ago. She was in an officer’s uniform that day. Have you seen her around the station?”

  “No, sweetie. I could ask Brandon, if you want me to,” she said.

  I whipped my head toward her, jabbing a finger to my lips and shushing her. “No, please don’t! Brandon hates me enough as it is already.”

  “He doesn’t hate you, and he feels horrible that you two split up,” she said, her voice tender and full of remorse.

  My heart sank. “Is that what Nick said? That we split up?” I couldn’t believe my ears. I thought he only needed to clear his head. Take some time away. “Split up” sounded so... final. I touched the locket around my neck and again recalled one of the last conversations I had with Mama about making sure I waited for the right one. I felt like a fool.

  Caylee cleared her throat, dragging me out of my memories. “I don’t know, hon. But that’s what Brandon told me last night. Do you want to duck out of here? I can sneak you around to the front and tell my parents you weren’t feeling well.”

  “No. I must face him, eventually.” No time like the present. I swallowed the gigantic lump in my throat. Maybe they’d met around front and walked to the backyard together.

  I watched Nick grab two beers from the cooler. A dagger of jealousy stabbed me when the bimbo reached over, playfully touching his arm. He popped open both beers and handed her one.

  “I think I’m gonna be sick,” I said, covering my mouth.

  As if he’d somehow sensed I needed him, Daniel appeared from the corner of the house. He spotted me right away and sashayed across the lawn. Wearing stylish loafers, coral Bermuda shorts and a white polo, he could’ve adorned the cover of GQ magazine. He perched himself on the edge of my lawn chair.

  “OMG! Is that the same blonde from the other day in Nick’s office?” Daniel whispered behind his hand, staring at them.

  “Uh huh,” I said, surprised I could find any words.

  “Hey, girlfriend,” Daniel said, blowing Caylee a kiss.

  “Hi, Daniel. Glad you made it!” she said, managing a smile.

  I was so relieved to have Daniel to talk to about the Nick situation. I ground my teeth then spat out, “What the hell is she wearing? Is that outfit from like 1980 or what?” Her skanky ensemble included a scarlet cropped top, which was so tight I could see her religion, a black pair of high-waisted shorts, and a black pair of strappy sandals. Her bronze legs were twice as long as mine.

  “Oh, didn’t you know, the eighties are so back? Taylor Swift brought those over-the-stomach shorts back into style. I only wish I could pull them off,” Daniel said.

  A waiter breezed by with a tray of peach-colored drinks adorned with tiny American flags. Daniel grabbed two and handed me one. “Drink up. You need it.”

  So much for avoiding alcohol this evening. I plucked the flag out and tossed it at Daniel and downed the drink in one gulp. “Excuse me!” I whistled to the waiter. “I’ll have another of those, please.” I emptied the glass in one swallow and felt Caylee’s eyes on me.

  “Mommy! Daddy pushed me underwater!” Caylee’s six-year-old daughter, Macy, sloshed up, whining. She stood in front of us, dripping like a wet puppy.

  “Come here, sugar blossom,” she said, patting the girl’s bottom. Macy’s sandy brown hair spiraled down her back in tight ringlets. “Can I tell you a secret?”

  “What?” Macy asked, noticing Daniel. She batted her thick eyelashes at him.

  “Ms. Steely needs kisses,” Caylee whispered.

  Macy looked at me with huge hazel eyes and collapsed in my lap, planting sloppy kisses on my cheeks. I gave her a tight squeeze. The coolness of her wet body soothed my sun-scorched skin. She giggled and trotted back to the pool, forgetting all about tattle-telling on her daddy.

  “You make some cute babies, Caylee,” Daniel said.

  “Thanks. They are adorable, aren’t they?” A pleased look spread across her face as she admired her kids in the pool. She looked so happy.

  After a lengthy conversation with Daniel and Caylee about the goings on in town, I couldn’t help glancing around for Nick. I hoped I wasn’t being too obvious. They stood over at the corner of the yard, chatting with another police officer and his wife.

  Daniel nudged my foot with his, interrupting my pity party. “Now, how are we going to handle Ms. Thang over there,” he said, nodding at the blonde hanging on Nick.

  I shrugged without answering him. I stared. Nick appeared so carefree; it grated on my nerves. Watching the two of them, I slugged back another peach drink. Was that number two? Or three? And what was the yummy concoction, anyway? I swirled the coral-colored liquid in my glass. And when had the sun gone down? My insides warmed, and the yard spun in circles, the festive decorations and twinkling lights making me dizzy. I suddenly didn’t want to crawl under a rock and hide. I
wanted to kick her butt clear across Texas.

  “Let’s go get her!” I attempted to stand.

  Caylee gently pulled me back down. “Not a good idea, Steely.”

  I disregarded her. “What do ya say, Daniel?” Wild thoughts of choking her raced across my mind.

  “Calm down, Tiger.” Daniel held up a hand like a stop sign. “I meant how are we going to keep this from ruining the night for you,” he said.

  I gave Nick and the girl the evil eye. He glanced in my direction. He must’ve picked up on the bad juju vibes I aimed at him and his date. I glared back at him.

  “I’d like to hurt her for you, but it’s not a wise idea with cops around. Uh oh, speaking of cops...” Daniel said, nodding.

  Officer Jackson sauntered into the backyard.

  Ugh, could this party get any worse?

  Chapter 16

  With a pair of aviator glasses perched on his head, Officer Jackson’s devil-dark eyes scanned the yard and settled on mine. My insides warmed. But in my defense, I’d had several fruity drinks. I swiveled around, turning my back on him to find Daniel’s eyes fixed on the officer, his jaw slack.

  Caylee regarded me with raised eyebrows and then excused herself to check on her kids.

  “You have a bit of drool here.” I reached over, nearly tumbling out of my chair, and wiped Daniel’s chin.

  He snapped his jaw shut, but continued to ogle. He made a funny whistle through his lips. “I don’t know many men who can make a simple navy t-shirt and faded denim jeans look so yummy-scrumptious.”

  I usually reserved those words for pie, but I took a furtive glance at the officer. Daniel had a point. A walking pie dish of Very Berry Scrumptious.

  POP AND GERTIE BID us farewell and gave me a strict instruction to behave. But as the evening progressed, I continued to order the yummy drinks and ignored the swimming sensation in my head. I’d gathered a collection of tiny American flags from my drinks. Waving them above my head, I belted out “America the Beautiful”.

  Laughing, Daniel covered his ears in protest.

  With great concentration, I counted the flags to see how many drinks I’d consumed. I lost count and had to start over. Three times... I think.

  “Six! Six fruity drinks!” I slapped a hand over my mouth, stifling a snort and a giggle.

  “Psst,” Caylee whispered, as if I couldn’t hear her. “Daniel, I think she’s had enough.” Macy and her older brother Kyle were sleeping soundly beside her on the foldout chair, wrapped like tiny burritos in their towels.

  Burritos reminded me of Cuff. Speaking of burritos. “I’m hungry!” I jumped to my feet.

  “Yeah. I guess I should see her home,” Daniel said.

  “I’m sure she came with her dad and grandmother,” Caylee said.

  “Hello!” I waved my hands in front of them. “I’m sitting right here, people!” Even I heard the slur in my speech. Focus, Steely. “Pop took Gertie home earlier. Remember? Besides, I have my car. Gah! If everyone would just let me take care of myself!”

  “Do I need to drive her to her dad’s?” Nick’s voice came from somewhere close.

  I spun around, losing my balance and stumbled forward. Nick reached out, bracing my fall. As if the mere touch of his skin on mine burned, I recoiled.

  “Don’t touch me!” I shouted.

  The blonde was right beside him, but she took a step back. Smart move, tramp. Wait... did I say that out loud? I squinted at the blonde, giving her my best mean girl look. Unfortunately for her, alcohol brought out my evil twin, the unbecoming southern, trashy twin.

  “Yeah, keep backing up, bimbo.” Now, that was out loud. I turned to Nick, the world spinning around me. “How dare you? I left two days ago! Can’t you keep your pants zipped for five seconds?”

  His wide eyes darted around the gathering crowd. “Calm down. It’s not what you’re thinking. Stacia’s new to the department. I was introducing her to everyone.”

  I pfft’d, rolling my eyes. “What? Do you think I’m stupid? I see the way she’s been looking at you! The way she’s hanging all over you!”

  The onlookers gawked.

  I was a walking, talking wrecking ball. Yet, I couldn’t stop myself. I’d given myself to him, and he treated me as if I was just another notch in his belt.

  Caylee stood silent next to Brandon, her hand covering her mouth.

  If Cuff were here, he would’ve accused me of using my squeaky voice.

  Nick reached out, his expression grim. “Come on, I’ll drive you back to your dad’s house. You can pick your car up tomorrow.”

  “Don’t!” I flipped up a hand in his face, stopping him in his tracks. “Why don’t you take your hussy home to our bed instead!”

  Harsh whispers rustled among the crowd. Or was that the breeze in the Magnolia trees to my right?

  Daniel’s hand grazed my shoulder. “Steely, sweetie, it’s getting late. Come on.”

  I glared at Nick, my right eye twitching, my legs wobbling. Darn fruity drinks. “Excuse me, but my friend is taking me home.” I turned to Caylee. “Sorry,” I mumbled and trudged toward the front of the house.

  Daniel followed in my wake.

  Leaning against the Bug, Officer Jackson waited, his hands tucked in the front pockets of his jeans. The sight of him infuriated me. The reality of the entire situation slammed me in the gut with a two-by-four. God, did this guy ever give up? Pulling away from Daniel, I stormed up to him.

  “You’re not driving home in this condition. Where are your keys?” he said.

  “You son of a—” I tripped and stumbled into his chest, face first. He gently braced me and held onto my arms. He smelled warm and manly, and he stood there, staring down at me, pity emanating from his dark eyes. I pushed away from him. “I bet you knew he was cheating on me, didn’t you!”

  “Well, I—” he began.

  “Stop! Please just stop talking!” My knees buckled, as tears sprung from my eyes, my head sagging in defeat. “My relationship is over and it’s all your fault.” I knew this wasn’t true, but it made me feel better to say it.

  Daniel glided over to my side. “Come on. Let’s get you home.” He gently tugged my limp arm, guiding me toward his car.

  “If it matters, I’m sorry you had to find out this way,” Jackson said to my back.

  Too exhausted and embarrassed to reply, I continued walking away.

  Daniel sat quietly in the driver’s seat while I cleaned my face in the Miata’s visor mirror. The overhead light illuminated the car, so if Nick and the bimbo left together, I missed their grand exit. I dried my tear-streaked face, reapplied some powder and lip-gloss and closed the mirror. I felt a little better. Leaning back against the headrest, I heaved a heavy sigh, relieved the nightmare was over.

  “Here, drink this.” Daniel popped open a to-go mug and handed it to me.

  I smelled it through the lid. Coffee. “Where did you get this?”

  “Mrs. Pieper gave it to me as we left. Said for you to drink it on the way home.”

  I took two long swallows. The temperature was perfect. I sat back and leaned my head against the headrest.

  “Feel better?” Daniel asked.

  “Uh huh.” Emotionally drained, my urge to strangle someone had subsided, as did the lingering effects of the alcohol. “Daniel, can you take me home now, please?”

  We’d driven a few miles down the gravel road when we caught sight of a car’s hazard lights flashing.

  “Someone must’ve broken down. Maybe someone from the party.” He pulled up behind the dark car. “I’ll go see if anyone needs to use my phone to call a wrecker.”

  Dread washed over me. “Be careful,” I told him as he climbed out of the car. These past few days sure had me on edge, but all for good reason.

  Daniel approached the driver’s side door and spoke to whoever was behind the wheel through the driver’s side window. He leaned back, glancing at me in the Miata. Did he just shoot me a grin?

  A second later, Office
r Jackson emerged from the driver’s side door, and both men headed toward Daniel’s car. Oh, heck no! Jackson sauntered around to the passenger side and pulled my door open.

  “Call a cab.” I attempted to tug the door shut. Sobriety sucker-punched me.

  He held the door with a strength I couldn’t match and a sexy grin that made my heart skip a beat.

  “Listen, my car died. That damn Camaro is always breaking down. Daniel has offered me a ride. You know good and well, there isn’t a cab for at least seventy miles, maybe more,” he said.

  “This is a two-seater. Sorry.” I tugged on the door.

  “Guess you’d better scoot over then,” he said.

  “Ugh!” I snatched my purse from the floor and shoved it in my lap. Biting my tongue, I slid over.

  When Daniel plopped into his seat beside me, he flashed a smile. I scowled back at him.

  Jackson sunk into the seat, melting into my right side and pulling the door closed. He stretched the seat belt out, offering it to me. “Wanna share?”

  I gave him a sideways, suck snot look.

  “Click it or ticket.” He pushed the metal hook of the seat belt into my hands.

  “Shoot me now,” I said, snapping in the belt. Way too close for comfort, I wiggled as far away from him as I could, issuing an exaggerated breath.

  Daniel chuckled and turned the engine over. “Y’all are too funny,” he said and drove around the supposedly broken down Camaro.

  Folding my arms over my chest, I refused to take part in their incessant chatter while we drove into town. I couldn’t believe how easily Daniel warmed up to Jackson. Either he was flirting, or he’d completely switched to the dark side. What a traitor.

  Taking full advantage of the turns, Jackson leaned into me, using any excuse to get closer. “Could you spare a little more room?” he asked, squashing me. Without even glancing at him, I heard the smile in his voice.

  I elbowed him in the ribs. “I know you’re doing that on purpose.” Acutely aware of every inch where his body touched mine, I found it difficult to breathe. A battle raged inside me. My mind screamed danger, but my body said yes. My heart’s protective armor went into overdrive, attempting to seal any cracks.