“Why in the world would you risk getting those children or yourself into more danger?”
“Carry. You don’t understand. I feel so powerless over everything, and I want to make some sense of what happened. I think someone must know something. And, you’re right, it was foolish to bring the kids, but I did it, okay!”
“I’m already worried about you, so don’t go getting into more trouble.”
“If that’s the case, you certainly don’t want to hear about the rest of my day.”
“You know I do. What happened? I’ll forgive you, I promise, tell me.”
“Well, for starters, Robert and Brent were very kind to the children and me. They offered a free harbor cruise with them.”
“Please, whatever you do, don’t go without an escort!”
“Okay, you can be my protector.”
“Or, die trying.”
“You’re a good friend, Carry.”
“I know there’s more here, so give it up.”
“Well, afterward, we drove to La Jolla. I wanted to find Jack’s jewelry store.”
“Now, who’s Jack?”
“He’s Matt’s best friend since high school.”
“And Matt is?”
“He’s the one I told you about. We stayed with him while on the yacht.”
“You mean, the person who kept you hostage?”
“Yes. That’s right, Smarty Pants.”
“You’re scaring me, Abigail. Don’t tell me you went into his jewelry store.”
“No. But, I did find it. It’s called Real Deal Jewelers.”
“What kind of name is that?”
“It’s peculiar, huh?”
“So, go on with your story. I’m all ears.”
“Like I said, I didn’t go into the store, but parked across the street. After a few minutes, I drove off, and we went to La Jolla cove. Once we were settled in, the kids went off with their Frisbee. And, guess who came up? I turned around, and there was Matt.”
“Now, let me see this picture. Your captor comes and stands next to you, and you’re alone?”
“Yes. Anyway, after talking for a while, the children came back and were hungry, so he insisted on taking us to lunch.”
“Are you out of your mind? You didn’t go with him. Please tell me you didn’t.”
“We did go, but in separate cars, we followed him to the restaurant.”
“At least, you have a speck of sense left, so how did it go?”
“Amazingly comfortable, he was a perfect gentleman.”
“Good grief, Abigail. You’re falling for the guy.”
“True, but nothing will ever come of it.”
“Why?”
“Because he is a thief and an atheist, that’s why.”
“But, you’re attracted to him, I can tell. So, don’t be like Pattie Hurst, she also bonded with her captor -- look at what happened to her.”
“Don’t you think I haven’t said that to myself a hundred times?”
“Then, you’re not listening to yourself.”
“Hey, do you want me to spill the beans or not?”
“So, what more could you possibly add?”
“While at lunch, the children were talking about movies they wanted to see, so Matt wanted to treat us to one.”
“Oh my, you’re captivated, aren’t you?”
“So, let me tell you what happened. Again, we drove separately and met up in front of the theater, then sat and watched a movie. That’s all. Frankly, mentally I was too preoccupied to get excited about him sitting next to me.”
“So, what happened next?”
“He gave us a hug goodbye, and he left.”
“I don’t trust the guy, he must have followed you. How else would he know to find you at the La Jolla coves?”
“You’re right. He did follow us, right after we passed him, when I pulled away from spying on his friend Jack.”
“See what you’re doing? Now, he has your license plate number.”
“I never thought about that -- I wondered why he didn’t ask for my phone number.”
“So, you want him to call you. Oh my God. Abigail, you’re a big girl, and I trust you as my friend, but I’m concerned that your strong will is overriding your good sense. So, I must warn you, you’re playing with fire with that man.”
*
When Matt arrived at his get-together with his friend, he spotted Jack feeding ground squirrels. He quickly found a place to park. The weather was perfect -- with a cool breeze. The beach, once a children’s pool, was full of wild sea lions sunbathing on the sand. Many people watched the creatures from the pier. Before reaching his friend, he observed one that was swimming up to the sand and wobbling back and forth to get a spot on the shore.
When he walked up to Jack, he handed Matt a small bag of food for the ground squirrels, and gave another to a child standing nearby. Several other children watched as Matt held out his hand with food, and the creatures came and ate.
“So, tell me. What’s the egg worth?”
“Good news and bad, my friend -- which do you want first?”
“What’s the good news?”
“It’s an authentic Fabergé egg from Russia.”
“And, what might be the bad news?”
“Like I guessed, it’s worth around eight hundred thousand, so it’s not the mysterious treasure worth millions that the Top Dogs wanted us to find.” “Great, the FBI impounded the yacht, now none of us can find it.”
“That’s okay with me. At least, we have something for our trouble.”
“How will you fence it?”
“I have a list of collectors. I’ll first contact them, if that doesn’t work, a silent auction will be arranged, and it’ll sell to the highest bidder.”
“What if the highest bid is three hundred thousand?”
“If you want, we can start the proposal at five hundred thousand, the worst case is we’ll split a quarter of a mil., not bad for a day’s work.”
The men were silent as they fed the squirrels and seagulls. Then, Jack said, “This was my last gig Matt. I had fun helping you, but I don’t want to risk going to jail and losing my business. So, once the egg is sold, no longer ask me to help you, okay?” While glaring at Matt, he said, “Please respect what I’m saying. If you value our friendship, never ask again.”
“I got it, Jack. You don’t have to hit me over the head. And, don’t worry. I won’t get you involved again, okay?”
Jack became more relaxed, “Good. Then we understand each other.” After facing Matt he said, “Why do you do it? What’s your payoff, besides the money?”
“It’s a question I’ve asked myself, without an answer. But, somewhere deep inside, I know I’m capable of earning more money legally than I have now. All I need to do is place the same diligence into some career. So, I don’t know why I do it, but if I continue, I’ll never end up with a woman like Abigail.”
Before seven, the children woke up and entered their aunt’s room. “It’s time to get up.” Abigail pretended to sleep, and the more they yelled, the louder she snored. Suddenly she grabbed Lisa. “I got you.” Lisa squealed.
“So, what’s for breakfast?” the boy asked.
“Well, my dear lad, you have choices: pancakes at home or McDonald’s? Or, if you prefer, a restaurant that brings food to the table?”
“McDonald’s,” yelled Lisa. “If that’s okay with Danny.” He nodded.
When Abigail wanted to get out of bed, the children left to watch cartoons. Once she was up and wearing a robe, she entered the living area. “Who wants to play on the Wii?”
Danny said, “Let’s play baseball or soccer.”
While they were busy with their games, she turned on water for tea and made hot chocolate. After giving Lisa and Danny their hot drinks, she sat on her favorite chair to work on her devotions. While reading the first chapter of James, she read, “If we want wisdom, we must ask for it with faith. Without faith we are double-minded, and shouldn’t expect to receive anything.”
That’s me. Double-minded. I’m attracted to Matt, yet I want a man of faith. So I can either change my mind-set and accept him as he is -- a thief -- or avoid being near him.
She prayed.
Lord, Matt’s the first man I truly desire to be with. Yet, I also want a man who shares my faith. So, what do I do? I need wisdom. Do I accept him as he is or never see him again? Please help me. You know everything. What should I do? Amen.
Lisa came up, “Danny never lets me win.”
“You’ll win; it’s just a matter of time. He’s older, so he has more abilities than someone your age. Don’t get discouraged, okay?” Lisa nodded and hugged her. “Go tell your brother to get dressed, so we can go eat.” Lisa marched out of her sight.
While showering, Abigail wondered if the FBI had arrested anyone. Although everyone suspected Forelli, she wasn’t so sure. He might be capable of it, but in her view, he was too obvious. She believed the killer was still out there.
After stepping out of the shower, she grabbed a towel. Her thoughts were of the Kilgores and how they planned on staying ashore, that is, until she came along. She was determined to see their killer in jail, even if it was the last thing she did. She decided to call Robert and ask if he had heard anything new.
Hurriedly, she dressed and walked into the living room, and was surprised when the children were taking longer than she to get ready. When Lisa entered the kitchen, she was frowning and looked away.
“Where’s your brother?”
“I don’t know.”
Soon, the boy was in the living room dressed, but with uncombed hair.
“Can you do something with your hair?”
After looking at her for a minute, he spun around and went into his room. Within minutes, he returned with little changed.
She decided it was not worth making an issue of it, so she said nothing.
As they walked to the car, she said, “Danny, you can sit in front.” But he didn’t seem to care. After, he was seated, he turned on his favorite radio station, but this time Lisa wasn’t arguing.
Soon, he glanced at his aunt. “Is Mommy awake yet?
“Do you mean from her coma?”
He nodded.
“No. Grandma would have called.”
“When I phone her, I want her to talk, too. I miss her.”
Lisa asked, “Is Daddy’s funeral tomorrow?”
“Yes, Honey.”
“What should I wear?”
“Anything you want, as long as you look nice for your dad. We’ll stop by your house later and find something nice.”
“Should I wear a dress?”
“Sure, if that’s what you want.”
When they arrived at McDonald’s, Abigail asked the kids if they wanted to go through the drive-thru, or park and go in. Lisa chose to go inside and her brother didn’t object. While standing in line to order, both children found it hard to decide. She ordered each of them a full meal, so they could eat from it want they wanted. While sitting and talking, Lisa asked to go on a harbor cruise.
“I’ll give it some thought.” Although, she remembered Carry’s warning, she also recalled taking her class from school on a harbor cruise last year. So, if it was safe enough for her class, it would be fine. Plus, it would give her a chance to speak with Robert about the case.
“I’ll call Robert to see if it’s okay with him.” She told Lisa.
“Can I call Matt? He said he wanted to come.”
“No, he has better things to do. Let’s not bother him.” Then, she reached into her purse, pulled out Robert’s business card and phoned him. When he answered, he said, “I can’t talk now, but are the children with you?”
“Yes, why?”
“Matt told us what happened to their parents; we’re so sorry.”
“Thank you, Robert.”
“Why don’t you bring them here? They can have a harbor tour today. They’ll be safe. It’s not overly busy, and we can talk. If you hurry, perhaps you can make our ten o’clock tour.”
After saying yes to his offer, they drove to the harbor. Although she knew Carry was right about Matt, she still wanted to see him again, but she thought,
I am proud of myself for saying no to Lisa. God must be helping me already.
The children’s moods were less somber after eating and planning a harbor cruise. They both liked being around Robert and Brent. Once they arrived at the ticket booth, she told the clerk, “We’re Robert’s guests.” The pretty clerk stared at her for a moment, then picked up an envelope and handed it to her without saying one single word.
Before walking on the boarding plank, she noticed a photographer taking pictures. She and the children stood in line behind the others. When it was their turn, they stood in front of a life preserver and smiled. When finished, they walked to the side. The sign told them they could board fifteen minutes before departure, so that’s what they planned to do.
As they entered the vessel, they went topside so they could watch as they pulled away from the dock. When they arrived, Abigail was taken aback when she noticed Matt speaking to Brent. With her heart fluttering and her feet unsettled, she thought,
I guess my willpower didn’t help
. She was thankful she noticed him first. It gave her time to adjust to the situation.
It was another beautiful day. “I love summer,” she said. As the vessel left the dock, the various contemporary and modern buildings started getting smaller.
Soon, Matt walked up and Lisa said, “Matt, it’s you. How did you know to come? I wanted to call, but my aunt didn’t want to bother you. She thought you might be too busy. Did you know we would be here?”
“Let’s just say I have friends in high places.” He winked at Abigail.
“So, Robert called you,” Abigail said, with an edge.
It never occurred to me he would do that.
“You sound disappointed.” She didn’t answer. “Robert said you wanted an update on the case, but he was afraid he might be too busy. Would you rather talk with him?”
“No. I’m sorry, seeing you just caught me off-guard. I didn’t mean to be so rude. Please, let’s talk.”
When they walked toward the main cabin, he stood by the door. “Any preference on seating?”
“Someplace they can find me easily.”
“No problem.”
After selecting a table, she turned to Danny and said, “If you need me, I’ll be at that table. Will you watch over your sister and not leave her alone?”
Lisa pushed her brother. “I can take care of myself.”
“I know,” Abigail said, “but I want you to stay together. If not, you have to come inside with me, okay?” The girl nodded.
“Coffee or some water?” Matt asked.
“We just ate. I don’t want a thing. But, thanks.”