Taking Death (4 page)

"I bet this would be an even better view in the country," she said.

"I think the view is just wonderful."

She looked back at him to find him staring at her. A smile curled her lips. She couldn't have stopped it if you'd threatened her.
No man had ever wooed her like this.

"So are you really this amazing."

He straightened in his chair. "I'd like to think so."

She laughed again. "A girl could get used to this."

"I'd like this girl to get used to it. That way you'll never want to leave me."

She studied him as she thought about how fast this relationship was moving. By now, on the third date, she'd normally be putting on the brakes. But this felt right and good.

Her gut was telling her to go for it.

She leaned in to kiss him. Again. She couldn't seem to stop.

***

Monday morning found Donna at her desk, thinking about Jon instead of her work and instead of what she was going to steal next.

She shook herself. With Christmas a month away, she wanted to be able to give to a charity with what she stole. It was her Christmas tradition. So she had to think about it or the time would get away from her.

Kelly walked in with an armload of files.

"What are those?"

"I'm j
ust cleaning off my desk. I need to file these in your file cabinet."

Donna waved a hand at the cabinet behind her. "Go ahead. I'm not getting much done anyway."

She moved her chair aside so Kelly could do her work. As she waited, she remembered a diamond bracelet a customer of Jon's had worn. He'd invited her to an opening of a more established artist. Lots of moneyed customers showed up.

She'd struck up a conversation with the owner of the bracelet. In fact, they'd been invited to the owner's house. Donna had itched to steal the bracelet then, but knew it was too obvious. Had the dinner been a party instead of two couples getting together, she would have done it.

But, she did get the layout of the house and where the jewelry box sat on the dresser. On top of that Jon had invited that couple to another opening at his gallery so they would not be at home tonight.

Having already told Jon she'd be late to the event, she had a perfect situation to steal the bracelet.

"Penny for your thoughts," Kelly said.

Donna smiled. "I'm just thinking about Jon of course. I've never dated anyone so sophisticated and
moneyed, but down to earth."

"Down to earth is good. Is this serious?"

"It might be. Jon wants to talk to me about something tonight."

"The question?"

Donna shook her head, shifting in her chair. "I don't think so."

"Living together?"

"That seems more like it," Donna said.

"Are you ready?"

"I don't know. I figure I'll know the answer when the question gets asked."

"Going with your gut. Always a good idea."

Donna's step could not be lighter as she entered Jon's gallery. Before she left for work, her boss had told her she was getting a promotion. That came with a substantial raise. She'd be moving the tax department.

On top of that, w
hen she went to steal the diamond bracelet, she netted a pearl necklace that she hoped was real.

A good crowd had turned out for Jon's latest show. The artist was a little too modern and abstract for Donna, but she couldn't like everything Jon showed.

She searched the room for her lover. The jewelry burned a hole in her pocket as she didn't have enough time to drop them at home before she had to be at the gallery. A warm hand on her shoulder startled her.

Turning, she found a smiling Jon. "I was hoping you were going to make it. I know you don't like this artist, but I appreciate that you came here for me."

She kissed him lightly on the lips. "I did come here for you. I have some news, but I'll share later."

"Good news?"

"Very good news."

"I have a few people for you to meet."

"Sure thing."

She was used to Jon showing her off in a sense. At first she'd balked, but he loved her and was proud of her being in his life. That was how he explained it.

Donna followed him around as he introduced her to some very rich people. Part of her eyed their jewelry while trying not to be obvious. She didn't have another job lined up.

Dating Jon had opened up so many avenues for her.
She dines in some of the finest restaurants in the city. Jon had even taken her to see an opera. He also introduced her to a better clientele to steal from.

She wondered what he would think of that?

The night finally ended and Jon locked the gallery front door behind the artist who left last. He turned to Donna who stood taking in the quiet and the art. A peaceful moment after the hubbub of the party.

"Good night?"

"I think so. What did the artist think?"

"He sold a bunch of things and he wants to book his next show?"

Jon walked towards her. He took her hand, leading her to the middle of the floor.

"That's good for him and you."

He kissed her. "Wait here."

"Huh?"

He strode towards the back room. "Wait here, I said."

So sh
e did. The only lights still on were the ones over the display. She knew from closing the gallery with Jon that he still had to pull down a gate over the front window. And when he turned off the switch for the display lights, a security light would come on.

A passerby could see into the gallery, but not clearly enough to know what was worth stealing. Of course she'd already checked it out, not that she had an intention of stealing from Jon.

He returned with one of his hands behind his back.

"I have something for you."

She smiled. He always had little gifts for her.

But then he went down on one knees."

"What?"

Her mouth hung open as he brought his hand up for her to see the small box. "Open it."

She took it from him, her hands shaking. Opening it, she gasped. In it sat a diamond ring. It had a large diamond with several smaller ones around it. He took the box from her hand, then slid the ring on her finger.

"Donna, will you marry me?"

She knew the answer with all of her being. As if she'd known him all her life or that he was the other half of her. "Yes."

A giant grin broke out on Jon's face as he rose to kiss her. "You've made me the happiest man on earth."

***

Donna lay awake in bed after Jon had fallen asleep. Small snores emanated from him.

She made a major decision. Tonight had been her last theft. Her raise would help her with finances and charity. Besides, Jon made a boatload of money that she could use for good purposes.

Tomorrow she'd see her fence and let him know she was done.

Not tomorrow. No, she thought. After he sold her last theft, she'd tell him.

"You okay?" Jon said.

He started her out of her reverie. "Couldn't be better. Just going through details."

"Of c
ourse you would." He chuckled.

"Well there are a lot of them to a wedding. Including the date we have to pick."

He rolled over and rested his arm across her. "Right now? At three in the morning we have to pick a date?"

"No, but there are other details to work out."

He kissed the side of her face. "In the morning. You'll have my undivided attention. Go to sleep."

She snuggled closer to him, liking the feel of his warm, masculine body next to hers. Liking that she'd wake up every morning with him next to her from now on.

***

Having sublet her apartment, Donna moved in with Jon. She brought all of her clothes and personal items, but left the furniture behind. She liked his style and his stuff was in better shape.

On her way home from work the next week, she'd stopped by to see her fence for one last time. Now the money from that score was in her pocket.

Thankfully Jon wasn't nosy. He wouldn't have any reason to go through her clothing. The two hadn't yet joined bank accounts so she could deposit the cash in small amounts.

Then she'd be done. Finished with her life of crime. The meeting with her face had been cathartic. A chapter had ended and a new one was beginning.

She opened the door to the apartment to smell something wonderful.

Jon rushed around the kitchen, in an apron.

"You cooked," Donna said. She put her briefcase down by the front door.

"I dabbled and decided I had a hankering for soup so I made it."

"Smells yummy."

She'd never been a girl to dream about domestic bliss. Somehow it had found her and she couldn't be happier.

"Go take off your work clothes and get comfortable. I'll pour you a glass of wine," Jon said.

She shook her head a grin plastered to her face. "How did I get so lucky?"

Donning her sweatpants, she wondered, truly, how had she gotten so lucky? She hadn't been looking and Jon fell into her lap.

Settling herself at the breakfast bar, she sipped her glass of wine. "Soup, huh?"

"Yes, I love soup."

"I'm starving so I'm sure I'll love it too."

He filled a bowl then slid it to her. "Try this."

She took a spoonful of the most amazing concoction she'd ever tasted. The flavors did a tango on her tongue. "Wow."

She'd lost count of how many times she said that anymore. Jon slid onto the seat next other, his own steaming bowl in front of him. He took a tentative spoonful then closed his eyes.

"I did good," he said.

"Yes, you did."

"What are your plans for tomorrow night?"

She searched her brain. Her nights became freer when she decided to give up thieving. "I'm pretty much open."

"The gallery is open late. Can you come by before closing and we'll have a late dinner out? Then I want to show you something."

She swallowed a spoonful of soup. "Sounds good. What do you have to show me?"

"I'll show you when I show you. It can wait until then. Now, we have to set a date."

***

Donna sat in her boss' office a little overwhelmed. He'd been outlining her new job. She didn't grasp all the details, but she would in time.

"You'll now have five people under you, but if you grow the business, we will give you more," He said.

Ken Burkman sat behind a large desk in his corner office. He wore a nice suit, but it wasn't a designer nor was it as tailored as Jon's suits were. She smiled inwardly that she noticed that.

"I've never been a marketing
person, how does one grow this business?"

"Referrals mainly. Usually after tax time. If you've saved your client a bundle of money that person will brag about it. Make sure your clients have your cards."

"Makes sense."

Her head spun from all the information her boss had disseminated to her but she wouldn't change it for the world. Tax code excited her. It was constantly changing and only if you kept on top of it, as she did, could you use it to your client's advantage.

She rubbed her hands together. "I'm psyched about this Ken."

"I am, too. I know you've always wanted to do more with taxes. I'm glad I can offer you that opportunity. I had no one else in mind when this position came up."

"Can I bring my admin with me?"

She couldn't leave Kelly behind when she moved departments. Not only was Kelly her friend, but she was a darn good administrative assistant. Kelly had helped facilitate Donna's success. Which led to this promotion.

They worked as a team.

"How committed are you to that?" Ken asked.

"Completely. She's worked for me from the beginning. I've done well because of her."

"She isn't considered an executive administrative assistant."

"Then make her one."

Ken rubbed his chin. "Do you really think she's up to the job or is it because of your friendship?"

"Both. She's a great admin and she already knows how I work."

Ken frowned then nodded. "Okay. She'll get a raise and promotion also. But only if you are sure."

"Yes, I am."

Donna walked back to her office on light feet. Her life could not get any better and now she had great news for Kelly.

"You, once again, look like the cat that swallowed the canary."

"Come into my office and find out why."

Donna plopped into her office chair while Kelly settled in the one opposite her.

"What gives?" Kelly said.

"You're coming with me," Donna said.

"Coming with you?"

Donna realized she'd never mentioned her promotion to Kelly. She hadn't been allowed to yet.

"Close the door," Donna said.

Kelly did, then settled back in the chair.

"You can't tell anyone yet, but it will be announced this afternoon. In two weeks, I'll be heading up the tax department."

"That's amazing."

"And you're coming with me as my admin."

Kelly's smiled could not have been bigger. "Really? But I'm not considered an executive admin?"

"You will be. Raise and all."

"Thank you," Kelly said.

"I couldn't have gotten this far without you," Donna said.

***

The champagne from the toast on her promotion announcement had gone to Donna's head. She'd grabbed a snack on her commute home hoping to absorb the alcohol.
With the amount she'd had on dates with Jon she would have thought she'd be immune to the alcohol's effects.

She changed out of her work clothes, did some chores then walked the few blocks to Jon's gallery.

A nice crowd circulated. She didn't remember who was the artist this time, but she liked his landscapes. Very provincial for what Jon normally showed in his gallery. She found him deep in conversation with a tall man dressed all in black. Not wanting to interrupt she found a waiter and asked if they had any water bottles. He brought her one as she waited for Jon to finish.

When Jon did finish, he introduced the man as the artist of the evening. They exchanged pleasantries then the artist moved on
to speak to others.

"I like
his stuff."

"So do a lot of others. He has a good mix between traditional landscapes and actual post-modern art."

"Yes, he does. Do I get a clue about our destination after dinner?"

Jon smiled then kissed the tip of her nose. "No. It's my little mystery, but I think you'll like it."

He'd intrigued her. "No hints?"

"No, no hints."

"Can I guess?"

She run a hand down the center of his chest, looking up at him with hooded lids.

He grabbed her hand before it went any further south. "No guesses."

"Not fair," Donna said.

She really had no idea what he would want to show her. They'd talked about moving, but she liked many things about his apartment. Being a tried and true city dweller she couldn't imagine living in the suburbs.

Jon's a
ssistant interrupted them and Jon had to leave Donna so he could deal with a minor crisis. She mingled as she'd become accustomed to being with Jon. Nodding at what she hoped were appropriate times, her mind was puzzling over where Jon would be taking her.

At the end of the night, Jon locked the gallery and they walked to a neighborhood restaurant.

When they finally sat at a table, Jon asked, "How was your day?"

"Pretty good. The partners finally made the announcement about my promotion. Ken's been filling me in more about what I'll be doing."