“As I’ve said before,” Li said, “infidelity with a man would be just as embarrassing.”
“Not quite. Embarrassing, yes. As embarrassing? I don’t know about that.”
They walked the rest of the way in silence. The hotel wasn’t far from the casino, and Savannah saw the rest of the team drive by in their vans. That was good. They could get started and she could interview the victim. Cassandra. Such a strong name. Too bad she had fallen such easy prey.
Li knocked on the door when they arrived, and they showed their identification to the older gentleman who opened the door.
“Mr. Poulos?” Savannah said.
“That’s me. And you are?”
Savannah handed him her ID.
“I’m Savannah. Savannah Brown.”
“Come in. They’re with you then?” He motioned to the team dusting for fingerprints.
“Yes, they are. Now, where’s Mrs. Poulos?”
“She’s in the sitting room. Right this way.”
“If it’s okay, Mr. Poulos, we’d like to interview her privately for a few minutes.”
“Nonsense. Anything she has to say she can say in front of me.”
Savannah exchanged a look with Li. The last thing they needed was a stubborn husband trying to strong arm the investigation.
“If you insist,” she said.
“I do. My wife has been traumatized enough. She needs me by her side right now.”
An attractive woman with dark hair and blue eyes sat sipping a cup of hot tea.
“Mrs. Poulos?” Savannah approached her with her hand outstretched.
“Please,” Mrs. Poulos said, “call me Cassandra.”
“Cassandra then. Can you tell me what happened please?”
“I don’t know. I came back to the room. I went to bed and didn’t wake up until Alex got home. That’s when I realized I’d been robbed.”
Savannah noticed that Cassandra wouldn’t meet her eyes. She was glancing up and over Savannah’s left shoulder. A pretty sure sign she was lying. She also took in her flushed skin and wondered if she’d been sleeping alone. She had to ask.
“Tell me, Cassandra, were you alone when you came back to the room?”
Cassandra blushed furiously.
“Of course, I was. How dare you!”
“Just wondered if maybe someone walked you back here. I’m assuming it was rather late. I meant nothing untoward,” she lied.
Cassandra visibly relaxed.
“I made it by myself just fine.”
“You didn’t notice anyone shady looking?”
“No. I passed several groups, but no one seemed to pay me any mind. Look, I’m feeling more than a little overwhelmed at the moment. I think I’d like a drink and a bath. I’m sure you don’t have any more questions for me?”
“I’ll call you if I need you,” Savannah said. “In the meantime, if you think of anything, anything at all that might be useful, please take my card.”
Cassandra took her card and thanked her.
“I realize you all have jobs to do, but I really must bid you good night.”
Savannah nodded to the rest of her team before she walked out, and they all began to pack up. She and Li walked back to her suite together.
“You didn’t believe her, did you?” Li said.
“Not for a minute. And you?”
“She was very defensive. Her eyes said she was lying. Why won’t people be honest with us?”
“I almost asked her husband if Cassandra always sleeps in the nude.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m certain she was naked when he got home. She’d been loved up and left.”
“What if your theory is wrong though? What if our perp drugs the women then steals their jewels?”
“If that were the case then he or she would have to half drag the victim. People would notice.”
“Shall we ask around to see if anyone saw her this morning?”
“We should.”
They approached a group of young men standing in front of a restaurant. But because of the language barrier, all Savannah could do was show them a picture of Cassandra and hope they understood she wanted to know if they’d seen her.
They all shook their heads. Savannah and Li moved on and soon were at the restaurant where Savannah and Kit had had breakfast. They showed the picture to the staff and no one remembered seeing her. But the hostess thought she did.
“I think I saw her walk by,” she said. “At least I think it was her.”
“Was she alone?”
“No. She was with a younger man.”
Savannah saw Li fight not to smile.
“Can you tell me anything else?”
“Not really. Sorry. Like I said, I can’t even be sure it was her.”
They walked back outside.
“A man, huh?” Li beamed.
“Or a masculine woman.”
“We’ll see.”
“Yes, we will.”
* * *
Kit wandered through Macau enjoying the sights and sounds. And food. She’d managed to avoid the Cotai Strip where the casinos were. There’d be time for that Saturday night. Her favorite place was old town. The food was amazing as was the architecture on the churches.
She hadn’t been inside a church since she was a kid but was drawn to the fancy churches she found there.
She found herself checking her phone several times a day just in case Savannah had texted her. No such luck. It was for the best. She didn’t need a woman, even Savannah, interfering with her routine. Much as she’d like to take her to bed and then relieve her of her jewels, she didn’t know if she could. Sleeping with the enemy would be dangerous. Besides which, she knew Kit’s phone number and real name. Stealing from her would be catastrophic.
But the attraction was there. And it was real. Kit liked Savannah. Really liked her. She often fantasized about what it might be like to give up the jewel thief game and settle down with her. No. She couldn’t do that. There’d always be more jobs to do and more money to make. Granted, she didn’t need any more money. No. She couldn’t think like that. She’d get soft and lose her edge. And she needed it to keep the game going.
Soon it was Thursday and Kit was starting to get excited about the upcoming Saturday night. She had just climbed into bed when her phone buzzed. She didn’t recognize the number.
Hey. It’s Savannah. Hope I’m not disturbing you.
Kit’s heart beat a staccato rhythm.
Kit: Not at all. What’s up?
Savannah: I’m in Macau. You?
Kit: I’m here, too. Dinner tomorrow night?
Savannah: That would be great. Where are you staying?
Kit: Near Old Town. You?
Savannah: At the casino.
Kit: Ah.
Savannah: Where shall we have dinner?
Kit thought for a minute. It would be nice to show Savannah around Old Town. But did she want her that close to her dwelling? What harm could it do?
Kit: I know a great restaurant if you don’t mind coming to Old Town.
Savannah: I don’t mind at all.
Kit: Great. I’ll text you the details tomorrow.
Savannah: Sounds good. I’m turning in now.
Kit: Me, too. See you tomorrow.
Savannah: I can’t wait.
And then she was gone. Just like that. Kit felt a mix of emotions. She was happy, ecstatic that Savannah had texted her. But she felt empty now that their conversation was over. And there was a burning in her loins that she needed to keep in check. She didn’t need to do anything stupid. She didn’t want to sleep with Savannah until she was sure she wasn’t an agent. Of course, she was already sure she was.
Kit took her time getting ready for dinner the next day. She took a long, cool shower hoping it would quell her overactive hormones. She dressed in gray linen slacks and a short-sleeved button-down black shirt. She ran some gel through her hair and checked out her reflection. She looked good. She wou
ldn’t embarrass Savannah anyway.
She got to the Portuguese restaurant at six forty-five, a full fifteen minutes early. She couldn’t help it. She didn’t want to keep Savannah waiting. She sat in the bar and watched out the window. She’d just finished her beer when she saw Savannah walk up. She looked gorgeous in a long denim skirt with a white peasant top. Her skin glowed and her hair, worn down, shone. She was a sight for sore eyes.
Kit walked out to the entrance and got the door for Savannah. She kissed her on the cheek.
“You look amazing,” she said.
“Thank you. You said casual.”
“And you dressed perfectly. Come on. Our table should be ready.”
Kit held Savannah’s hand as they followed the hostess to their table.
“What’s good here?” Savannah said.
“Everything. I mean it. You won’t be disappointed.”
Savannah beamed at Kit.
“Thank you for inviting me to dinner.”
“Believe me, it’s my pleasure.”
“Does this mean I won’t see you tomorrow?”
Savannah made an ordeal of straightening her napkin in her lap. Kit reached across the table and Savannah placed her hand in Kit’s.
“Of course, you will. I just don’t know when. Shall we say breakfast at five?”
Savannah visibly perked up.
“Five would be perfect. We should both be through gambling by then. Where do you want to meet?” she said.
They ironed out the details and settled in to a leisurely, but delicious, dinner. After, they walked around Old Town hand in hand. Kit loved being with Savannah. She finally felt like she belonged somewhere. It was a comforting, albeit unfamiliar, sensation. She warned herself not to get too comfortable. Fraternizing with Savannah was indeed like sleeping with the enemy. Still, Kit couldn’t get enough of her.
As the night grew darker, Kit knew it was time to get Savannah back to her hotel. She hated to say good night, but she sustained herself with the knowledge that she’d see her the following night.
“I should get you back to your hotel,” she said.
“Didn’t you say you’re staying nearby? Couldn’t we go back to your place?”
Kit smiled at her. A for effort. But it wasn’t going to happen.
“Not tonight, babe. I’m not ready yet.”
Savannah raised an eyebrow.
“Babe?” she said.
“Too soon?” Kit hoped she hadn’t blown it.
Savannah smiled.
“Not at all. I like it.”
“Good. So do I. I like you, Savannah. More than I should.”
“What’s your hesitancy, Kit? I don’t understand.”
“I think you do.” Was that too much? Had she just admitted her guilt? She hoped Savannah wouldn’t take it that way. “I need to be sure. I don’t want you to be just another roll in the hay. I’m sorry for dragging my feet. Sort of. I really like you and want to make sure we can go the distance before I take you to bed.”
“What does that look like to you? The distance, I mean.”
“It means what it sounds like. Sure, it’s fun and exciting here in the land of bright lights and high rolling. But would we be able to maintain the excitement in California? Or Maryland? With no distractions? With just each other for entertainment?”
“You’re really thinking that far in the future?” Savannah asked.
“I am. I hope that doesn’t scare you off.”
Savannah sighed.
“It doesn’t. I just hope I don’t have to wait long.”
“I hope not too. As the song says, the waiting is the hardest part.”
Chapter Eleven
Kit slept late the next day. She knew she’d be up until morning and wanted to be sure she could make it. Sleep was not something she needed an abundance of, thankfully. She showered in a leisurely fashion and tried to concentrate on the task before her. But her mind kept drifting back to Savannah. She didn’t know how much longer she’d be able to deny her body the pleasures Savannah offered. And, on the flip side, how long would she be able to bed random women when her heart cried out for Savannah?
Disgusted at her lack of concentration, she stepped out of the shower and toweled off. One thing she’d done with her extra days in Macau was have her dry cleaning done. She dressed in her fresh Calvin Klein tux with red accents again since red was considered lucky. Not that she needed luck. She had skill. And plenty of it.
Kit’s hired car arrived at eleven and took her to the casino. The tournament should have been in full swing by then and she was sure she could find a nice poker widow to relieve of her jewels. The trick would be avoiding Savannah until after she’d robbed the stranger. That would be hard since her whole body begged her to find Savannah and spend more time with her. Later. She’d see her later. That would have to suffice.
She made her way once around the casino to get the lay of the land. The roulette wheel called to her, but she resisted the pull. That’s where Savannah would be looking for her. And she couldn’t let her find her. Not yet.
Kit stopped in one of the dark bars and ordered a beer. She leaned against the bar and surveyed the room. She spotted an older woman by herself at a table. Feeling herself slip into jewel thief mode, Kit approached the woman.
“What’s a beautiful woman like you doing all alone in a place like this?” Kit knew she sounded corny but didn’t care. She hoped it would add to her charm. She stared down at the woman with dark hair in a bun, dark eyes, and plenty of rubies, and waited for an answer.
“That’s about the oldest pickup line in the book,” the woman said. “But you’re a woman, so I doubt you’re hitting on me. Or are you?”
“That depends. Would you like to be hit on?”
The woman laughed. It was a high-pitched laugh that grated on Kit’s nerves.
“You’d be the first person to hit on me in years. And the first woman ever. Won’t you sit down?”
“Thank you. I hope I’m not interrupting your alone time.”
“Nonsense,” the woman said. “I was just getting a headache so I decided to find someplace dark and quiet for a while.”
“How fortunate for me you chose here.”
She laughed again.
“Are you always this smooth?”
“Only when I’m trying to impress,” Kit said.
“Well, consider me impressed.”
“Good. I’m Dani.”
“Nice to meet you, Dani. I’m Chen.”
They shook hands and Kit was immediately touched by Chen’s soft, warm skin.
“What brings you to the casino tonight?” Kit said.
“My husband is playing in the tournament. And you?”
“I’m a bit of a globetrotting gambler. I go where the mood strikes, and this time Macau called to me.”
“I’m glad it did. I have to say, it’s nice to have someone to talk to. Sometimes playing games by yourself with no one to chat with but the dealer gets old.”
“Well, consider me your escort for the night. I’ll be by your side to talk about whatever, whenever. Sound good?”
“It sounds wonderful. But I have to tell you, I’m rather tired of gambling. Would you find me awfully boring if I said I’d just like to sit here and visit?”
“Not boring at all,” Kit said. “In fact, I’d enjoy that very much. May I get you another drink?”
“I’d love another martini. With Hendrick’s, please.”
“Coming right up.”
When Kit turned away from the bar, she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. Savannah was in the bar. Thankfully, she was at the other side. Kit walked to the table and set the drinks down.
“Please excuse me for a moment,” she said.
She hurried into the restroom where she locked herself in a stall for what felt like an eternity. She checked her watch. It had been seven minutes. It was probably safe now. She looked around the bar as she emerged from the restroom. No sign of Savannah
. She calmly walked back to the table.
“Is everything okay?” Chen said.
Kit flashed her her best smile.
“Everything is fine. How’s your martini?”
“Delicious. Thank you.”
“Where are you from, Chen?”
“Hong Kong. And you?”
“The States.”
“You’re a long way from home.”
“That I am. Here’s to fellow travelers.”
She held up her bottle and Chen clinked her glass against it.
“Why do I get the feeling tonight will be more fun than I could possibly have imagined?” Chen said.
“The sky’s the limit. We can have as much fun as you’d like.”
Chen looked at Kit questioningly and Kit winked at her. She wanted to rob her now. But knew she had to be patient.
“I like you, Dani. You seem like a lot of fun. Tell me more about yourself. Where in the States do you live?”
“Maryland.” It was the first thing that popped into her head. Oh well. Chen didn’t need to know the truth.
“It’s small, yes?”
Kit laughed.
“Very.”
“You have a nice laugh. You should laugh more often.”
“Thank you. And I love to laugh.”
“Good,” Chen said. “Laughter is a good thing.”
They had a few more drinks and talked about everything under the sun. Chen wanted to know all sorts of details about Kit, which she fancified for her. After a couple of hours, Kit grew restless, but she needn’t have worried.
“Do you drink anything except beer, Dani? I have bourbon in my room. As well as plenty of gin. Why don’t we go back there?”
Kit’s heart raced.
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. I want to get you alone.”
“Sounds excellent to me.”
“I’m in a hotel not far from here. You don’t mind walking, do you?”
“Not at all.”
Kit was surprised when, once they arrived in her room, Chen took Kit’s hands in her own.
“I don’t usually pick up strangers in a bar,” she said.
“I’m not really a stranger anymore am I?”
Chen laughed.
“No. I suppose you’re not. Now will you make us some drinks? I need to freshen up.”
Thief of the Heart Page 8
