“Nice to meet you,” I said. “I’m Sarah Black.”
“Katherine Quinn,” Taney clarified.
“Sarah Black is my alias,” I explained. “It’s the name I use in my former occupation.”
“Jewel thief isn’t an occupation,” Taney said.
“Do we really have to do this right now?” I asked.
“Let’s talk about your plans,” Gunther said, directing the conversation back to the matter at hand.
“Katherine… I mean Sarah will be here posing as a tourist.”
“I’ll be doing touristy activities as a normal woman on vacation would,” I said. “I should be able to investigate on the side.”
“The investigation is the main reason you’re here,” Flynn piped up. “So try not to have too much tequila while you’re here. It’s apparent you have already imbibed enough.”
I touched my hot cheeks. “I have a fear of flying.”
Flynn cocked a brow. “Keep it to a minimum.”
“What are your plans, Taney?”
“Keeping an eye on Sarah so she doesn’t disappear.”
“Oh and about that,” Gunther said as he opened his briefcase. "I hope you don't mind, but I have a suggestion about that.” He turned to Sarah. “Why don’t you get a cup of coffee while I finalize plans with Taney?”
I didn’t like the sound of that, but I held out my hand for cash. “I spotted a Starbucks on the way in.”
“There’s complimentary coffee in the hotel lobby.”
“If you want my help, you’ll have to cough up the five bucks.”
“You made a deal with us in case you’ve forgotten.”
“Oh, I’m perfectly aware of that since you keep reminding me.”
Taney groaned and gave me five dollars.
“Thanks, Taney.”
I slipped out of the room and picked up a tail in the form of a man wearing Bermuda shorts and a tropical flower shirt, a hat pulled low over his eyes.
Where was the trust? Sure, I’ve been stealing jewelry ever since my grandfather taught me when I was fifteen, although to be honest he didn’t realize he was teaching me. I picked up an emerald pin and put it in my pocket for the first time when I was sixteen. Grandfather was less than enthused, but he involved me in the thefts after that, but more as a distraction. He was arrested a year later and sent to the penitentiary, leaving me to fend for myself. I didn’t have any other family or friends whom I could turn to, so I did the only thing I knew how to do.
I stood in line and ordered a chai tea latte and paid, shuffling to where the barista would hand me my drink. I observed the man who was following me. He didn’t order a coffee, choosing instead to bury his face in a discarded newspaper on a table.
The tiny hairs at the base of my neck danced in warning. Was he a federal agent or dangerous?
I sipped my latte as I passed the man and nodded. He barely glanced up. If anything, he buried his head even more in the paper he was reading.
Taney stood across the lobby and tapped his watch. If he thought I could be summoned by a gesture like that, he was sadly mistaken. Of course after discussing the case with the feds they probably convinced him that I was a flight risk. Believe me I’ve considered it, but I also didn’t want to look over my shoulder the remainder of my life.
Taney met me halfway, and steam practically escaped from his ears if his ridged jaw, reddening face, and narrowing of his eyes were any indication.
“Don’t worry. I wasn’t planning to run off anywhere.”
“Good, because you’re being watched.” He looped his arm through mine and smiled as we glided to the elevator.
Once inside the lift, I rubbed my head against Taney’s sleeve, and he jumped back like he had been burned.
I laughed. “I was practicing for our performance. If I recall, we’re supposed to act like newlyweds.”
Taney cleared his throat. “I didn’t say anything about honeymooners, and I’ll be staying at the hotel while you’re out and about.”
“That will cost you spending money. It would be hard for people to think I’m on vacation if I don’t go shopping.”
“We’ll discuss this upstairs.”
I cocked an eyebrow. “Just so you know, I don’t mix work with pleasure.”
Taney stiffened. “Good, because nothing of the kind is on my mind. Besides, I have a girlfriend. You’ll meet her tomorrow.”
“How are we supposed to be on vacation together if you’re bringing another woman into the mix?”
“Just call it a family vacation.”
“I’m seriously bummed out now.”
“You’re here to find the Imperial Ruby, don’t forget.” He grinned. “But if it bothers you so much about Anna…”
“That you’ll tell her to stay home?”
“Not happening.”
I glanced away from Taney and walked into his hotel room only to encounter a gray-haired woman in the middle of the bed with the covers up to her neck.
“What’s the meaning of this, Adam?” the woman asked as her cheeks reddened.
I smiled when I saw two socked feet poking out from behind the curtains, and I nonchalantly strolled over and ripped the window covering back.
I don’t know who was more shocked, the man behind the curtains or me since he only had his boxer shorts on.
“I believe your wife is waiting for you downstairs and not too patiently, I might add. She’s blabbing to anyone who will listen that her no-good husband is on the prowl again.”
“Oops, that’s my cue to leave.” The man threw on his slacks and hopped out the door as fast as his body would take him.
I laughed as I picked up his shoes and shirt and tossed them out the door after the man.
“Well, he’s certainly going to have an interesting story to tell his wife,” I said with a raised brow.
“Who are you?” the woman asked.
“I’m Katherine Quinn.”
“If you two could step out in the hall, I’ll get dressed.”
I led a rather white-faced detective into the hall, and within a few moments the door was locked behind us.
“Someone you know?” I asked.
Taney stood there with a bemused look on his face as if he’d never seen a naked woman quivering in a bed before.
“Is that Anna?”
Taney’s eyes darkened. “No, it’s my grandmother.”
I busted out laughing. After all, what does one do when presented with such a predicament?
“Stop laughing before I renege on your deal with the prosecutor.”
I moved in close. “Huh. It’s too late for that now, Detective, especially since the FBI is in charge now.”
“I’m working with them on this case.”
“Ah, so they’re letting you hold the reins for now. How good of them.”
I knocked on the door until Taney’s grandmother opened it, a tad more put together.
The woman gave her short silver hair with blue highlights a careful pat. Her inquisitive blue eyes met mine, holding the gaze for a moment before breaking contact. She smoothed her cream-colored shirt over her blue slacks as she motioned us inside.
I stood there waiting for Taney to make the introductions when the woman blurted out: “I’m Adam’s grandmother. You may call me Irma.”
I put out a hand for Irma to shake. “I’m Katherine Quinn. You can call me Sarah Black; it’s my alias.”
Irma glanced down at my hand and then shook it vigorously. “It’s about time we’ve met. I have been wiling around waiting for you two to show up.”
“Diddling is more the word.”
“I don’t diddle. You’d do well to remember that.”
“It’s hard to do that when you had a half-naked, married man in your room.”
Irma sighed. “I didn’t know he was married when I met him.”
Taney pulled his collar away from his neck. “Can we please talk about something else?”
“Of course. I’d hardly thi
nk you’d want to discuss your grandmother’s extracurricular activities.”
Taney picked up the ice bucket and strolled from the room.
“I think he’s getting ice,” I said. “So what did Taney say about me?”
“That you’re trouble.”
“Apparently you have your own troubles.”
Irma fisted her hips and in walked Taney, still a little white in the face, but some of his color was coming back.
“I don’t like her,” Irma said.
“What a horrible thing to say,” I said. “Taney must have inherited your personality.”
Irma sank to the mattress. “It doesn’t really matter if I like you or not, I suppose. My grandson told me I’m here to babysit you.”
“No, I don’t think so. I’m too old for a babysitter.”
“Let me explain, Grandmother. Katherine is a felon looking for a chance to turn her life around.”
Irma crossed her arms. “Is that right?”
“Yes, and she’ll be doing a little investigating while she’s here. And your role is to watch over Katherine while she’s making inquiries so she doesn’t get herself into trouble.”
“There has to be more to it than that.”
My eyes widened. “You’re right about that. You see, I’m an international jewel thief and here to find a stolen ruby.”
“You can’t be a very good jewel thief, or you would never have been caught.”
“Lucky for us she was,” Taney offered. “It’s very important that the Imperial Ruby is found before it’s fenced.”
“I believe I heard about that.” Irma looked down her nose at Katherine. “But I highly doubt this woman would be able to find a needle in a haystack. Not next to my accolade. I could find that ruby with my eyes closed.”
“What accolades? Your membership to the book of the month club?”
“No, I used to work for the—”
“Salvation Army, isn’t that right, Grandmother?”
“I hope I’m being paid because this is going to be a painful undertaking.”
“How does spending money sound?”
“And I’ll have some time to myself?”
“Plenty of time to diddle,” I said.
Irma jumped off the bed and pointed a bony finger in my face. “Watch your tongue, Missy.”
“Or what?”
“I’ll find a way to make your stay as unpleasant as possible.”
“More so than you’ve already done?”
Taney moved between us. “Please, would the both of you knock it off.” He ran a hand through his dark hair. “My job is on the line here, and so is your freedom, Katherine.”
“I already received my deal, or have you forgotten?”
“It’s pursuant to finding the ruby.”
I frowned. “That’s not fair. I can hardly guarantee the gem will be found. I have an arrest record, or have you forgotten?”
“It’s been wiped clean, so no worries.”
“Why on earth would you do a thing like that?” Irma said. “What would stop the woman from disappearing?”
“You, Grandmother.”
“Well, I hope you don’t expect me to watch her twenty-four seven.”
“Of course not. Consider this a fake vacation. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds.”
“I thought this fake vacation wouldn’t involve your girlfriend,” I said.
“I agree,” Irma said. “Won’t it look strange if Anna shows up and sidelines your investigation?”
“I don’t believe she’ll be a distraction in the least.”
I smiled. “Irma didn’t mention her being a distraction; will she be?”
“No. I’m on top of this case.”
“Except I’m doing all the dirty work. Irma and I will be the ones in harm’s way if the case goes south. How can you possibly monitor us if you’re staying at the hotel?”
“Yes, how?”
“You’re wearing wires.”
“No way. I’m allergic to metal.”
“I have to agree with Katherine; we’ll be dead if we’re caught.”
“Then don’t get caught.” Taney’s brow furrowed. “You’ll have to share this room for the remainder of the time we’ll be here.”
“Oh no we won’t.” I gasped. “There is only one bed, and someone’s been diddling in it.”
“I imagine all the beds in this hotel have been used in that fashion,” Irma said. “But you can take the floor.”
“I’ll check to see if I can find a room with two beds in it for tomorrow.” Taney sighed.
“Shouldn’t I be staying with you?” I winked to hopefully unsettle the man’s ridged exterior.
“I’ll leave you to get acquainted, but I’d suggest getting a good night’s sleep because you’ll be very busy tomorrow.”
Three
I yawned and bumped my way into the bathroom early the next morning, only to find Irma in the shower.
“Excuse me, I’m in here,” Irma said.
“Well, don’t use all the hot water, because I really need a shower to wake up.”
“Don’t worry, there will be plenty.”
I pulled back the curtains and smiled at the magnificent view of the ocean. Tourists walked along the beach and others dipped their toes in the water. Sailboats cut through the water as they caught a breeze, and cruise ships lurked nearby as they headed into port. It was a beautiful place to visit, and I hoped I’d live to see another day. But since Irma would be accompanying me today, all bets were off.
What was Taney thinking about pairing me up with his grandmother of all people? Didn’t he realize how dangerous this would be? I wasn’t buying Irma’s tough act, but what other choice did I have?
I pulled out my notebook that had names listed in code so they wouldn’t be so recognizable to the FBI or the cops. I had planned to hit up a fence later this morning if I ever got out of this hotel without my tail. Irma might be here to follow me, but I planned to ditch her the first chance I had. It was for her own good, but I doubted she’d feel that way.
Steam followed Irma from the open bathroom door. I hurried in for my shower before Irma decided to hog the bathroom for the remainder of the morning.
I turned on the hot water and waited for a few minutes and jumped in the shower. I shrieked as I was blasted with cold water and fell out of the bathtub, nearly striking my head on the side of the toilet.
“Is everything okay?” Irma asked from her side of the closed door.
I stood up and yanked the door open. “No, you used all the hot water.”
Irma put a hand up to block my naked body from view, and I slammed the door closed.
I felt my dirty hair with a grimace, and after pacing for a few minutes, I braved the cold water to wash my hair by leaning over the tub. It’s not something I like to do, but I had fine hair and it gets dirty so fast. Besides, I could hardly show my face out of the hotel, looking a mess, so I dried my wet hair and slapped on some makeup for good measure.
Dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, I walked out of the bathroom. Irma fidgeted near the door. “I’m sorry for using all the hot water, but my body is so achy when I get up that it takes longer to work all the kinks out.”
I scooped up my wallet and walked into the hall with Irma following close behind.
“We should have breakfast before we set out,” Irma suggested. “Adam says it’s free with the room.”
“Good, I could use a good meal. I missed dinner last night.”
“I should call my grandson to meet us there. After all, we’re on vacation together if you remember.”
I forced a smile. “How can I forget with you reminding me?”
“Look, I don’t like this any more than you do, but we’re both stuck it would seem.”
Not for much longer if I had my way.
I focused on the breakfast bar when we were seated in the dining room. I just loved a breakfast buffet, especially when I didn’t have to do the co
oking.
A waitress sped to the table. “What would you like to drink?”
“I don’t know,” I said. “What comes with the free breakfast?”
“Coffee, tea, juice.”
“We’ll have orange juice,” Taney said as he joined us.
“What if I don’t want orange juice?” I said. “I could be allergic to it for all you know.”
“Well, are you? Allergic?”
“No, but I could be.”
“It’s too early to be bantering,” Irma said. “I’m here to eat.”
Taney moved out of his grandmother’s way, and I joined her. At the moment, I wanted to put distance between Taney and me. He had some nerve ordering a beverage for me when I’m quite capable of speaking for myself.
I filled my plate with fresh fruit and walked back to the table and about swallowed my tongue when Taney lip-locked with a gorgeous blonde.
“Excuse me,” I said as I cleared my throat. I believe you’re sitting in my seat.”
Taney reluctantly pulled away from the woman. “You can sit next to my grandmother.”
“I’m not moving just because you tell me to jump.”
The blonde tapped her manicured nails on the table, narrowing her eyes ever so slightly. “Aren’t you going to introduce me, Adam?”
I scooted across the seat and motioned the waitress over. “Can I please get a fresh orange juice? It would appear someone took mine.”
“I didn’t take your stupid drink. You can have it.”
I opened my cloth napkin and gingerly set it in my lap. “You can keep it or leave it.” I smiled at the waitress. “I’m a germ phobic, so could you please bring me another juice? Do you have guava?”
“We sure do.”
“If you could make my juice half guava and half orange juice, I promise I’ll give you a big tip.” I grinned at Taney. “I mean, he will since he believes a woman can’t order for herself.”
Taney’s eyes darkened. “I was only trying to be polite.”
The blonde squirmed in her seat. “It never bothers me,” she said.
“I’m Sarah Black,” I said. “You know his girl Friday, or is that Friday and Saturday. I forget which.” I giggled to make the situation awkward.
“This is my girlfriend, Anna Burnett,” Taney said.
Anna glanced from Taney to me. “Who is this woman?”
Tequila and Sunrise Page 2
