by Nina Loard
“Look, I can’t just start running out of the blue. Can we speed walk or something? I haven’t done this in a while.” I held my hand out to stop her insistence and tried to catch my breath.
“Fine.” She took her jacket off and tied it around her waist. A gentleman running by tripped over his own foot and nearly hit the pavement. Yes, okay, she’s hot. Get over it, I wanted to scream, but my lungs burned too badly.
“Can we just sit for a minute?” I motioned to a bench nearby and looked up at her with pleading eyes, my hands still on my knees. We took a seat and she offered me her water bottle. After a moment, my breathing began to even out. “We did this every day?” I asked, marveling at the thought.
“Not always together and not always here, but we all got the exercise. Plus, we use Ari’s gym. I love the sauna.” She tied one of her shoes again while looking off down the trail.
“You make it sound like a country club.” I took a drink and then handed the bottle back to her.
“I wouldn’t know about your fancy clubs, Evy, I am just a poor girl from Bogota.” She was using sarcasm, but I detected I’d hit a nerve.
“Sorry, I was just picturing Ari’s place. I didn’t mean anything by it.” I stuttered out a quick apology.
“Aye, don’t be so silly. I was just playing with you. Hurry up, I don’t have all morning.” A smile broke across her face as she tightened her pony tail and popped up ready to begin again.
My body relaxed knowing it wasn’t going to have to run, so the walking was much easier. The trail around Hyde Park was five miles, taking you through a naturally picturesque setting and past people from all walks of life. Without the pain and the labored breathing, the outing was quite nice. Raven didn’t use her iPod, so I left mine off to be polite. She wasn’t very chatty, but I wanted to hear her if she decided to speak. Two more miles in and I had to talk to break the monotony.
“So, why did you leave Colombia?” I remembered Finn had said something about her being a beauty queen. That sounded like it would’ve been hard for her to walk away from.
“My mother didn’t need my help anymore and I thought there might be more for me. A friend and I went to Paris.” She looked over at me for just a second and then kept stomping ahead on her own private runway.
“Finn said something about you being in pageants. I’m sure you won.”
“They are big in my country, but beauty only gets you so far. They are expensive and political as well. We had no money to spare and my schooling was not enough for any scholarships. I was something though, in the beginning.” From beside her I could see the corners of her mouth turn up into a smile.
“Why Paris?”
“A woman from the pageants gave my friend and me the idea to go to become models when we were seventeen. We were so excited we sold our gowns for money. It wasn’t much. When we got to the place where she had told us she knew someone, it was not models they were looking for as much as escorts. My friend went along with it. She was poor, like me, and afraid to go home. I was angrier than she was and stormed out.”
“How did you survive?” I could picture the storming out, but Raven alone on the streets was hard to visualize.
“My mother taught me to steal from birth. She moved to Bogota when she got pregnant with me and worked as a maid. They paid women like her nothing, but they gave her a roof over her head. When I was old enough, she had me help her clean the houses and work the crowds in old town, asking for money or stealing wallets, food, whatever we needed. We made a living and I got good at it.
“She met a worthless salesman and married him, but I got to go to school regularly for the first time. Senora Marti encouraged me to start competing. I thought it might give me a bigger life. I love my mother, but I needed to get out of Colombia. After we got to Paris, I went back to stealing on the metro and moved in with my friend from Bogota, Amelia, sleeping on her floor.”
“How did you get to London?”
“Amelia met a man who offered her his house when he wasn’t in town. He was some type of businessman from South Africa. It was a very nice place compared to her one room disaster. After we were there about a month, two men came in with a key saying they were guests of Mr. Levington. They made it clear we were part of their stay. Amelia was much more experienced than I was and I put up a fight. He was strong, but I’m a fighter. When they were gone, I stole everything I could from the house and set it on fire. After that, it felt like a good idea to leave. I’d met a couple of gypsies in Paris, and took up with some of their friends in London.”
“I’m sorry for how hard that must have been.” She had glossed over her apparent attack, burglary, and arson, so I thought it best to not mention them directly. Though it was all so foreign to me, I couldn’t help but respect Raven’s strength. She was more than just beautiful, quite a bit more.
“I met up with Ari, who was putting together a small team. We brought in Finn and Bounce, and then searched for a person for the computers. Brinks was in the School of Medicine at Cambridge, where he also started some online gambling ring. Soon, we worked almost exclusively together, adding you eventually.” She glanced over at me, picking up her pace. I couldn’t hear any disdain in her voice when she mentioned my addition. However, it was important for me to find out if she was the other one who hadn’t wanted me to return.
“Finn said there were two who voted against me coming back. Were they you and Ari?” She stopped and turned to me, tightening the knot at her waist.
“Yes. I was very glad you were alive, Evelyn, but we had moved past everything and you didn’t remember us. I thought it was better you stay with your family and quiet life. I don’t like being lied to, but I understand Ari. It’s good to see you, though. I’m happy to help if it’s what you really want.” She looked intently at me.
“Yes. I want to be here. I want to remember if I can. I was happy, it seems. I want to know why.” I looked back at her with what I hoped was a very determined expression.
“You were happy, but all of this didn’t come easy for you. I never understood you, risking such a safe life. I can see wanting your memories back now, but is that all you want?” She placed her hands on her hips, cocking her head.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m just trying to see into you. If it’s Finn you want, you better be sure. He lost you once and we had to bring him back. This isn’t a game for young girls anymore.” She was very serious.
“Who’s playing a game?”
“I’m just saying, a lot has changed.” She stamped her foot as if it could make me understand her better.
“Raven, I don’t know what I did before or anything about Finn. If there was something serious between us, you’ll have to fill me in. He hasn’t.”
“I don’t know how serious either of you were, but just be careful. There is also Bounce. If you decide to go home next week, we all get left again. If you’re not planning to stay in our lives, it is best you get your information and go home. Also, not all criminals are like us. This was never a world for you to pretend in.” She dropped her eyes and turned, starting up the walk again.
“I understand.” I didn’t have anything else to say. I hadn’t thought about the leaving part. I certainly didn’t want to hurt people I’d just realized existed. It made sense too, what she was saying. I would be careful not to lead Finn on; I had already decided that was a good idea. It was a relief to hear that things between us weren’t too serious. Not that he wasn’t someone to get serious about, it just meant that much more guilt when I didn’t remember. We got to the end of the trail in silence. Raven put her jacket back on and hailed us a cab.
“Are you in the mood for coffee?” She turned to me, rubbing what little perspiration she had from her forehead.
“Yes, always.” I glanced at my drenched sweatshirt and gave up on looking like a pretty girl for a while.
“Dura Vita in Knightsbridge, por favor.” Raven tapped the Plexiglas divider, signaling we were ready. I recog
nized the steel and the blue umbrellas from a block away. This was the newer of the two in London, and even more impressive than the first. I entered after her, hoping to hide myself behind her until I could find a bathroom. Raven went to stand in line and I excused myself to assess the damage. No make-up I could handle, but sweaty and messy felt inappropriate indoors. I took my hair down to fan out my scalp and then pulled it back again. I toweled off my face after splashing some cold water on it. I checked the mirror and figured the reflection was the best I could hope for.
“Evelyn, over here.” Raven flagged me over to her table with an older man I didn’t know standing beside her.
“Ah. It is so good to see your face again.” The tall, solidly built gentleman took my hand in both of his and smiled at me, searching my expression for any recognition.
“Hi. I’m sorry, but I have some trouble with my memory.” I tried to explain, a little annoyed Raven hadn’t said who he was or prepared him for me not remembering.
“Yes, well, I am Gheorghe Ambrus, Ari’s uncle.” He inclined his head, indicating he understood my challenges. Once he said it, I could see a slight resemblance to Ari, but his eyes were a soft brown, hooded by heavy brows, and his skin was much darker. His black hair had flecks of gray sprinkled throughout.
“Oh, yes. Finn mentioned you. This is your place. Well, it’s nice to meet you again.” He smiled even wider.
“It is nice to meet you again as well, my dear. I’m sure we will be seeing you.” He kissed my hand and then bent to Raven, kissing her on both cheeks before he left us.
“I got you a large espresso.” Raven slid my drink closer to me.
“Thank you. So, are he and Ari close?” I turned to watch him move through the crowd, shaking hands.
“They’re family, but that’s the only thing that brings them together. Ari’s thankful for the help his uncle gave him when he was young, but he isn’t really close to many people. Listen, I hope I wasn’t so hard before. I know you’ll make good choices.” She smiled, letting me know we were friends again.
“No, you were fine. I don’t want to hurt anyone and I agree with you, I’ll be careful.”
“Good, now what did you think of Kierk?” She shifted topics, anxious to hear my opinion.
“He’s very handsome. What do you think of him?” I silently applauded my diplomacy.
“Oh, he is fine for now.” She winked. We finished our coffees and I begged her to let me go home and shower before we went anywhere else. It was almost 10 AM. She decided to return to her house, asking me to call her later if everyone was getting together. She handed me a card as well, Raven Cubrero. I was carrying around all their cards in my already overburdened wallet.
After a long shower and a croissant, I considered that I had the day alone with no plans. I left the hotel and hailed a cab to take me to the Thames River. I apparently spent a lot of time walking along it, so I thought it might be helpful to visit again. Edwin, the hotel concierge, suggested starting at Westminster Bridge, walking toward the Tower Bridge.
The day had turned predictably bleak with a chilly wind off the river, but stopping at different stalls selling everything imaginable kept my spirits light. I noticed more than a few people who looked displaced and unkempt, and I tried to imagine Raven, Finn, or Bounce among them. Today, they looked like regular, law-abiding citizens, especially Ari. I understood Raven’s warning that they were not the norm within their trade, but if I was with them, it seemed logical enough to think I was safe.
“Lady, would you like to buy a map?” A young girl came up to me, fanning folded maps to get my attention. She had a lovely face and less impressive clothes. I didn’t notice anyone with her, but surely she was too young to be alone.
“Um, well, how much are they?” She pointed to one, opening it up fully for me so I could evaluate the merchandise. She didn’t answer so I tried again. “Okay, how much for the map?” All of a sudden, she threw it down and ran toward the metro with the rest of the maps clenched in her little arms. Something must have scared her off and I looked around me to understand. Nothing stood out. Still startled, I bent to pick up the discarded map and sat down on a nearby bench. After looking it over, I was content to sit and watch the people go by. A half hour or so had passed when the drizzling began. I considered heading back to the hotel and see if Bounce wanted to get some lunch. I folded my map and put it in my coat pocket, making my way back over to the bridge.
A man grabbed me by the upper arm and pulled me out of the foot traffic, forcing me to turn and look at him. It was Ari. His eyes flashed with anger and I felt the same shocking fear I had that first night. “Would you please learn to hold onto your things?” He took hold of my hand, slapping my wallet and passport into my palm.
“I don’t understand.” I was alarmed at his sudden appearance and not comprehending the rest.
“Did you retain nothing? Come with me.” He stalked forward, still holding my arm, and brought me by the tube entrance that the young girl had disappeared down. A swarthy, older man dressed like a tourist stood waiting, holding his hat in his hands with a somewhat cowed expression. “You see her again, you walk the other way, do you understand?” Ari spat out the words, pointing at me while he waited for the man’s acknowledgement. The man nodded several times without really looking at either of us, and turned to leave. Ari stepped forward and gave him some money. I noticed the same little girl smiling up at me from the banister of the metro stairwell. She waved once and was gone like a flash.
“How did they get my wallet?” I hadn’t felt anything or seen anyone but the girl. Ari didn’t answer as he moved us down the walk. I turned tentatively to look up at him. He was heated, and I sensed I may have inadvertently sealed my fate. He was right. I hadn’t retained anything if it was that easy to rob me. With him back, all the worrying about what I was going to do once I learned everything seemed like wasted emotion. It was clear from his expression that I wasn’t going to get the chance.
We got to where the Mercedes waited and Derek emerged to open my door, but Ari was faster. He placed me in the backseat, slamming the door, and crossed to the other side to speak with Derek for a moment. I looked down at my hands. Everything was there; the money, all my credit cards and the business cards everyone had given me were in the front slot with Ari’s on top. I glanced back out the window and saw him on the phone with someone while Derek held an umbrella over him. Probably making my flight arrangements. I became increasingly annoyed. What exactly had I done to upset him so much? He didn’t own London and he couldn’t make me leave. I put my things back in my purse, in the zippered compartment this time, and waited to tell him to go straight to hell.
He slid into the backseat without a word. He was drenched and raked his hands through his thick hair, so black it was almost blue from the rain. Derek turned the engine and we were off to an unknown destination. “Where are we going?” I demanded, brushing my own hair out of my face.
“We’re going to my house,” he replied casually, still looking straight ahead. I was preparing to fight against going to the hotel to pack or straight to the airport as answers so I had to consider for a minute what going to his house might mean. I came up with nothing.
“Why?” I searched his face for a clue as to what was going on in his head.
“I need to give you something. When nobody knew where you were today… that didn’t work for me.” He glanced over in my direction for just a second and then out his window. His black-emerald eyes had lost some of their fierceness and I relaxed into the car seat.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think I had to let anyone know.” I couldn’t recall anything being said about me checking in with people. I gave myself a second to consider that Ari had been worried about me.
“Evy, what exactly do you think is happening here? I feel responsible for you now that you’re back. Fintan obviously didn’t communicate our situation in fine detail.” He shifted to look more closely at me. I took in the sound of him saying my nickn
ame for the first time. It felt so familiar that inexplicably tears were forming in my eyes.
“What is the situation then?” I asked, trying to hide the effect he was having on me.
“We are thieves, Evelyn,” he said more coolly. “We’ve stolen fine jewels, irreplaceable art and the like. We’ve evaded the law successfully, but do you think there aren’t other criminals or past clients out there who watch us with interest? Since you have neither the ability nor understanding to protect yourself, I’m requesting that you stay close to us. Is that too much to ask?” I could feel the intensity within him rising again as he paused for my response.
“So, there is some danger?” I just needed it confirmed so I could deal with it.
He stared back at me, clearly frustrated. “It’s difficult to see how you could’ve thought otherwise.” He shifted back to his original position, tracing a stream of rain down the window with his finger. I thought about how easily I had put my faith in Finn because I wanted to learn the truth. He’d said there was no danger from the group. It never occurred to me that there could be more to fear.
“How did you know where to find me?”
“I called your room and then the others. Nobody knew where you were. The concierge informed me that you’d asked about walking the Thames and he suggested Westminster Bridge. Shortly thereafter, I got a call letting me know you had been the victim of an unfortunate crime.”
“How did they do it? I didn’t feel a thing?” I was truly astonished.
“I’ve been doing that since I was four. It’s the oldest trick in the book. I’m surprised you kept your wallet this long.” His deep voice had an added touch of exasperation.
“How did you find out?”
“He knows my family. He called me, concerned he’d just robbed someone he shouldn’t. No doubt someone has shared with you a bit of my story. That gentleman was a poor Gypsy who felt it a good idea to steal from an American in broad daylight.” We sat in silence as Ari’s message sank in. There was a whole world of criminals out there. Raven had warned they were not all like my friends. I allowed myself a moment to consider packing up and going home.
