“So far, yes, but I don’t want to jinx it.”
“I’ll get them in here while you finish setting the table.”
Surprisingly, everything is going well. Benjamin is very polite, and Doug has finally stopped with the fifty questions. Brook makes the coffee and I put out the cannoli.
“Before you leave, I’d like to get a group photo. I got a new phone and it has a feature where I can set the timer to take a photo. I’ll get to test it out.”
“Dad, I’m surprised you got a new phone. You hate all kinds of technology.”
“I’m trying to get into this century, kicking and screaming but I’m trying.”
“How’s Amelia?”
“She was going to come over today, but she has the flu. I’ll go check on her later. Have you spoken to Emma?”
“Yeah, she’s excited about the new house. She sent me the link. It looks wonderful. Before you know it, she will be moving.”
“It’s coming up pretty quick. I’m taking her to buy a car. She hasn’t owned a car in years and I’m not even sure when the last time she drove herself anywhere, so this should be interesting.” Brook nearly chokes on her coffee.
“Daddy, remember when you tried to teach me to drive? You finally gave up and Uncle Doug had to teach me. Make sure you have patience with her.”
Benjamin is looking at his watch, giving her the cue that they have to leave. I want to make it comfortable for her even though he doesn’t seem to care.
“Let’s get that picture; I’m sure you need to head to the airport.”
I set up the camera and take my picture. In my mind, I see Peter throwing the diamonds up in the air. We hug and kiss as they say their goodbyes. Doug and I stand on the porch, watching them drive away. When they are gone, we go inside, and Doug pulls out the photo and puts in next to the one on my phone. The two of us stare at it like it will bite us.
“Doug, you know they say everyone has a twin somewhere. What are the odds that he’s Peter’s twin?”
“About the same as you winning the Powerball. He’s Peter’s son. That is something I would bet money on.”
“Thank God Amelia wasn’t here tonight. This could have played out really bad.” I get a knot in my gut just thinking about it.
“Mitch, maybe it’s time we both sit her down and tell her the truth. I don’t feel like we have a choice.”
I’m staring at the photos, my mind like an old-time movie reel, playing that night over and over again.
“After today, I have to agree with you. Then, I think the three of us need to head to Jacksonville to confront the bastard.” If only it was that easy. So many people are going to get hurt, including my daughter.
Amelia
I really wanted to go to Mitch’s house yesterday and meet Brook’s boyfriend. This stupid flu is kicking my ass. All I can keep down right now is tea and toast. I thought for sure I would hear from him last night but maybe he’s giving me time to rest, or maybe he thinks the guy is wonderful. Nope. Knowing Mitch, I’m sure he’s going to dissect the entire conversation. I’ll wait a little bit longer before I text him. Maybe a long hot shower is the best thing right now. My phone beeps with a new message. I was hoping it would be Mitch but it’s Chloe.
Chloe: I’m not coming by. I don’t want the cooties.
Me: You’re always so cheerful. I’m feeling a little better this morning, but I don’t want you to catch this. Otherwise, you will never let me hear the end of it.
Chloe: Well as long as I know you’re alive. Do you need me to drop off some soup or something?
Me: I’m alive. My fever broke sometime last night. Chicken matzo ball soup from the diner would be nice.
Chloe: I’ll ring the bell and leave it by the door. Feel better.
Me: Thanks.
I let the hot water cascade down my back for what seems like forever. I can’t wait to be doing this in my new home. Since it was a cash deal, Mitch was able to do a quick close. I did have to rent back for a couple of weeks so that I would have enough time to finish packing. I just hope this stupid flu doesn’t delay any of my plans. Even though my fever is gone, I still feel like I was hit by a truck. Maybe Mitch will come by today or at least call. I want to explore what I missed with him all those years ago, but first I have to get through his wall that is keeping me at bay. The water begins to run cold, which is my sign that it’s time to get out. The doorbell is ringing, it’s probably Chloe dropping off my soup. The thought makes my stomach rumble. The best feeling in the world is a hot shower and then clean flannel pajamas. I head downstairs with Rusty on my heels, and when I open the door, I’m startled. Mitch and Doug are standing there, Mitch holding the soup that Chloe must have dropped off while I was in the shower. Doug, whom I haven’t seen since Peter left, looks a lot older. Time has not been very kind to him.
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t expecting anyone. Doug, it’s been a long time.” I open the door wider for them. “Please come in.” I take hold of Rusty’s collar, but he doesn’t seem bothered by Doug, and Mitch has already won him over. I take the soup from Mitch, realizing that it will have to wait I put it in the fridge and grab some water bottles before I head into the living room. I find the two of them standing there looking very uneasy.
“Doug, I’m surprised to see you here. What’s going on?” Mitch takes my hand, and leads me towards the couch. I sit down but they don’t. I’m starting to get nervous.
“We have a story to tell you but please let us finish before you question us.” Mitch’s voice cracks.
“The year before I graduated college, I got my real estate license. We worked as a team. I would get the listings while Doug and Peter helped out when the properties needed repairs. We decided to make our last spring break our most memorable one. It was Peter and my senior year that convinced me to do so. We pooled all our money together and went on a trip of a lifetime to Cannes, France. We even got Doug to go with us. It was a few days before we were due to go home, we got very drunk and Peter came up with a plan to rob a jewelry store in a hotel. Doug and I tweaked the plan a little before we passed out.” He pauses to drink some of his water, but his eyes never leave mine. Doug is rocking from one foot to the other. What he’s telling me sounds like a tall tale. Kind of like the fisherman’s tale of the big one that got away.
“The next day, when we sobered up, we realized we created a really good plan. I’ll spare you all the details, but that night, we did it. We got the jewels home and went on with our lives. However, before that, we made a pact that we would each hold the jewels for a certain amount of time. We thought that was fair and we trusted each other, or so I thought. When Peter’s turn was coming to an end, you were seven months pregnant. The night he disappeared, he was supposed to bring the jewels to me, before he went to get your stuff at the store, but he never showed up.”
I jump up astonished, trying to absorb what I’m hearing. “Wait, you’re telling me my husband was a jewel thief and that he skipped out on his family over money?!”
“Please, Amelia, there is a lot more. Let me finish.” With my face inches from his, I’m trying to find the truth in his eyes.
“More, more, how much more could there be?! My husband was a jewel thief that vanished in the middle of the night. He put the value of stuff above the value of his daughter and his wife! Was he killed because of this? Do you know what really happened to him? Is this why you’ve been holding back?”
“This is very hard for me to tell you. I promise I’ll answer all of your questions, but please let me finish.”
I sit back down trying hard to focus on whatever else he has to tell me. My head is pounding like a freight train is running through it.
“After the torched car was found, we really thought he was murdered. We didn’t think anyone would walk out on their pregnant wife. We looked everywhere we could think of to find the jewels, but we always came up empty. Fast forward to twenty years later and you had him declared legally dead. That was a break for us. I purposely
ran into you on the steps of the courthouse. I needed to get into your good graces. We needed to get into this house to look around. It’s the only place we weren’t able to search. We thought the best thing for you to do is sell this place and the best thing for us to do is buy it, so we did.”
My chin just hit the ground. I’ve been played like a fiddle. “So, let me get this straight; you bought this home just to look around? Why didn’t you come to me after Peter left? There was a time I was so poor, I lived on lemon water so Emma would have food. I would have thought you were nuts, but I was so desperate, I would have looked with you. Mitch, was any of it with you real?” My heart is sinking in my chest. My feelings for him are real. What a fool I am. I get up and walk closer towards him. I don’t want to miss a word he has to say.
“Yes, my feelings for you are totally real, Amelia. They always were, which is why I keep getting myself into trouble. How were we to know that you would have gone along with us?”
“Don’t you mean how would you know if I would have shared the loot with you?” My instinct to protect myself takes over. I reach back and quickly smack him across the face. His face turns beet red, but Doug’s facial expressions never change. He takes a step closer.
“We didn’t know if we could trust you. Besides, donuts to dollars there is nothing here.”
“Why are you telling me all of this now? I mean, you got away with everything from the robbery to buying my house, so why?! Are the finishing touches to this whole plot to make sure I know what a fucking fool I was?”
“This is the bad part.” Mitch barely gets the words out before I’m right up in his face, again.
“You mean there’s more?”
“You know yesterday Brook was bringing her boyfriend home for me to meet. I thought they were going to stay the whole weekend. Turns out they left late last night for Florida to be with Benjamin’s family.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
He nudges Doug. “Show her the photos.”
Doug places two photos on the coffee table. One is an old photograph and one is new photo that looks to have been recently printed. I’m staring at them and I feel my head begin to pound even harder, as if that’s even possible. I pick up the old one and hold it closer. It’s old and tattered but it’s no mistake, the three of them are very young and there’s Peter in the middle tossing into the air what looks like diamonds. When I pick up the new picture and bring it close, there is no mistaking Brook’s boyfriend looks exactly like Peter did at that age. I feel the bile start to rise in my throat. I grab the photos and race to the bathroom. When I finally stop throwing up, I grab the pictures, but I can’t see anything though my tears. All I have now is my uncontrollable sobbing. Staring at the photos is like a dagger in my heart. There’s a light tap on the door.
“Amelia, it’s Mitch. I’m by myself. Can I come in?”
I don’t answer, instead, I brush my teeth and rinse my face with cold water before opening the door. “I’ve got questions for both of you. Living room, now!”
I’m mumbling to myself under my breath as we head into the living room. Doug is sitting in the recliner. He filled three glasses with brandy and put the bottle on the coffee table. I take one of the glasses and down it in one shot. Not the way it’s supposed to be drunk. I toss the photos on the table next to the bottle. Mitch eyes the glasses of brandy, swipes one and takes a seat on the couch. His gaze is now fixated on the photos.
“I just want to get this straight before I throw you both out on your asses. You’re telling me you three idiots pulled off a major robbery. My husband disappeared into the night with the jewels, and he has another family someplace. Oh, and by some divine intervention, his offspring is dating Brook. Oh, and lest I forget, you thought the jewels were hidden somewhere in this house. You bought it under false pretenses and when I leave, you’re going to look for them.”
“Well, after yesterday, we don’t think the jewels are here. Obviously, he skipped and took them with him.”
Doug gets up and takes both photos, puts them in his pocket, and turns to leave. I grab his arm and with all the force I have, spin him around. “Where the hell do you think you’re going?”
“I’m going to Florida. I’m going to confront Peter, kick his ass, and get my share of the jewels.” Mitch gets up, puts his empty glass down, and heads towards the door with him.
“Stop, both of you! No one is going anywhere without me. Do you understand?” They both stop and turn towards me. They aren’t saying anything. Mitch is rubbing his jaw and Doug keeps looking from Mitch to me. Mitch takes a step toward me. “Well, Amelia, I guess you better get dressed.”
“I’ll be ready in five minutes. Oh, and we have to drop Rusty off at Chloe’s house.” I race upstairs with the realization that after twenty years I’m finally going to get some long-awaited answers.
Doug is driving to JFK while Mitch makes reservations for us. I’m running everything they told me over again in my head. It’s a wild tale, but something is missing.
“Did anyone find out how old Benjamin is?” I notice Doug’s grip on the wheel gets so tight that his knuckles are turning white.
“ He told us he’s six months older than Brook. Vanni was born first then Emma and lastly Brook.”
He rattles off the ages of the kids, and that’s when it hits me like a brick between the eyes. Not only did my husband steal the jewels from his friends, leave me all alone seven months pregnant, but he left me for another woman. A woman that had to be pregnant the same time as me. The thought makes me want to hurl or punch both these idiots in the face. I look at Doug and then to Mitch. I can see the moment the realization that Peter is a lying two-faced cheating bastard hits Mitch. His mouth drops open and his face pales. Doug, on the other hand, looks straight ahead.
“Yes, Mitch, Peter got someone else pregnant while he was married to me. It’s apparent that he left me pregnant and alone for her and the jewels.”
Doug looks at me in the rear-view mirror. His eyes are glaring back at me. He’s not in shock like Mitch. “Amelia, I hope you get all your answers, but I wouldn’t expect much from him. That ship sailed a long time ago.”
Peter
So, my son has finally decided to bring someone home. He hasn’t said much to me about her. He talks more to his sister Jenny than he does to me or my wife Kelly. Everyone he’s dated was always older than him but this one is six months younger. When I asked him if she’s the one, he said he thought so, but she wants to wait. Imagine that; usually it’s the other way around. I’m curious to see who she is or more like what she’s got that has my son tossing around the L word.
The Diamond Reef was really busy this morning, but a storm is moving in and business died off very quickly. I decide to toss out my line and maybe catch something for dinner tonight while Kelly cleans up here. She steps in front of me, blocking out the sun. “Do you need me for something?” She bends down placing her hands on each side of the chair, her 36DDD’s inches from my face. I paid for them and she knows how much I want access to them at all times. Hell, she gets whatever she wants, whenever she wants. As long as I can do what I want with them. I actually named them Thelma and Louise. I have to have some way to amuse myself. When she found out about the heist, she held it over my head. First it was for money, then it was for sex. Finally, it came down to blackmail. She was pregnant and planned on telling my wife Amelia everything. So, I did the best thing for everyone involved: I skipped with Kelly. Really, it was the best thing for me. I never wanted the house with the white picket fence. I wanted exactly what I have now. Spending every day on the water. I never wanted children, not with Amelia and not with Kelly. Somehow, that wish didn’t come true.
“So, Kelly, what do you want now?”
“I want you to be very nice to Benjamin’s girlfriend. He never brings anyone home, so she must be special.”
“What do I get in return?” Not that it matters since I was curious about her anyway. What kind of wo
man would make my son want to settle down?
“A blow job.”
She’s smiling but now I want to have fun. “Not enough, what else do you have?”
She takes her bikini top off and moves those expensive tits closer to my face.
“A blow job and I’ll let you come all over these.” She lifts up Thelma and Louise and tugs on her nipples. Damn, she knows how to get me.
“Deal. Get on your knees, now.” I get up and drop my shorts. I’m hard as steel. I step closer and she parts her lips. I let go of my cock and let her do her thing. She has the most gifted mouth. Always warm and soft. She knows how to take me really deep. This is how I got into the mess I was in all those years ago. Blow jobs and tits—my downfall in life. It doesn’t take me long and I feel my cock getting ready to explode. She rolls my balls between her fingers right before she pulls my cock out and aims it at her tits. I come all over her and when I’m done, she gets up and smiles. Like she was serving a cup of coffee. I put my cock away and continue with my fishing while she goes inside to clean herself up. Twenty years of marriage and this is what it comes down to. Everything is a negotiation, even the sex.
Brook
I’m glad I finally talked Benjamin into renting a hotel room. I’m nervous enough going to meet his parents, the last thing I want to do is worry about the whole room sharing situation. That’s really the reason we didn’t stay with my dad. I knew he wouldn’t be ready to handle us sharing a room. Besides, it’s spring break and I really need to have some fun.
“Benjamin, I want to go to the beach today. You’re from here, so I’m hoping you know the best beaches to go to.”
“Actually, there is a small private beach owned by a boutique hotel. My friend is a manager there and he lets me in whenever I want to. Wear your suit but bring a dress to throw over it. The restaurant in the hotel is spectacular but no bathing suits allowed.”
The Heist Page 11
