The Heist (14 page)

“Don’t try to get in my head, Lee. I know my sister—you don’t.” She couldn’t stand the smug look in his eyes. “So what’s this job? You got those stones. You’re a very rich man.”

“I was already a rich man without them.”

“True, but when the word spreads that you made the score, no one will question your reputation, or your ability to deliver. That’s more than money.”

“Ah…but everyone will know who my night-raider was, what then?”

“Take all the credit. Keep my name out of it.”

“They’re too hot to unload,
Chocolat
.”

“That’s your problem. You knew the world would be looking for them before you got greedy and went after them,” she snapped back.

“I can probably move them in a year.”

“Then do it. Like you said, you’re already a rich man. What is it that you need me for?”

“Pops’ debt.”

Michelle covered all outward indication of how much she dreaded hearing the details. But the details were what she would need if she was to understand the latest threat to her and her sister. “What did Pops do? And what does it have to do with the Golden Chalice?”

Lee leaned in. “I thought the Chalice was a myth?”

“I don’t know what it is, I just know that you want it, and it has something to do with my father.”

“He flipped for the Feds.”

“Not true.” Michelle shook her head. “He was a lot of things but he was no snitch.”

“He did, sweetheart. It’s the truth.”

“No. You’re playing me. I want a direct answer. What happened between you two?”

“He betrayed me. He broke every code we believed in. That’s the truth.”

“Did you kill him?”

“No. But I know how you can find out who did.”

“So it wasn’t a car accident?”

“It wasn’t. But you already know that, don’t you?”

“How? How did my father die, Lee?”

The car stopped in front of her brownstone. She looked up to Sasha’s window, saddened at seeing the lights off. She had hoped to get her to open up tonight. Lee picked up the gifts and placed them in her lap.

“Open them.”

Michelle did as he asked. If only to hurry up his little game so she could get upstairs and regroup. Put together more pieces of the puzzle that was Pops’ life.

In the first box, under a sheet of black tissue paper, was a pair of open-toe, rose-colored, Gucci pumps. She covered them back with the tissue paper and opened the next: a canary-yellow slip dress, with rose trim woven into the floral embroidery around the bodice. It looked to be backless.

She fingered the fine threads then shook out the dress and inspected it.

“A party tonight. Escobar is hosting. Every councilman in the Order will be attending, and a few private guests, such as yourself.”

“Me?”

“You and I will be attending.”

“You think I’m crazy enough to walk into a trap? If Pops is dead because of these men, then what will they do to me? Especially if they think he turned over for the Feds? Do they think that? Forget it, Lee. No thanks.”

“Get dressed. I’ll wait. I know this is an event you want to attend. I’m your only way in.”

Michelle glared at him for a moment. “Did you send me an envelope today? Are you trying to get in my head? Bait me? Your seduction failed so now you’re using my love for Pops? I really had you wrong all these years, Lee, or maybe Pops had you wrong. That’s it, isn’t it? He never really understood how cold and ruthless you truly are.”

Lee just stared at her. Reaching for her purse, the dress box and shoes, she stepped out of the car with the door held open by Abahti.

“Michelle?”

She looked back.

“Send
Chocolat
back down, okay? I think I like her better.”

Michelle huffed off then raced up the front steps and disappeared into the safety of her home. She dropped everything. Her purse, Lee’s gifts, she left it all at the door.

“Sasha! Sasha!” She hurried into her sister’s room. It was empty except for a note resting on her pillow. Michelle scanned the few lines of scribble.

Michelle,

Things are too intense with us now. I think we both need some space. Sorry about everything. I never meant to hurt you. Forgive me. Going to crash with my friends for a few days. I’ll call you and check in. Maybe we can sit down and really talk soon.

Sasha

Chapter Thirteen

Lee placed the calls ensuring his plans for Sasha were in place. She’d followed his instructions to the letter. Lee was pleased. He waited over an hour for Michelle’s return. Just when he thought she had blown him off, a vision of beauty emerged from the drab dwelling the Dixon sisters called home. Her leather trench covered the dress. Her hair was curled in dark locks around her shoulders, framing her face.

When the car door opened for her again, she entered wearing the fragrance he had become accustomed to. She didn’t smile or even look at him. Yet she was there, and that was a small victory. Lee had to be careful of her motivations. She was more agreeable than he believed she would be. That meant there was something in it for her.

“You look beautiful.”

“How long will we be gone?”

“Six days.”

The car drove off.

“Wait. Six days? I can’t be gone for six days! What kind of party is this?”

“All will be explained to you soon,” Lee said. He noticed the heated stare she gave him. He expected some protest. Not the irritation in her soft brown eyes. The night they shared had an effect on him. What, he wasn’t sure, but it did. Slipping her a look and trying to read her expression, he saw none of the passion he felt. Maybe he was wrong to think there was something between them. Either way he was determined to find out.

“I know why you want me in front of Escobar,” she began in a calm steady tone. “You want to send a message. A public one. It’s not like you, Lee, to show your hand so soon. Wouldn’t it be wiser to leave them guessing?”

“Guessing?” Lee frowned.

“Yes, about me…what I’m doing….”

“That you’re mine?” Lee asked.

“I’m not your plaything.”

“Mmm, you sure about that?”

His hand covered hers. She looked down at his touch.

“If it’s Sasha being left alone, then….”

“Do me a favor, keep her name out of your mouth. What I do for you has nothing to do with her. She’s a non-entity to you. If I find out you’re going after her, Lee, then I don’t care what you threaten me with, I’ll settle this thing with us permanently. My way.”

Lee found her façade amusing. She was always tough. A tough kid, a tough jewel thief, a tough woman. But he’d touched that softness she kept guarded from others. Maybe when this was over, when she helped him find the Chalice, they could try again. He’d considered it once with another woman, another lifetime. Michelle Dixon made him want to risk it again.

“Don’t worry about clothes. I took the liberty of having some things packed for you.”

“Why gee, Lee, you shouldn’t have.”

“I even have a better coat choice,” he noted with a raised brow, hinting at what they did to the last one. Then she blew his mind by crossing her legs and giving him a hint of her thigh. She didn’t bother to cover it. Lee couldn’t resist. He ran his hand up the slender curve, easing the hem of her dress back.

“Don’t,” she said, placing her hand on his. He fought back the primal urge to go further. Removing his hand, he released a frustrated sigh.

***

Michelle trained her gaze on the fleeting city as they traveled the highway. They were headed south. Then the car stopped. Lee put his fingers in her hair; they reached in through the thick strands and brushed her nape. The soft caress sent a current of pleasure through her to the bone. “You’re with me tonight. I want every councilman in attendance to know it. Understood?”

“Yes,” she breathed.

He leaned forward and she turned her head. Without thought, she kissed him. It was natural for them both and ended that way. “I do enjoy you, all of you,” he said, and then traced the tip of his tongue over her bottom lip. “I promise you, you’ll have the answers you seek.”

Her hand went to his chest to push him back. “What does The Order want with me, Lee?”

“Don’t you worry about that, beautiful, all of it will be clear in time.”

Abahti opened her door. In his hands awaited another mink coat. Of course, she would have to look the part of Lee’s companion, so she wasn’t surprised to see it. Untying the leather sash, she removed her trench under the chill of the night. The slip dress hugged her curves like a second skin with such flattery that Abahti’s usual stony expression softened, and his eyes gleamed with approval. Michelle didn’t object. She slipped her arms through the warmth of the coat and closed it. The dark sable hairs ruffled from the caress of the wind.

“It’s as if it were made for you,” Lee told her. Stepping up behind her, he pressed his cheek to hers and snaked his arm around her waist. “So beautiful.”

Michelle moved out of his hold when she enjoyed it too much.

“Shall we?” He extended his arm and she accepted it. Together they approached the six-seater helicopter. Black and sleek, it was barely visible against the starless night.

“I think now is the time, Lee. You need to tell me what this is really about.”

“Escobar has invited the council. The men you’ve heard Pops refer to as ‘The Order’ will be in attendance. It’s a high rollers game.”

Michelle’s heart stopped. “Poker?”

“Yes,
Chocolat
poker. You do remember how to play poker, don’t you?”

“How much?”

“Ten million dollars a chair.”

Then she knew. “Joker’s Wild? You’re taking me to Joker’s Wild?”

Pops bragged once about being dealt in. Though he was covering for Lee’s bounty, she’d never seen him so excited over anything. A private invite only, the winner walked away with the entire bank, more than fifty million.
So it’s Escobar’s turn to host?
Michelle could only guess at who made the list.

Lee read her thoughts. “Diamonds isn’t your only talent. You didn’t think I knew?”

“I’m not Pops.”

“That’s right, you’re better. Besides, the two of us together will change the face of the game, don’t you think?”

“I think you’re taking all the risk. I hope the payoff’s worth it.”

Michelle smiled. She was actually looking forward to it now. The helicopter glided over the city. They would meet his jet at an undisclosed location, then head to an island of which she had only heard rumors. Curious, she addressed Lee. “What’s your real motivation? If I’m to help you win, then I need to know our mark, and don’t give me that ten mil lie, because I know there is a bigger objective. There always is with you, Lee.”

“Being played by Pops cost me respect. You on my arm will help me regain it. Escobar needs to know
Chocolat
is back in the game, and that she belongs to me.”

“Why would Escobar care?”

“Because he had a hand in your father’s death.”

Chapter Fourteen

As they entered the beachside estate, Michelle fell into her role with ease. Part of her, the part she thought she had exorcised, had secretly lusted for this moment. Holding Lee’s hand, she passed beautiful women and the men to whom they belonged. She had to sneer at the way those whores postured. She wasn’t one of them. She could never be. She had earned her right to be there. Pops had made sure of it.

They were relieved of their coats. Michelle immediately appreciated the attire he’d chosen for her; it made her stand out even more. Heads turned when they stepped through Escobar’s home.

“Lee!” Consuela, Escobar’s wife, sashayed over. She shimmied from her large breasts to her covered toes in a golden-beaded garment that was cut just for her. “¿
Cómo está
, Consuela?” Lee greeted her.

The raven-haired Latina petted the Yorkshire terrier in her arms and offered her cheek. Lee kissed it. Her eyes then fell upon Michelle with mild interest. Apparently, Lee seldomly attended with a woman on his arm.

“
Bien
. Escobar, he will be so glad to see you. So glad.”

“This is
Chocolat
. Pops Dixon’s daughter.”

Consuela’s face drained of blood. Apparently, she’d known Pops, and not fondly. Michelle extended her hand. “Hello, you have a lovely home.”

“Ah…um,
gracias
. Enjoy yourself,” she replied. The dog snapped at Michelle. “Shh…no…no…
mami
.”

She walked off, tossing back one final look before circling the room to find her husband. When Consuela sidled next to a short Latin man with tattoos that covered his neck and probably every inch of skin under his tux, she whispered in his ear. It was Escobar. His black-serpent eyes crossed the room to meet her stare.

“Looks like you’ll get your wish. Escobar just made us.”

“Good.” Lee took her hand and led the way.

Michelle looked past the other mingling guests. Escobar was a short man but very athletic in build and of Mexican descent. He was larger than life, despite his height. One of the most compelling men in the room, he both challenged and intrigued her, as most Alpha males always did.

She kept her hand in Lee’s but took note of those in attendance. Michelle could make the men before she heard their names. There was Monk Eastman, the head of the
Kosher Nostra
, a play on
la cosa nostra
for the Jewish mob. He was tall with pale skin and clear pale grey eyes. Monk had long shaggy brownish hair that he kept parted at the center and tucked behind both ears. Michelle believed he dealt mostly in trafficking; Pops hated the guy. But he admitted that no one could unload hot stones like Monk and his men. It was rumored he had a hidden treasure trove filled with jewels and priceless artifacts taken by the Nazis during Hitler’s reign. The Golden Chalice, according to the clippings, would be something of interest to Monk. If Monk was okay with robbing descendants of the Holocaust, then there wasn’t much he wouldn’t do.

On his left was Big Jack Zerlig, and on his right, Max “Kid-twist” Zerlig, who ran Monk’s organization all the way back to Israel. Michelle knew each of them after her job in Prague drew Monk’s ire. She took pride that the spear was sold to the Israelis. Served his creepy butt right.