How was your day?
She waited. And waited. There was no reply. She had just set her phone on the table when it buzzed.
Savannah: Low-key. How was yours?
Kit: Good. I started my day with you. How could it not be good?
Savannah: You’re so sweet. But please remember I can’t commit to anything for a week.
Kit: And then? Maybe you’ll commit to me?
Savannah: Maybe. But I can’t say for sure.
Kit: What happens in a week?
Kit knew better than to ask. But she couldn’t resist. She needed to know.
Savannah: Don’t worry about it. You’ll be the first to know. I promise.
Kit: I hope so. I miss you so much.
Savannah: I miss you, too, Kit. So very much.
Kit: I could fly out to see you. Just to pass the time.
Savannah: It would be better if we wait. Please trust me, Kit.
Kit: Of course I trust you.
Savannah: Thank you. I need to go now. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
Kit: Sleep well, Savannah.
Savannah: You, too.
“Hey, Kit.” Carlos came in. “Reynaldo and I are heading into SLO for dinner. You wanna come with?”
“Sure. Where are we going? What’s the dress code?”
“Dress nice. I’ll be back in half an hour.”
Kit showered and put on gray linen slacks and a long-sleeved black shirt. She wore it open at the collar without a tie. San Luis wasn’t a fancy town. She figured she looked nice enough.
They went to an Italian restaurant that served deliciously authentic food. The wine was very good as well and Kit and Carlos went through two bottles. Reynaldo was the designated driver, as usual.
Kit was in fine spirits when they arrived back at the ranch. She said good night to the boys and poured herself a whiskey. She wasn’t ready to call it a night. She didn’t want the day to end. She would forever think of this day as the day she and Savannah got back together. She just hoped it wouldn’t be temporary. She wasn’t sure what was happening in a week, but she’d keep her fingers crossed for it to work out in her favor. She needed to see Savannah. To be with Savannah. To kiss her and hold her and make love to her. Her fingers were crossed. One week. She could make it.
Chapter Twenty-eight
Savannah sat cooling her heels in the director’s waiting room. She’d been there an hour and a half and had no idea when she’d be called in. Her stomach was in knots, her palms sweaty, and her heart raced. She had made up her mind about how she wanted to live her life. She just needed to tell Director Bremer. She was curious as to what the director would have to say to her. She wondered what his investigation had turned up. She knew in her heart of hearts it couldn’t have turned up anything, but she knew how those investigations went sometimes.
The door to the director’s office opened and there stood Director Bremer.
“Come in, Brown.” He was curt, cool, and definitely uninviting.
She walked into his office and sat in the chair he motioned to.
“Tell me about the blue-eyed woman,” he said without preamble.
Savannah felt the heat rush to her face. Stay cool. Don’t give anything away.
“What would you like to know about her?”
“She’s the one you investigated personally, no?”
“Yes, sir. We even set up a sting to catch her. But she didn’t take the bait.”
“Do you still believe she was guilty?”
Savannah thought for a minute. How to answer? Even if Kit had been the thief, she was out of the business now.
“No, sir.”
“Who do you think is the thief?”
“I think he’s a bold, charming, middle-aged man who seduces women then steals their jewels.”
“A man? According to your notes, and Agent Nguyen, you believed it was a woman.”
“Yes, sir,” Savannah said. “I did. I believed that’s why the women were too embarrassed to admit what happened. But I never ruled out the possibility that it was a man. Nguyen ran headlong into the suspect one night and couldn’t tell me if it was a man or a woman. So I think it was a masculine woman or a middle-aged man.”
“I see. Do you realize that since I’ve pulled you from the case there hasn’t been another robbery?”
“I didn’t know that. No, sir.”
“How easy would it have been for you to rob these women?”
Savannah couldn’t believe her ears.
“Sir! That’s not in my nature.”
He waved her off.
“Be that as it may, I’m reassigning you. I’m not sure what your new assignment will be. I’ll let you know as soon as I decide where we need you.”
He stood and Savannah forced herself to stay seated. She took a deep breath.
“You’re serious about not assigning me to the jewel thief case again?”
“I am. You squandered department money and took an extended vacation. You were too busy enjoying yourself to fully do your job.”
“Sir. That’s not true!”
He put out his hand, palm up.
“It’s how I see it. Do what you need to with your life now, Brown. I’ll let you know as soon as I have another assignment.”
Savannah took a deep breath and wiped her palms on her skirt. She was about to make the biggest move of her life. She just hoped to God it was the right thing. She’d enjoyed her downtime once the shock had worn off. And if she wanted to pursue something with Kit, she couldn’t be jetting here and there solving crimes.
“Actually, sir.” She took a piece of paper out of her briefcase. “I’ve decided to resign. I think it’s time.”
“Are you certain? I’m sure I’ll have a new assignment for you shortly.”
“Thank you. But I really want to go back to being an average citizen. I’ve enjoyed my time off. Besides, it’s time to think about my future. And I don’t think my future includes the Bureau. Thank you for everything, Director.”
Director Bremer sat heavily in his leather chair.
“So your mind’s made up?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’m sorry to see your career end on such a sour note. But if it’s time, then I respect your wishes. Your badge and firearm, please.”
Savannah handed her things to the director. She was conflicted. It was the right thing to do. But it seemed so final. She wanted to cry at the enormity of it. But she wouldn’t cry. Not now. Not in front of him.
“May I reapply in the future?” she said.
“Certainly. If you don’t though, have a good life.”
She wasn’t sure her legs would support her, but she managed to stand and walk out of his office. She left the building for the last time. She was unemployed and, by extension, had no identity. It was surreal. Everything in the city seemed to be moving in slow motion. She watched people walk by as if it was just another day. As if her whole world hadn’t just begun anew.
Savannah sat in her car taking deep breaths. She’d done it. And she wouldn’t second-guess herself. She was going to move on with Kit. If that’s what Kit truly wanted. Tears of fear threatened again. What if she’d just made a colossal mistake? But, she couldn’t cry. Not if she was going to drive the hour and a half home. She could cry when she got there. Not before. She started her car and pulled out of the lot, leaving the FBI building and her life in the rearview mirror.
She had stopped shaking by the time she arrived at her house. She was excited instead. She’d been the best agent she knew how to be and had been spiraling upward in the organization. And now? Well, now she was unemployed. And free. She mustn’t focus on the negative. She was free to do whatever with whomever. Life was good.
She went into her kitchen and found a pitcher of Bloody Marys with a note from Mrs. Dennis.
“To celebrate or drown your sorrows. Enjoy. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Savannah poured herself a glass and sat at her kitchen table. She took a sip. They
were good. Damned good. She could drink herself into oblivion. That sounded like a wonderful idea.
As she drank, her mind went back to Director Bremer’s words. There’d been no more robberies. Kit was back in the States. Was there a correlation? God, she didn’t want to believe that. She had to be able to trust Kit. Could she?
Kit. There was the reason she’d retired. She could spend forever with Kit now. Forever. That was a long time. Was that truly what she wanted? She didn’t hesitate. Yes. She wanted forever with Kit. But would Kit be able to give up her thieving ways to spend forever with Savannah? Was it a compulsion to rob? Or was she over it? Was she ever actually involved in it? Savannah was sure she’d never know. She had to accept Kit’s innocence in order to move forward with her life. And it was time to do just that.
How’s it going?
She sent the text and held her breath waiting for a reply.
Kit: I’m good. How are you?
Savannah: I’ve had better days.
Kit: I’m sorry. What can I do to help?
Savannah: Come see me, Kit. Please?
Kit: Are you serious? I’d love to. When?
Savannah: Yesterday?
Kit: LOL So, like now?
Savannah: Let’s make it tomorrow.
Kit: You got it. Where should I fly into?
Savannah: Baltimore. Fly into BWI.
Kit: What time?
Savannah: Whenever. Just book your flight and let me know what time to pick you up.
Kit: You got it. I’m off to do that right now. I’ll get back to you.
Savannah: Sounds good.
Kit was coming to see her. Would they make it in ordinary life away from the excitement and glitter of the world’s most famous casinos? Would Kit find Hampstead, Savannah’s little slice of heaven, boring and too mundane? Where did she live in California? She’d never said. Probably somewhere with bright lights and lots of action. Damn. What was Savannah thinking inviting her to Hampstead?
* * *
Kit couldn’t believe what was happening. She was going to see Savannah. It was like a dream come true. She checked flights to Baltimore. There were layovers on every one. She didn’t want to wait that long. She called her private pilot and told him she wanted to leave at eight the next morning. He agreed and she texted Savannah.
I should be there around two tomorrow afternoon. Can’t wait to see you.
She waited but there was no response. Frustrated and worried, she sent another text.
Babe? You okay?
Still no reply. She had no idea what was going on on the other side of the country but needed to hear from Savannah.
Are you getting my texts?
No answer. She slipped her phone in her pocket and went down the hall to her bedroom to pack.
What’s the weather like there? How long should I pack for?
Maybe Savannah was in the shower. Maybe? She couldn’t still her concerns no matter how hard she tried. She thought about calling her, but reasoned Savannah would reply when she could.
Kit googled Baltimore weather. It seemed similar to San Luis Obispo, so she packed cargo shorts and golf shirts with a couple of short-sleeved oxfords. She threw in two pairs of linen slacks and a couple of ties and felt ready to go. She’d packed for a week. She hoped to be there longer. Much longer. But for the time being, a week’s worth of clothes would have to suffice.
She looked at her phone again. Nothing from Savannah. She needed to do something, so she texted Carlos to see if he wanted to go surfing. He was in her kitchen ten minutes later in his wetsuit. She changed into hers and they headed for Pismo Beach.
Kit was just getting out of her truck when her phone buzzed.
Sorry. I took a nap. Are you around?
“Give me a few, Carlos,” Kit said. “You can head down to the water.”
Carlos rolled his eyes but started the trek down the hill.
Kit: I’m here. I’m glad you’re okay. I was worried.
Savannah: Sorry to worry you. I’m excited that you’ll be here tomorrow afternoon.
Kit: I’m excited, too. I’m all packed.
Savannah: It’s been warm here. In the nineties.
Kit: I packed accordingly. I packed for a week. Hope that’s okay.
Savannah: That’s perfect. You may hate it here. LOL
Kit: I couldn’t hate it there. You’re there. That’s all that matters.
Savannah: Thank you, Kit. I can’t wait to see you.
Kit: Ditto.
Savannah: What are you doing now?
Kit: Getting ready to catch some waves.
Savannah: Oh good. Enjoy. Text me when you get home?
Kit: You got it.
She stared at her phone but there were no more messages. Kit placed her phone in her glove compartment, grabbed her board, and practically floated down to the water.
Kit felt on top of the world as she rode wave after wave to the shore. Several hours later, exhausted but exhilarated, Kit and Carlos stowed their boards and went to a local dive for beer and burgers.
“So what’s the deal with lover girl?” Carlos said.
“I’m going to see her tomorrow.”
“And when did you plan on telling me I’d be house sitting again?”
“I’m telling you now.”
“Well, good for you. How long will you be gone?”
“I don’t know. At least a week.”
Carlos nodded.
“I’m happy for you, Kit. It’s about time you moved on.”
“Thanks, man. I’m so excited.”
“You really think she’s the one, huh?”
Kit smiled so wide her face hurt.
“I do.”
“What does she do again?”
Kit felt her smile fade.
“Well, I think she’s independently wealthy, but I also think she may be an FBI agent.”
Carlos grew serious.
“Kit, you don’t like the law.”
It was true. Outside of her extracurricular activities that Carlos knew nothing about, the woman who had crushed Kit’s heart had been a cop.
“I know. But I can make an exception. Savannah is wonderful.”
“I sure hope you know what you’re doing, my friend.”
“I can’t deny my heart, Carlos. I can’t do it.”
“I’m not telling you to. I just want you to protect that heart of yours.”
“I’ve protected it long enough. It’s time to let it feel again.”
“Please be careful,” Carlos said.
“Too late.”
When they got back to the ranch, Kit hopped in the shower and washed off the salt and sand. She dressed in ratty shorts and a Tubes T-shirt then grabbed her phone and lay on her bed.
Kit: I’m home. Are you around?
Savannah: I am. How was surfing?
Kit: Awesome. How’s your day going?
Savannah: Quiet.
Kit: Are you okay?
Savannah: I will be. Especially knowing you’re coming tomorrow.
Kit: I’m like a little kid at Christmas.
Savannah: Me, too. I can’t wait to see you.
Kit: Can I call you, Savannah? I’d love to hear your voice.
Savannah: No. Let’s just wait until we see each other tomorrow.
Kit: But that’s so far away.
Savannah: LOL. Not really.
Kit: Really. But, okay. I’ll respect your wishes.
Savannah: Thank you.
Kit searched her mind for something, anything to write. She needed to keep the conversation going.
Kit: Will you pick me up from the airport?
Savannah: Of course. Okay, Kit. It’s getting late here. I need to turn in.
Kit: No!
Savannah: LOL. Yes. It’s time. Enjoy the rest of your evening and I’ll see you tomorrow.
Kit: Sweet dreams, Savannah.
She waited impatiently but there was no response. She leaned back against her headboard and let out a lo
ng sigh. She couldn’t wait to see Savannah, couldn’t wait to taste her lips again. Were they on the same page? Surely Savannah was thinking the same thing, or she wouldn’t have invited Kit to spend time with her. But she’d kicked Kit to the curb once before already. What was to stop her from doing it again?
She needed to get out of her head. She needed to stop that train of thought. She heard noise coming from down the hall and went to investigate. Carlos was rearranging her living room.
“What are you doing?” Kit asked.
“I figured this house is as good as mine now, so I thought I’d arrange it how I want it.”
“Very funny. Stop moving my furniture and make a pitcher of margaritas. I need you to get me out of my head.”
“Are you having second thoughts?”
“Yes and no. I’m in this one hundred percent. I just hope she is, too.”
“Why would she invite you out if she’s not?”
“I don’t know.”
“Damn you. Stop thinking and just go with it.”
“What happened to protecting my heart?”
“You said yourself that it’s too late.”
“It is. But damn, Carlos. I don’t want to get hurt again.”
“Then don’t go. Stay here and forget her.”
“I wish I could. I need to go. I miss her so much. But if she dumps me again, I don’t know that I’ll be able to bounce back,” Kit said.
“And conversely? If she doesn’t hurt you?”
“I’ll be the happiest woman on earth.”
Chapter Twenty-nine
Kit’s MO was to have a few cocktails then sleep on the flight. Not that flying scared her. It’s just what she did. But she didn’t have any cocktails the following morning. She wanted to be sharp when she saw Savannah again. And she couldn’t sleep. She was too keyed up. Too excited. So the flight was long and she was about to climb the walls when her pilot finally announced he was beginning his descent.
The butterflies that had taken up residence in her stomach began to flutter with a vengeance. She wiped her palms on her shorts. And then wiped them again. She took some deep breaths, but nothing seemed to calm her down. Her future depended on these next few days, and she realized how important they were. But, she reasoned, Savannah wouldn’t have invited her to Baltimore if she wasn’t really into Kit. If she never wanted to hear from her again, she could have texted that to her. Or she could have just not responded to Kit. So she must like her. Right?
Thief of the Heart Page 20
