Thieves Like Us Part 17

"What an appalling thought." Even as he said it, his wide eyes narrowed and his lips slid into a smirk. This was the real Banner, the one she hadn't seen until after she'd married him, and watching the facade drop still sent goose b.u.mps dancing up her arms. "I believe that sum is closer to a million, Janet. And lucky me, having them go after you wasn't planned, it just worked out that way. You see, darling"-he played with the word, savoring it, reminding her that she'd once believed he'd meant it-"you owe me something. Once you ruined my carefully constructed operation, I decided I needed the money more than they did. I was planning on being out of the country by the time anyone came looking for the diamonds, but as it turns out, I've been slightly delayed. So I'm here to watch events unfold as my former a.s.sociates search for their stones. I see that's happened." He closed his eyes with a blissful smile. "Thank you for sharing this information with me. You could not have given me a better present."

There was a time when Banner could intimidate her, but no more, she decided. She let him have his moment of satisfaction, knowing it would be all the sweeter when she ripped it away. If she'd learned anything from him, it was that sometimes you had to meet threats with threats.

Smiling coolly, she mirrored his folded hands, looking her most composed. "Those business a.s.sociates of yours really are persistent, aren't they? Vengeful, too. I imagine they'd go to great lengths to find what they wanted."

His momentary hesitation was the only evidence of his suspicion. "Exactly. I find myself worried for you, Janet."

"How sweet. But don't be, I've taken care of it."

Feigning as little interest as possible, he asked, "How did you do that?"

"Why, I simply talked to the two gentlemen from Colombia who have been looking for the diamonds. I explained that you still have them, or at least you know where to find them. I was sure you'd want to complete your last business deal and keep your reputation intact."

His smile was condescending. "Don't you think that sounds a little naive, Janet? They aren't thrown off that easily."

"Oh, I know. That's why I gave them one of your gold-plated commemorative golf b.a.l.l.s. You know, the hollow ones?" She kept her voice light, but it was difficult not to gloat when his smile slipped away and his eyes showed the first touch of worry. "I told them the mementos had been in your possession when you went to jail, but that they were deemed insignificant as evidence and were returned to us by the police." She leaned close and dropped her voice. "It seems the Colombians don't fully understand our legal system, so they think that could really happen." She winked and stepped back, noting happily that Banner's worry had edged into panic. "Anyway, I told them I was sure the diamonds had been in there, ready for delivery, and, of course, they believed me because that's how you've delivered them in that past, right? Very clever."

He swallowed, visibly trying to remain calm. "That's ridiculous, Janet. They would know the police wouldn't allow me to keep a cache of diamonds in jail."

"You're absolutely right, Banner." The story she was making up sounded so plausible she almost wished it had happened. "And being familiar with the legal system in their country, I knew exactly what they would think. They would a.s.sume the police were corrupt enough to keep the diamonds for themselves. And we wouldn't want to mislead them like that, would we? So I explained that you obviously did the same thing any good drug mule would do-you swallowed them." She brightened. "And you know what? I think they'll leave me alone now and work on making a few contacts inside the jail."

Banner's face had gone pale. "Nice try, Janet. But I'm kept in isolation here. No one could get to me if they tried."

She nodded. "I hear that sometimes works, especially if the guards actually like you." She gave him an encouraging smile and rapped a knuckle on the shelf. "You might want to work on those people skills, Banner."

Walking away was much more satisfying knowing she'd disturbed that studied calm. She imagined Banner eyeing the guards nervously until he was able to place an agitated call to his lawyers, pleading for more protection. Too bad she couldn't stick around to see that.

Putting a dent in Banner's confidence was enough to make it a successful visit in itself, but she'd achieved more. She'd bet anything that Banner had at least seen the rest of the Pellinni Jewels, meaning Sleazy must have had them all at one time. So they were likely still in the area. That should help her and Rocky track them down.

One thing puzzled her, though-his reaction when she mentioned the golf b.a.l.l.s. She could understand him being worried about the Colombians thinking he had the diamonds, but beads of sweat had popped out on his forehead, at the first mention of the golf b.a.l.l.s. She'd expected a smirk, some arrogant acknowledgment of his clever idea, but he'd been visibly worried. If he had more diamond-filled golf b.a.l.l.s lying around, she could understand his fear, but she'd gone through every single one. If there was another place he could have stashed more of them, she couldn't believe she hadn't already searched it. She just couldn't shake the feeling that Banner had been terrified when she'd figured out the hollow golf b.a.l.l.s.

But there were more important things to worry about right now. Despite what she'd told Banner, the Colombians were stalking her. And so was the thief who wanted the rest of the Pellinni Jewels. Both were intent on their goal, and both seemed willing to sacrifice her to get it.

She tried to put Banner out of her mind for the rest of the day. Rocky was on his way over and asked if she could meet him and his friend at the door. He wouldn't say why, only that he wasn't sure Mr. Peters or Elizabeth would let him in. As soon as she saw him coming up the walk with a familiar German shepherd puppy hugging his heels she understood.

Unfortunately, Elizabeth must have spotted Rocky and the pup from the living room window.

They were two steps inside the foyer when Elizabeth came up behind Janet, her face stern and hands on her hips. "Roberto, perhaps I have given you the wrong impression. This is not an animal shelter."

"Yes ma'am, I know." Janet watched him throw a dismissive glance at the puppy that sat huddled by his feet, clearly intimidated by all the people staring at him. She didn't buy that suck-up att.i.tude for one second, but maybe Elizabeth did. "I wouldn't dream of imposing on you, I just stopped by to see if Janet wanted to accompany me to the pound."

Janet would have choked if she didn't know what a load of bulls.h.i.t that was. There was no way that sad little puppy was going to the pound, not if Rocky had any say.

Elizabeth appeared unmoved. "Yes, I'm sure they can place him in a good home."

Rocky lifted his eyebrows as if the thought hadn't occurred to him. "They might," he said as if offering hope that he didn't believe himself.

At the implication that the dog might not survive the placement process, Elizabeth's cool gaze cracked the tiniest bit. She looked from the pup to Rocky. "Where did you get it?"

"Some young punk I ran into. He didn't seem to care about the dog much, and I thought he deserved a better home."

Elizabeth pondered the cleaned-up version of Adolf's history. "Why don't you keep it?"

He shrugged. "Guess I'm just a cat person. Besides, I'm not home much, and he needs more attention than I can give him."

Janet raised her eyebrows skeptically but Rocky looked away from her. Thinking she'd help by showing how friendly the puppy was, she squatted down and tapped the floor. "Hey guy, come here."

The puppy wound himself around Rocky's legs but wagged his tail and tipped his head toward Janet. His floppy ear straightened momentarily to give him two large rabbit ears, then fell again.

She looked up at Rocky. "He's even more shy than yesterday."

"Yeah, he was scared to come out of the cage. You know how Sleazy was with him. He probably got kicked around a bit."

Janet doubted that. Sleazy wasn't affectionate toward the dog, but he probably knew enough to value his investment. Elizabeth, however, became indignant. "Kicked? That's unconscionable! What sort of man would abuse an innocent little puppy?"

"Maybe kicking's not unusual when they train attack dogs."

Attack dogs? Janet stole a glance upward at the loaded word. He caught her eyes with a desperate "I have no idea what I'm talking about" look. But judging by Elizabeth's frown, it didn't matter. Holding her silk dress to her legs with one hand, she squatted next to Janet and reached a hand toward the puppy, allowing him to sniff. "Poor little thing," she murmured. The dog wagged his tail harder and licked her fingers. Janet hid a smile.

"What's his name?" Elizabeth asked.

"The guy called him Adolf. As in Hitler," he added helpfully.

Elizabeth's scowl was outraged. "That's disgusting."

"Probably not for an attack dog." Janet saw him give the pup a gentle nudge with his foot toward Elizabeth. Adolf crept toward her, pushing his head under her hand.

"No, no, Adolf," Rocky said, his gentle tone making the reprimand unconvincing. "Don't get hairs on the nice lady."

"Don't be silly. He's not shedding," Elizabeth corrected. "And don't call him by that awful name."

"It's all he knows. I imagine his new owner can rename him. If anyone adopts him, that is."

Elizabeth stood, annoyance plain in the narrowed gaze she aimed at Rocky. "Stop patronizing me, Roberto. I'm not a simpleton."

His face fell. "Yes, ma'am. Sorry."

"And give me that." She s.n.a.t.c.hed the leash from his hand and glared as if he'd forced it on her. "I don't suppose you have a dog crate in the back of your car?"

He bit his lip, eyes sparkling. "In fact, I do."

"Well, go get it. Any fool can see the animal is scared and would be happier if he had a safe place to hide for a while."

Rocky darted out the door. Janet smiled at Elizabeth. "He is kind of sweet, isn't he?"

"Oh, definitely." Mischief twinkled behind Elizabeth's eyes. "You did mean the dog, didn't you?"

Janet decided not to touch that one.

Elizabeth leaned over to pat the dog's head. "He reminds me of a boy I knew in fifth grade named Freddie. He had big ears, too." She smiled. "Come along, Freddie. I have the perfect place for your crate."

Janet grinned as the two headed toward the kitchen, Elizabeth's heels and Freddie's nails making matching clicks against the tile floor. When Rocky came back carrying the big, collapsible dog crate she grabbed him and kissed him soundly. "Bonus points for you," she told him.

He grinned back. "I intend to collect them as soon as I can. Don't go anywhere."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

The man got more intriguing every day-and more attractive. Not in the model-handsome way Banner was attractive, where physical beauty merely disguised what was missing on the inside. Rocky's good qualities went beyond his toned body and devastating smile, even though she had to admit that simply watching him was a treat. He was smart, attentive, and considerate. He liked kids, rescued helpless animals, and made her laugh. She shook her head, hardly believing she'd rejected him for so long-and he'd waited for her. Bonus points, indeed.

He came back, throwing an arm around her and sweeping her out the door without stopping. "I told Elizabeth I was stealing you for the day, and Libby discovered the dog, so no one's going to miss you here. You're all mine. Where do you want to go?"

"Uh . . . your place?" She looked at the sky as some nasty storm clouds threatened to turn into a downpour. "Any place with a roof."

"Gotta love your enthusiasm," he laughed, keeping her close as they went down the long flight of steps. "My place eventually, but not yet."

There was that bad boy smile again, stirring up all sorts of desires. "Why not?"

"Because you're not the sort of woman a man rushes into bed."

She was pretty sure she wanted to be that sort of woman, at least today. "What sort of woman am I?"

"The sort who deserves to be romanced."

That devilish look was hard to argue with, but she tried. "I'm easy. Really."

"Since when?" He opened the pa.s.senger door for her. "I dropped hints for six months without results. It's too late to call yourself easy, lady. You get the full-on date treatment or nada."

She let him get behind the wheel before voicing her other concern. "What about whoever's after the Pellinni Jewels? And those two guys you beat up? Won't they follow us?"

His smile turned grim. "I didn't see our Colombian friends when I cruised the neighborhood before pulling in, but that doesn't mean they aren't simply hiding well. And whoever wants the Pellinni Jewels doesn't want you, he wants you to lead him to them. We know that's not gonna happen. I don't want you to feel like a prisoner, but we'll be safe if we stick to public areas."

She focused on the part that concerned her most. "Public areas? I thought you said this was going to be romantic."

"Janet, Janet, Janet." He shook his head with feigned disappointment. "I'm seriously hurt that you underestimate me so. I can be romantic anywhere." In demonstration, he moved his finger in a tingly trail around her ear and down her neck, ending behind her head where he spread his fingers through her hair and leaned close. Her lips parted in antic.i.p.ation as he rubbed his nose against hers before placing a soft kiss on her mouth.

He was off to a good start right here in the car. But it wouldn't do to feed his overinflated ego. "Whatever you say. I'm just surprised you insist on going through the motions. I thought every man wanted a sure thing," she mused.

His brows furrowed, his mood shifting. "I don't believe you were ever anyone's sure thing."

"No, but I'm trying to be," she muttered.

The gaze that sc.r.a.ped over her was hot and possessive. "Sweetheart," he said, his voice as low as the thunder starting outside. "We both know where this is going. But you were right when you said you didn't really know me, and I imagine there's a lot I don't know about you. So we're going on a date because that's how couples get to know each other. Okay?" He turned away to start the car, switching the wipers on against the quickening rain.

"Okay. Except we're not a couple."

"Yes, we are."

She felt a slight unease at how permanent that sounded. "We're just having s.e.x."

"s.e.x is called coupling. I win." He smiled as he started down the drive.

She could get annoyed, but what would be the point? He was going to make sure that she was entertained and fed-at least she hoped there was food involved-plus shower her with great s.e.x. If he wanted to play semantics with the event, why should she care?

She settled back, content to let him deal with the sheeting rain and the congested Friday afternoon traffic. The car was quiet, save for the slapping of the wipers and the hiss of tires on wet pavement.

"So talk. Tell me how you became a jewel thief."

He smiled, keeping his eyes on the road but obviously happy that she'd finally asked. "Short or long version?"

"Short." She didn't need the dirty details of his life of crime, just the reasons behind it. "Mostly, why did you do it? Misspent youth? Rebellious years and bad influences? A fascination with shiny, sparkly things?"

At least he looked amused. "I guess you could say I was righting a wrong."

"What was the wrong?"

"My grandparents had lost some heirloom jewelry pieces and gold coins in a burglary. The police said they'd never get them back. So, I dropped out of college, learned a few new skills, and tracked down every piece. Of course, the new owners weren't interested in giving them back, so I stole them. I got careless at the end and spent a year in jail. End of story."

Okay, maybe his reasons were a slight deviation from the norm. "Like Robin Hood?"

"I prefer the Zorro a.n.a.logy myself. It's more appropriate with my Spanish roots."

She had to agree. He was dark and charming, and far more dangerous than he looked on the surface. Like now-from his placid expression, he might have just admitted to a typical youth spent selling popcorn for the Boy Scouts. Nothing about Rocky was typical or expected, and she berated herself for not having known better. But family heirloom jewelry? Quitting college to track down stolen pieces? The short version of this story wasn't going to do.

"I'd like the long version," she decided. "Please."

"Anything you want." He favored her with a s.e.xy smile that made it obvious he was referring to more than stories of his past. Despite her determination to keep the upper hand, fireworks exploded in her pelvis.

"Just your criminal history for now." She tried to sound cool and collected, but knew she'd been a little too breathless to pull it off.

He winked at her. "I love it when you find me irresistible."

She said, "I'm resisting just fine, Zorro. Go on."

One more of those smiles and she'd make him pull over so she could have her way with him. Fortunately, he returned his attention to his driving and began.

"Think of a Spanish version of the Mayflower. My father's family history goes back to the early Spanish settlers in California."

"I thought that was mainly monks or priests or something-setting up missions and converting the so-called heathens."

"And some wealthy land owners who stole their land. The important part here is that there was some rather good jewelry that came from Spain, along with some gold doubloons, and it all got pa.s.sed down in the family. When a California museum did an exhibit on their early settlers, my grandmother loaned them the coins and three pieces of jewelry to put on display. When the exhibit was robbed, all of my grandparents' pieces were taken. They were valuable, but the sentimental value was even higher. It was irreplaceable family history. The police had their suspicions but no solid evidence. My grandmother was devastated."

"So you dropped out of school, confident you could solve the case."

"Of course."

"Very macho. Why not hire a private detective?"

"They did. No luck."