by Galli, Lynn
“Molly,” I rushed forward to grab her clenched fists. “Please.”
“I can’t believe this. I thought you were working tonight. Then I run into Tessa, and she tells me you’re out riding your bike. Now you’re talking to the guy who put you in prison?”
The burning ball of indigestion flared and grew in my stomach. This looked bad. I knew that, especially to a woman who already felt I’d withheld too much from her.
“What did he have to say?”
My lawyer’s voice screamed in my head to stay quiet until this thing was over. Brock could have ears on the street, or Molly could share her concern about my plan with Vivian and Dwight. They might tell someone else. I trusted Molly, but I knew she trusted Vivian and Dwight, too. I was so close to being done with this. I couldn’t risk the plan being found out before it went down.
I gave her what I could. “He’s going to give your stuff back.”
“My stuff?” She looked agonized. “I don’t care about my stuff, Falyn. I mean, I do, but…shit!” She twisted out of my grasp and stomped off some of her irritation. “I just, dammit, I only care about you.”
As good as it felt to have her decide I was the most important thing in this situation, her anguish did nothing to help the fiery ball in my stomach. I cared so much about her, enough that I couldn’t get her more involved in this jam of mine.
She turned back and laid her hands on my shoulders. They tightened in urgency. “Didn’t your lawyer have something to say about dealing with him?”
I stepped up close to her, reaching to set my hands on her hips. I looked deep into her concerned eyes. “Yes, but I have to ask you…” No, I shouldn’t. Could I? She’d already given me too much. Far more than I deserved. The fiery ball spread up to my throat.
“What?” she prompted, coming closer when she realized I’d gotten choked up. I loved this about her. She didn’t like seeing me upset any more than I liked being upset. “Ask me what?”
“For your trust that I know what I’m doing. Please, Molly, just for a week. After that, I can tell you more. Just please, give me the benefit of the doubt again. Next week, I’ll be able to make more sense of this for you.”
She studied me for what felt like an hour. Her breathing was slow and audible. She wasn’t comfortable. She wanted answers. She wanted to know that I wasn’t going to do something stupid again. As my girlfriend, she had a right to know.
“Please be safe,” she whispered and leaned forward to press a soft kiss to my forehead.
As my girlfriend, she was giving me more than I’d ever dreamed I could have. Hope. Faith. Trust. Everything I needed, and right then, I knew I was falling for her.
37
When I opened my car door and saw the brown box, my stomach twisted. I hadn’t put the box there and my car door had been locked. Brock always could get into anything. My hands shook as I looked around my new driveway, trying to spot anything out of the ordinary. I was still getting used to this guesthouse setup. The main house was about fifty feet away across an elegant patio. Its garage hid the guesthouse from the road. There was a home on each side but far enough away to make it feel as if this house stood alone. When had Brock managed to sneak up here, behind the main house garage on the extended driveway to my little house? He would have had to do some pretty interesting traversing to stay out of the author’s security camera angles.
Picking up the box, I slid onto the seat. I was afraid to open it. I was afraid to touch it, but I could always wipe fingerprints. I didn’t think this was a setup. Brock couldn’t know about what we had planned for him today. My fingers flipped open the flaps. A sigh escaped as I recognized Molly’s iPod. Good. He was keeping to his end of the bargain.
Or I thought he was. I found a note under the iPod. Stop by the score tonight and you’ll get the rest.
The knot in my stomach twisted back the other way as if my insides were being run through a washer. He wanted me to show up when he broke into the bait house. So he wasn’t above suspecting me after all.
I pulled out my cell and called Yolanda. When she answered, another difference between her and my old defense attorney, she told me to stop by and drop off the box with Molly’s iPod. She would turn it over to the police as evidence. I called Natalie to let her know I would be late. As usual, she was completely supportive without requiring an explanation. It was probably why her crew had stayed with her and never complained.
“Where was this little gift?” Yolanda asked when I set the box down on her desk.
“He broke into my car and left it on the driver’s seat.”
“Enterprising.” She pulled out the note and read it. Her face barely registered an expression. She must be one hell of a poker player. “He wants you there why, you think?”
“Probably wants another chance to recruit me. Or if something goes wrong, it never hurts to have a cohort to make a deal for a lesser charge.”
She nodded, assessing. “Let me call the detective and see how he wants to play it. It’s likely they’ll want you to follow his instructions or Porter might back out entirely.”
I sat forward in the chair. Anxiety about seeing Brock and being in a situation that might stir up the old feelings of adrenalin washed over me. I knew from several books I’d read that I should avoid putting myself into a situation that could lead to the same bad habits. Like a recovering alcoholic should not go into a bar with his drinking buddies. It just makes it that much harder to break the bad cycle.
Yolanda watched my reaction. “If the police want you to follow through with this guy’s request, I’ll make sure the D.A. signs another immunity agreement.”
I hadn’t even thought of that. I was more worried about what seeing him right before a breakin would do to me. I knew I had no inclination left to commit burglaries anymore, but I didn’t even want a hint of the feelings that used to come over me prior to hitting a home.
“Sit tight at work until you hear from me. One way or another, this should be done tonight.”
I saw her determination and no longer cared that I’d spent almost two paychecks on her so far. She spoke frankly and quickly and didn’t bill for incidentals like copies or phone calls. My first attorney had charged all that and more, and he still couldn’t get me a better deal than the one I’d gotten.
When I got to Glory’s renovation, I was a little distracted. I missed a splice and forgot to add another switch in my old bedroom before I figured out that I had to get my head back into the job or volunteer to help the rest of the guys with their cabinet refinishing. That would be safer work for someone whose head was stuck on legal consequences.
Cole handed me the receptacle that we were adding. All summer, he’d been my best helper. Natalie rotated the rest of the guys onto electrical work with me so we’d all have experience, but Cole had the makings of an electrician. He’d even talked to me about the process for getting licensed after he retired from ski racing every winter.
“How much do you think someone pays for a place like this?” Cole asked as he unpacked the supplies to turn the house into a smart home. It would add a week to our electrical work here, but it would make it easier for Glory to control things in her rental from offsite.
I was shrugging in response, but Vivian joined us and answered for him. “All she needs is six weeks of vacation rentals and she’ll make enough to cover her mortgage for the year.”
“What?” Cole shook his head. “Damn, we’re in the wrong biz, Fos. Let’s pool our money and buy a place to rent out to rich morons.”
I laughed. “We’d be lucky to buy a horse trailer in this town with our pooled resources.”
“What could we get for renting that, Viv?” he joked.
“Probably a couple hundred a week,” she deadpanned.
“Fos,” Natalie interrupted. “Someone’s here for you.”
I glanced down the hallway to find Yolanda standing in the mudroom up front. That annoying knot started twisting in my stomach again. She must have news.
>
“Cole, help your brother bring in the new appliances, please,” Natalie said to him, somehow knowing I needed to talk to Yolanda alone. She’d always been intuitive like that.
I waved Yolanda inside as Vivian joined Natalie to oversee the placement of the new appliances. Even with modest changes, the kitchen would end up looking different and more upscale than the one I’d been cooking in all summer. Vivian’s design touches and Natalie’s craftsmanship would make Glory’s house elegant enough to attract high-end vacationers.
Yolanda waited until I closed the bedroom door. “I have something for you to sign.”
“The police want me to show up?” I guessed as I reached for the documents she held out to me.
“Yes. Like we thought, they don’t want to have the guy back out because you don’t show.”
I so didn’t want to see him again. He’d influenced enough about my life. This shouldn’t be happening to me again. Not when I finally had the sense and the incentive to walk away from it. “I don’t want to do this.”
Yolanda studied me. She probably had to talk a lot of guilty clients out of doing stupid things. If she was like most defense attorneys, she had a lot more guilty clients than innocent. “Legally, you’re covered here.”
I flipped through the document, skimming to see that it was exactly as she stated. In exchange for my agreement to show up at a crime in progress to ensure that their intended target complete the crime, I would have immunity for all actions and stolen property found on my person. Yolanda had thought of everything. I’d lose another paycheck to her, but I could now afford it.
“Show up like he asked. Take possession of the rest of Molly’s things and clear out. Don’t let him bait you into anything. The agreement gives you leeway, but based on what you’ve said, the best thing you can do is let him think he’s in the clear. You’re just not interested in joining him.”
“Okay,” I could do this if I had to.
She waited for me to say more. I didn’t know what more to say. I’d do this and hopefully be done. Yolanda had warned the police that, after this was done, they couldn’t just assume I was a suspect for every burglary. That was far more than I could ask for. Just one evening and the wonderful life I’d managed to somehow snare in this serene town could finally be enjoyed.
38
Late afternoon, I pulled onto a side street and parked three houses down from the target house. The police worked everything out with the new owners to bring in phony boxes and furniture earlier today. It would look like someone had hired a moving company to get the work done before moving in. Truthfully, the new owners weren’t moving in until next week. They agreed to let the police open the doors for the fake movers and leave them open for Brock so he wouldn’t damage the locks, doors, or windows to get in.
Letting out a calming breath, I stepped out of the car. I didn’t see Brock. He was probably waiting for me to arrive first. I’d already driven past the house to get a feel for the scene. I knew the escape routes without having to think about them. I knew the best way to get to the house without drawing attention in daylight. I knew how I would approach this job if I were the one doing it. All of it came to me instantly. What didn’t was the incomparable combination of exhilaration and fear and excitement I used to experience every time I approached a job. Instead I felt sick. Sick that I’d ever gone through with this kind of thing. Sick that I’d made anyone feel unsafe.
I continued past the right street when I still didn’t see Brock. Going by the home you were going to hit more than once got you noticed. I didn’t want to give any of the neighbors a reason to remember me.
A truck came into view down the street. I slowed my gait, wondering if Brock thought of the same approach as I had. Yes, he had. He rolled down the street in a moving truck, no wary look, no unease. That was one of the reasons I’d wanted to stop. He thought his plans were infallible. He should have taken a better look at his team.
I crossed the street and made my way back toward the house. He parked right in the home’s driveway. Bold but not exactly stupid. A moving truck had already been there. Another wouldn’t arouse suspicion.
“Shaw,” Brock greeted as he climbed down from the truck. He was wearing a work shirt with the name “Buddy” on the tag. Sunglasses and work gloves kept his costume as a mover authentic. His hair was gelled into spikey points, unique enough that if someone noticed him, they’d remember the ridiculous hair but not so remarkable to make someone stare. “Knew you couldn’t stay away.”
Asshole. “You didn’t leave me a choice.”
“Such an attitude. You used to be more easygoing, girl. I’ve got a little treat for you.” He walked around to the back of the truck. He unlatched the door and rolled it up.
I nearly smiled when I saw it was partially filled with his take from the first two homes. He really was going to make this easy for the cops. I understood why he had the truck loaded. More than likely it was where he was keeping his stash while he was in town. Keeping it mobile was a good idea. After today’s score, he probably planned to take it to whatever fence he’d arranged. More than likely back in Boulder since that was where he’d had all his contacts. It would also give him the opportunity to bring the team back together. I wondered if they were stupid enough to want to start back up again or would they be as reluctant as I was?
“Impressive, right? Listen, you reconsider and join me on this, I’ll give you a split on what I’ve already got.” His head nodded at the stolen goods.
“Spotter is what we agreed on. Don’t force my hand more than that.”
“You showed because you wanted me to talk you into this.”
“I showed because our agreement was for you to return Molly’s stuff. Where is it?”
He sighed to show his disappointment. “I’m betting you won’t be able to stay away.”
“Her belongings, and don’t come after me or my friends again. I’ll contact you when another job comes up.”
“So testy.” He snorted and pointed to a small box and Molly’s TV on the right side of the truck. “Anything like this comes up again, let me know right away. I watched the movers unload some good shit today. Can’t believe the idiots who own this stuff are just letting it sit here tonight.”
I shrugged as if I agreed with his assessment. Years ago, I would have. Now, I thought more like the homeowners. Locked house, still packed boxes, who would break in? I knew how false that sense of security actually was, but it was still a genuine feeling.
I jumped up into the truck and brought the box to the edge before going back for the television. If anyone saw me walking down the street, I’d look like I was stealing this thing, but I couldn’t worry about that. I just needed to clear out.
“Help me move some of the bigger stuff.” He pointed over his shoulder to the front door.
“Bye, Brock.” I managed the flat screen under one arm and wrapped my other around the box. I’d take this to Yolanda’s to hand over as evidence. With everything else in the truck, they could probably release it back to Molly right away.
“I’ll turn you back, Shaw. Mark my words. We were good together.”
Hurrying to keep from being spotted, I loaded the television into my cargo area and plopped the box on the passenger seat. I started the car and drove past the house. Brock was already inside, probably thrilled that he’d found it unlocked.
A block away, I spotted the first police car. A police van was on the cross street. I was dying to stick around and watch Brock get caught, but I was more eager to drop the evidence at Yolanda’s and hear that this was all wrapped up.
“They just called,” Yolanda told me when I stepped into her office. “They picked up Brock after he’d loaded a few items into the truck.”
Relief swam through me. As slimy as I felt for turning on anyone I knew, I felt equally jubilant to be free of this whole predicament. Everything I’d intended when I moved here was finally free to happen. “It’s done?”
“You may need t
o testify, but your affidavit will suffice for the parole violation hearing. Best case scenario, he realizes he can’t win and takes a deal. You won’t have to testify in that situation.”
“That would be great.” Amazing, really.
“Go home, forget about all of this. I’ve got Tanner’s ear now, so you shouldn’t have any more trouble with the police again. If anything comes up, let me know.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s my job, Falyn, but you’re welcome.”
I shook her hand and left, hoping that Molly would get her possessions back soon. My stress level was so high I could crash right now, but I had to see Molly. I owed her an explanation and wanted to tell her everything now that I was free to do so.
39
I couldn’t interpret the look Molly was giving me. She was probably as mixed up about her feelings as I was.
“When I ran into you last week, you had this all planned?”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you,” I reiterated. “I know that’s important to you. I would have told you everything if I could. Please believe that.”
She grasped my arms, hope filling her eyes. “It’s really over?”
“I’ll probably have to testify. I don’t know where or when.”
“Falyn,” she started, her head shaking as if the movement would re-jumble all the thoughts into some sort of order. “I hate that you had to do this alone.”
I reached for a much needed hug. “You gave me your trust last week. That’s all I needed.”
“Whenever you need it, you have it.” She squeezed tighter and turned her face to kiss my head. Her hands caressed my back in soothing motion that I’d come to crave.
“Thank you,” I whispered, tears threatening again. I had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last time her kindness got to me. She’d been surprising me all summer, and there was still so much to learn about her.
