Thief of the Heart

by M. J. Williamz

  “Whatever happened with that woman you were following?” Li asked over dinner Friday night. “Have we crossed her off the list of suspects?”

  “Hardly. As a matter of fact, if she shows up here, I want her moved to the top of that list.”

  “You really think she’ll be here?”

  “I do. And I think this time she’ll slip up and we’ll catch her.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Sounds good. Should we go check out the casino again?”

  “We should,” Savannah said. “Let me go change. Come to my suite in twenty minutes.”

  “Will do.”

  Savannah dressed in a black pantsuit with pearls for jewelry. She looked good. Simple yet stylish. If she saw Kit, she’d feel good about herself anyway. Though she knew Kit wouldn’t want her that night. She wasn’t showing off enough bling.

  She didn’t see Kit though. Part of her was bummed, but a huge part of her was relieved. She hadn’t known if she’d be able to maintain her composure in front of Li. And she needed to command his respect at all times.

  They walked through the casino, gauging easy exits and entrances. They double-checked the security cameras in the hotel. They met with some of the staff and told them to be on the lookout for anything or anyone suspicious. They made sure everyone had their numbers if they needed to reach them. They were ready. Game on.

  Saturday night Savannah dressed in a floor-length green sequined gown. She wore diamonds and emeralds. Kit wouldn’t be able to resist all those jewels. But would she still be able to resist Savannah? That was the dreaded question.

  At ten o’clock, Savannah took the elevator down to the casino. She had butterflies in her stomach. She hoped against all hope that the thief wouldn’t strike that night. But she knew the odds weren’t in her favor. The chances were great that another unsuspecting older woman would have her jewels stolen from her. If only whoever she was would be honest with Savannah and tell her who really robbed her. She knew these women were messing around with Kit and then too embarrassed to admit it. All she needed was someone to be brave enough to tell the truth.

  Chapter Nine

  Kit had thoroughly enjoyed her few free days in Singapore. She’d played tourist and seen the sights of the island. It was a beautiful place and she’d be sorry to leave it. But there would be more jobs. Hopefully not for a while though. She needed to have some down time in California for a bit. She needed to recharge her batteries and commune with nature.

  Saturday afternoon rolled around, and she relaxed in her Airbnb. She ate a leisurely lunch and tried to psych herself up for the night’s activities. She was feeling less cocky than usual and didn’t know why. She assumed it had something to do with Savannah the blond bombshell. On one hand, she really hoped she’d see her that night, but on the other, it could really cramp her style. Plus, if Savannah saw who Kit was with, she could put two and two together and Kit would end up doing time. Lots of it.

  She took a long shower and dressed in a tux with red accents. She walked the short distance to the casino at eleven. The area was well lit, and people milled all about. She took a deep breath just outside the ornate doors then walked in.

  As usual, the whirl and clang of the machines mixing with the loud chatter made her blood pump. She was in her element. Gone were her earlier nerves, replaced by her normal level of cockiness. She was ready to score some loot.

  She sauntered past the roulette table even though she was itching to play. She figured Savannah would look there for her, and she really didn’t want to be found. Maybe they’d meet up later. Maybe. Time would tell.

  Kit wandered into a bar to check out the offerings. No single women there. She drew in a breath and thought for a moment. Slots. They’d been lucky for her last time.

  As she left the bar, she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. She saw a luscious figure in a green sequined dress. She looked up at the face and froze. Savannah. She stepped back into the bar and ordered a drink. She sipped it and waited until she figured enough time had passed then cautiously stepped into the casino. There was no sign of Savannah. Relieved, she made her way to the slot machines.

  She made several rounds through the area. The place was packed. She kept her eyes open for an open seat next to an unsuspecting older woman adorned in diamonds. She also kept on the lookout for Savannah. She saw neither until her fifth lap around the slots. A woman who looked to be in her sixties and who was wearing a fortune in diamonds was sitting by herself at a machine. Kit quickly approached her.

  “Is this seat taken?”

  “Help yourself.” Her voice was nasally, and, after closer inspection, she appeared to have just finished crying. Kit paused with a hand on the back of the chair.

  “Unless you’d rather be alone?”

  The woman gave Kit a tired smile.

  “Please. Sit.”

  “Okay. But I don’t need to play. If you need an ear, I’ve got two good ones.”

  “I appreciate that. I really do. But you need to play. We can chat and play at the same time.”

  Kit slid a hundred-dollar bill into her machine. That should keep her busy for a while.

  “Sounds good to me,” she said. “So what’s a beautiful woman like yourself doing sitting alone on this magical night?”

  “Magical, huh?” She snorted. “Is that what tonight is?”

  “It could be. But first talk time. What’s going on?”

  “My husband is in the pai gow tournament. I went over to see how he was doing and caught him getting fresh with a waitress.”

  “Oh, that’s how the waitresses make their money. I wouldn’t think a thing of it.”

  “I don’t know. I’ve questioned his fidelity for years,” the woman said.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. He’s a fool if you ask me.”

  “That’s very sweet of you.” She patted Kit’s leg. “I suppose after forty some years he got tired of the same thing.”

  “Again. He’s a fool.”

  “But you don’t know me. Maybe I’m a bad person.”

  Kit took her gaze off the machine and looked at the woman.

  “I’m a really good judge of character. You’re a wonderful woman. I can feel it.”

  “It’s nice that someone thinks so. May I ask you a personal question?”

  “Shoot.” Kit turned her attention back to her game.

  The woman leaned in to Kit’s ear and spoke quietly.

  “You’re one of those lesbians, aren’t you?”

  Kit almost spit her drink out. She regained her composure.

  “Yes. Yes, I am. Does that mean we can’t be friends?”

  “Oh, no. Nothing like that. I just wonder if maybe that’s where I went wrong,” she said wistfully.

  “How so?”

  The woman sighed.

  “You see, the night I met my husband? All those years ago? That same night my best girlfriend kissed me. I enjoyed it. Very much. It stirred something inside me. But then I met my husband and did the right thing. I wonder now if I made the wrong choice that night.”

  “What happened to your friend?”

  “I have no idea. We drifted apart over the years.”

  “Yeah. That happens.”

  “You’re very kind…I’m sorry. I didn’t get your name.”

  “Andi.”

  “Andi. I’m Cassandra. You can call me Cass.”

  Kit extended her hand.

  “It’s very nice to meet you, Cass.”

  “And you,” Cass said.

  “Would you allow me the pleasure of buying you a drink?”

  “That would be lovely.”

  Cass linked her hand through Kit’s elbow and Kit led them to a dark lounge. She seated Cass at a table in a dark corner.

  “What are you drinking?” she asked.

  “Captain Morgan and Coke.”

  “You get comfortable. I’ll be right back.”

  Kit returned with their drinks and handed Cass hers. Their fingers met a moment too lon
g and Kit appreciated the flush on Cass’s face. She felt sorry for her. But only to a degree. She quickly compartmentalized her feelings and focused on what was important. Securing those rocks.

  “I’m curious.” Kit leaned close to Cass. “Have you ever experimented? With women, I mean.”

  Cass shook her head.

  “But I have a feeling that could change tonight. Am I right?”

  “That would make me very happy.”

  * * *

  Savannah meandered through the casino keeping her eyes peeled for anything or anyone suspicious. Including, and especially, Kit. She had to fight her disappointment when, after her millionth trip by the roulette tables, she’d still seen no sign of her. Maybe she wasn’t there. Maybe she’d gone back to California. Maybe their paths would never cross again. The thought made her sadder than she wanted to admit.

  But Savannah knew she had to be there. The pai gow tournament was world famous and women had come from all over to participate or root their husbands on. And there was no shortage of jewels on display. She just hoped Kit hadn’t found a poor unsuspecting target. Savannah knew only too well how easy it was to fall for Kit’s charms.

  And she was certain Kit was the jewel thief. She was positive she targeted married women who would be too embarrassed to admit they had fallen prey to a charismatic lesbian. So they made up men who robbed them at gunpoint. Or blamed the robberies on the hotel staff. Anyone that would keep their husbands from knowing their dalliances.

  True, it could be a man who was seducing these women. He could be pleasing them then robbing them. They weren’t likely to admit to their indiscretions in that case either. But Kit had been everywhere the last few robberies had taken place. Savannah was sure she was guilty.

  If only she wasn’t everything Savannah looked for in a woman. Strong, independent, confident. And drop-dead gorgeous. Why couldn’t she get her out of her mind? Dare she admit even to herself that her feelings for her were more than superficial? And Kit was feeling the same. She’d admitted it openly. No. She was a criminal. Savannah was a potential target. That was all.

  She was lost in thought as she walked through the lounges around the gambling areas. She was on autopilot and really didn’t see anything. She left the bar by the slot machines and made herself focus. She still had a criminal to find. And Kit. Though they were probably one and the same.

  Savannah continued to walk around and remained vigilant. She swung back by the roulette tables. Still no Kit. She couldn’t deny the ache inside. But she noted all the women and who they appeared to be paired up with. Just in case.

  She walked through the tournament. Everyone seemed so serious and it was so much quieter than the rest of the casino. There were a few bejeweled women there watching, but no one seemed to pay them any unnecessary attention.

  She checked her watch. Four o’clock. Maybe, just maybe, there wouldn’t be a robbery that night. And Kit wasn’t there. Coincidence?

  Savannah made one last trip through the roulette tables. There stood Kit, watching but not playing. Their gazes met and Kit smiled and waved. She cut through the crowd to where Savannah stood.

  “I was wondering if I’d see you tonight,” Kit said.

  Savannah’s heart soared. Kit was there. And had been looking for her. That combined with the lack of robberies made Savannah happier than she’d been in a very long time.

  “I’ve been here all night. Have you been gambling?”

  “A little. Why don’t we get out of here? Let’s go get breakfast.”

  “Sounds good. Excuse me while I powder my nose?”

  “Sure thing. I’ll meet you out front?”

  “I’ll be right there.”

  Savannah texted Li that she was going to grab a bite. She also told him to let the rest of the team know they could call it quits for the night. She was walking on air as she made her way out front to meet Kit.

  “You look positively radiant tonight.” Kit kissed her cheek.

  Every nerve in Savannah’s body came alive at the feel of Kit’s lips. She wrapped her arms around her and pulled her in for a proper kiss.

  “Very nice,” Kit said. “Save some of that for later.”

  Savannah’s heart raced.

  “Later?”

  “Sure. When I walk you back to your room. You know I’m going to expect more than that.”

  Savannah arched an eyebrow.

  “How much more?”

  “We’ll see.”

  Savannah took Kit’s hand and they walked to a restaurant that claimed to be open twenty-four hours. The place was busy, and they had to wait for a table.

  “So where were you gambling tonight? I’ll admit I cruised the roulette tables more than I care to say,” Savannah said.

  “I was there. And I even played some slots tonight. Just for a bit of variety.”

  “Slots, huh?”

  “What can I say? I was thinking of you.”

  Savannah felt herself flush at the compliment. She didn’t know why she bothered to fight her feelings. Because Kit was a common criminal. She needed to be arrested. And that was the main reason Savannah continued to see her. She smiled wanly. She didn’t believe that lie. Not even for a minute.

  “That’s very sweet of you,” Savannah said.

  “What can I say? It’s the truth.”

  They were finally shown to their table and each had a couple of Bloody Marys and a hearty breakfast. When they were through, Kit looked around nervously.

  “Are you staying at the casino then?”

  “I am.”

  She got a text from Li at that moment saying they were waiting for a debriefing in her suite. Shit. Of all the lousy luck.

  “Everything okay?” Kit asked.

  “Fine. I’m getting pretty sleepy, Kit. Would you mind terribly if I didn’t invite you back to my room?”

  “Suit yourself.” Kit shrugged. “May I at least walk you back to the casino?”

  Savannah couldn’t fight the smile that spread across her face.

  “That would be wonderful.”

  “Great.”

  Kit threw some cash on the table and reached for Savannah’s hand. She gave it a squeeze. Savannah’s heart thudded in her chest. She longed, ached to take Kit back to her room and was almost angry at her team. But she had a job to do and reminded herself of that.

  When they arrived back at the casino, Kit pulled her close. Savannah closed her eyes and lost herself in the powerful kiss. Her head grew light and her heart beat an irregular rhythm. She wrapped her arms around Kit to keep from falling over. She never wanted the kiss to end.

  When Kit finally came up for air, Savannah struggled to catch her breath. Her lungs didn’t seem to want to fully inflate. None of her body was functioning correctly. Except the region between her legs. She was wet and throbbing and needed Kit desperately.

  “Will I see you again?” Savannah asked when she finally found her voice.

  “Count on it.”

  “Maybe we should exchange numbers?” She held her breath awaiting the reply.

  “That’s a good idea. Hand me your phone.”

  She held her phone out in a shaky hand. Kit took her hand and kissed it before entering her number.

  “You going to be okay?” Kit said. Savannah could only nod. “Good. Take care of yourself, Savannah. I’ll see you next time.”

  Savannah watched her walk off and turned on very unsteady legs and walked away.

  Chapter Ten

  Savannah tried to wipe the smile off her face but gave up. She was happy. She’d spent time with Kit, and no one had been robbed. What a great day.

  She got to her suite to find the team congregated in the hall outside her door.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said.

  “It’s okay, boss. You deserve to eat sometimes, too.”

  “Thank you.” She was still beaming. “Come on in and let’s go over whatever we did right tonight. No thievery this time. I’m so happy.”

>   “I wonder if he was sick or something,” Li said.

  “Maybe. Or maybe he’s been feeling our presence.”

  “Did you see that woman you thought might be the doer?”

  “I did. Obviously, I was wrong. So let’s go over what we did differently this time.”

  Savannah stood at the white board while her team brainstormed. Li’s phone rang and he excused himself to take the call. When he came back, Savannah could tell from his face they’d been celebrating prematurely.

  “Don’t tell me,” she said.

  He nodded.

  “An older woman at a hotel down the street. He got the jewels she was wearing plus took what was in her safe. Bold move.”

  “Shit. Shit, shit, shit. Okay, team. Let’s head over there. Go to your rooms and get your things and meet us…where are we meeting, Li?”

  He gave them the name of the hotel and the room number. He and Savannah headed over while everyone got their equipment.

  “How could this have happened?” she said. “When did it happen? Did they say?”

  “She doesn’t know. Apparently, she just woke up and realized they were gone.”

  “What’s the victim’s name?”

  Li consulted his notebook.

  “Cassandra. Cassandra Poulos.”

  “How old is she?”

  “Sixty-seven.”

  “Dang. And who does she think did it?”

  “No idea.”

  “Great. Just great.”

  “Husband came back to the hotel and found her asleep. He woke her up to tell her how he’d done in the tournament and that’s when she realized her jewels were gone.”

  “I swear we’re dealing with a Lothario here,” Savannah said.

  “You think?”

  “Yep. Love ’em and leave ’em and take their jewels.”

  “I hope not. That’s why you think the victims are lying, right? Too embarrassed to admit they took a thief to bed?”

  “That’s exactly what I think. And why I suspect a woman.”