Ethics of a Thief

by Hinrichsen, Mary Gale

  She filled the tub, lit candles and stepped into the water. It felt heavenly. She pushed the jet button and leaned back while sipping on wine. As she tried to relax, the past few days flooded her thoughts, and she worried about Matt.

  A knock at the door surprised her, Lisa asked, “Can I use your tub?”

  “In a few minutes, when I’m finished, then you can.” She smiled, while thinking about how Lisa, at such a young age, cherished bathing. It must be a girl thing.

  After her bath, Abigail got out, emptied the tub and draped herself in a robe. With the door open, she yelled, “Lisa, are you ready?” Within seconds she came in, and they filled the tub. After she was in the water, Abigail asked, “Want jets?” “Yes. Can I have bubbles, too?”

  “Sure.”

  When she returned, she poured the bath oil, turned off the water and activated the jets. “I’ll be able to hear, so yell if you need me, okay?”

  Once she was dressed and returned to the living room, she saw Danny talking to Steven about being at the wheel while on the yacht.

  “Want a shower, Danny? You can use the other bathroom.”

  As he shook his head, he stood and marched into the spare room. Within minutes, he came out with a ball and headed outside.

  This was the first opportunity the adults had to talk, so Abigail gave the details of her ordeal. “At times, I actually feared for our lives, especially after seeing Larry and Sandra’s dead bodies with bullet holes. To make matters worse, four men took over the yacht and were searching for some mysterious treasure. Then, next to us was a touring ship. I tried to signal but failed. Later, I realized it had some connection to the men on the yacht. The whole thing was nerve-racking. While all this was going on, I had no idea you two were looking for us.”

  Steven grabbed her arm. “Did they hurt you?”

  “No, not at all, but I worried about who might be the killer and feared he might kill again.”

  Carry stood and said, “One of the men must have done it.”

  “If you’re right,” Abigail said, “I hope we’ll find out soon.”

  After a period of silence, Steven scooted closer to his sister and took her hand. “You need to know why we searched for you. Something terrible happened, and we needed to tell you and the children.”

  Instantly, Abigail’s eyes became alert. “What? Did something happen to Mom or Dad? You’re scaring me. What is it?”

  “David and Alisa -- they were in a car accident. It happened in Hawaii.”

  “Are they okay?”

  “No. I’m so sorry, Sis, but David didn’t make it -- he died.”

  “Oh my God.” She said, with her hands covering her mouth. “Is Alisa all right?”

  “No. She’s in a coma.”

  “I can’t believe this.” She shook her head with her hands covering her face, then leaned forward with her elbows on her legs, crying. Soon, she glanced at her brother. “Will she come out of it?”

  “The doctors think she might. There are no external injuries. She was smart enough to wear a seatbelt. Unfortunately, David didn’t.”

  “This is more awful than what we went through. It affects all of us. Lisa and Danny, what will they do? When did it happen?”

  “Two days ago. It doesn’t seem possible. David and she just reunited, now this, those poor kids.”

  “Where’s Alisa now? Does Mom know?” Abigail stood and paced. “My God, this can’t be real.”

  “She’s still in Hawaii, but Mom and Dad are there. You need to sit.”

  “No! I’m sorry. I’m having a hard time processing this.”

  “I know. It’s hard for all of us.”

  Soon Abigail slowly came to a stop and sat next to her brother. “This feels like some bad dream. How on earth are we going to tell the children?”

  “I don’t know. That’ll be tough. Want me to?”

  “I’m not sure what to think or do right now.” Silence filled the room. Quickly, Steven got up. “I’ll go get Danny and bring him in.”

  Abigail grabbed his hand. “Let’s wait. When Lisa finishes bathing, we can tell them together.”

  “Will you be okay to do that?” he asked.

  “No. But, I’ll find a way to pull myself together. The children need to know.”

  When Carry suggested they pray, they agreed and asked her to lead.

  “Dear God, we give this situation to You. It’s too much for us to handle alone. We need You to direct us on what to say. Please be with the children when they find out about what happened to their parents. We love You. Amen.”

  Just as they finished, Lisa yelled, “I need a towel!”

  Abigail tried to get up.

  “Are you sure you’re up to this?” Carry asked, placing her hand on her shoulder. “I’m so very sorry that you have to go through this.”

  “How am I going to tell them? Those poor children, what will become of them? I just can’t believe David’s dead. Now, they’re fatherless. What if Alisa doesn’t make it? What then?”

  “I have the same concerns.”

  Lisa yelled again, “Aunt Abigail, did you hear me? I need a towel.”

  While going to her niece, she wished it was all a bad dream that would end soon, but she knew it was the truth, because it felt all too real. While walking to the bathroom, she told herself, I have to be strong. Lisa needs me. As she choked back tears, she prayed, Dear Heavenly Father, please help me, give me strength. Help the children understand. Somberly, she walked toward the bathroom and glanced back at her friend with a heavy heart.

  Chapter Twenty-two

  After Matt and his men spent hours being questioned by the FBI, they were finally free to leave. Special Agent Parker scheduled for Matt and Jack to return the following day. The men were relieved that the worst was over.

  After dropping his friends at their cars, Matt was fatigued beyond belief. While being interrogated, he told the truth about everything, but didn’t offer anything. Tomorrow’s interrogation he could do without, but had no choice in the matter.

  Once home, he took a quick shower and headed for the pool.

  After ten laps, he relaxed by floating on his back as he visualized her pale blue eyes and dazzling hair. I never met a woman with such incredible inner strength, he mused.

  Although it was only hours since he saw her, he longed for her and hoped he found a place in her thoughts. It surprised him that he missed the children, Danny with his adventurous spirit and Lisa with her big brown eyes. It was useless to stop obsessing about her -- the more he tried to dismiss her from his thoughts, the more she occupied them.

  After towel drying, he laid down on a lounge chair, near the pool. As he closed his eyes, he saw her alabaster skin and wanted to touch it. How hopelessly he wanted her. Yet, he didn’t even know her last name. When he heard his cellphone ring, he answered. It was Jack wanting to meet up at Starbucks in an hour. After agreeing, he quickly went to his condo, took a shower and changed. Then, off he went to see his friend. Once he arrived, Jack stood waiting. After they entered, they ordered coffee and found a private table.

  While Jack stirred his coffee, he asked, “What happened to the Fabergé egg?”

  “The boy has it. I put it in his carry-on.”

  Jack’s eyebrow lifted, “What? Why there?”

  Matt sipped his coffee and wiped his mouth. “Did you actually think the FBI would let me take it home? I don’t think so. So, I wrapped it in the leg of the boy’s dirty jeans.”

  “What now?”

  “Good question. I don’t know where she lives. In fact, I don’t even know her last name.” Matt crossed his legs, and took another sip.

  “But, I do.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Jack grinned. “The Coast Guard agent asked how I knew Miss Wilson. How many Abigail Wilsons could there be? She should be easy to find.”

  “Boy, did the Coast Guard screw up, that’s great.” While shaking his head, he said, “You’re the man. I’ll find where she live
s and go tonight.”

  “But, what about the FBI? Won’t her place be under surveillance?”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know, but do you want to take that risk?”

  “Yes! If I don’t get it now, Abigail might find it and hand it over to the authorities.”

  “Okay, but make sure you park on the next street. Go in through her backyard.”

  “You’re telling me how to break in?” Matt grinned.

  Jack laughed out loud. “Sorry. I keep forgetting your line of work.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

  After Matt returned home, he grabbed the phonebook, found her address and got directions. Quickly, he got in his car and drove by her place without stopping. There were no cars around. He drove on the street behind hers and discovered that he could gain access through the backyard. The only obstacle was a four-foot cement wall that stood between the two houses. Easy!

  On his way home, he stopped by a deli near his home. While consuming his sandwich, he planned the break in. First, he’d check the boy’s room, then the laundry area. When he remembered that the boy had wanted a telescope, he decided he’ll mail him a gift certificate, but then decided against it. If Abigail discovered that he had her address, she’d freak out. If she calls the FBI, it will make things worse for him. So he decided to wait until after the murder investigation.

  At three o’clock in the morning, Matt woke up. After getting dressed, he headed out the door. Not wanting it to appear like a break in, he took his locksmith keys. Once he drove near her home, he parked. As he walked into her neighbor’s backyard, he reached the wall and a dog next door started barking. So he threw the meat he brought, and the dog quieted down.

  When he reached Abigail’s back door, he took off his shoes and reached in his pocket for the keys. Within five minutes, he opened the door. Then, he carefully tiptoed down the hall and listened for any movement. The first room he entered belonged to Abigail. The moonlight was shining brightly through her window.

  My God, she looks like an angel, with that golden hair framing her face.

  As he backed out, he stepped on something causing his shoulder to hit the wall. He stood perfectly still, and she didn’t awaken, so he headed toward the next bedroom, which was Danny’s room where he was sound asleep.

  While vigilantly searching the room with his flashlight, he nearly tripped over a baseball on the floor near the closet. Danny’s shoes and clothes lay in the middle of his room. In the left corner, next to the headboard, the flashlight exposed a bag. Quietly he tiptoed, so as not to disturb the boy’s sleep. After snatching the bag, he traced each step back to the door. Danny turned and made some noises, so Matt again stood silently.

  After Danny settled down, Matt stepped into the hall, placed his hand into the bag and felt around until he pulled out a tightly wrapped pair of jeans. Quickly, he placed it on the carpet, unrolled the jeans and grabbed the treasured egg.

  After returning the bag to the boy’s room, he tried to exit when Danny rolled over and kicked back his blankets. Soon, he returned to his slumber. As Matt passed Abigail’s room, he glanced at her beauty again, smiled and left without a trace.

  Once he returned home, he gave the Fabergé egg a thorough examination and sat the magnificent piece on the kitchen counter.

  He’d have to wait until after the FBI interview to give it to Jack -- then he could determine its true value. But, for now, he must get some sleep. Soon, he’d awaken for his morning appointment. As he thought of Abigail, he relaxed.

  When Matt arrived for his appointment, Jack was waiting and reading a magazine. They greeted each other.

  Jack whispered, “What do you think she told them? Would she mention kidnapping?”

  “We’ll soon find out. What time’s your appointment?”

  “Eight thirty.”

  “Is yours with Agent Parker?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  Within minutes, Special Agent Vorty walked into the waiting room, introduced himself to Matt, and, as they turned to leave, he glanced over his shoulder at Jack and shrugged. As the two men walked, he noticed that the hallway gave the allusion of going on forever, due to its gun-metal gray color with a black stripe.

  As they walked past one door after another, they reached the end of the corridor, turned left down another hall and stopped at the third door on the right. Vorty stood at attention at the door, waiting for Matt to enter. The large room held a small desk, a phone and four chairs around the walls with a floor lamp in between. There were two chairs in front of his desk. Vorty motioned for him to sit. The unwelcoming walls held credentials, certificates and plaques.

  Agent Vorty continued to stand until Matt was seated, then he proceeded to go behind his desk and sit. He took out papers from a leather folder and read. After a few minutes passed, he set them down, opened a drawer and pulled out a yellow pad. After grabbing a pen, he glanced up. “Would you like some water or coffee?”

  “Yes, coffee, black please.”

  Soon, he pushed a button and said, “Linda, please bring two black coffees. That’ll be all, thanks.”

  Matt swiveled around in his chair, crossed his legs and then uncrossed them while tapping his fingers on the armrest. “Why am I here?”

  “I read the notes from your interview. Things don’t add up.” There was a soft knock, then the door opened and a short, auburn-haired woman with freckles entered.

  “Coffee, gentlemen?” After placing the cups on the desk, she asked, “Anything else?” Vorty shook his head. The woman turned, walked out and closed the door.

  “We’re puzzled about a few things. What can you tell me about Mr. Forelli?”

  “He works for the T.D. Harbor Cruise Ship Corporation as a captain and gave harbor tours. Besides that, he’s pretty mysterious.”

  “What else does he do for them?”

  “You’d have to ask him or the administrators at the corporation.”

  “Miss Wilson stated that there was a touring vessel out at sea next to the yacht. Do you know anything about that?”

  “Yes, it belongs to the Top Dogs. They knew our course and came out near us. There’s nothing sinister about that, is there?”

  “Then, why did they depart when your captain fled?”

  “You’re asking the wrong person. I haven’t communicated with them to ask.”

  “Who are the Top Dogs?”

  “They’re twenty men that own the touring vessel and T.D. Harbor Cruise Ship.”

  “How did Forelli end up on the yacht?”

  “From what I understand, the Kilgores hired him to replace their captain for a few weeks. They got his name from one of the Top Dogs.”

  “Then tell me, how is it that you and your friends ended up on the yacht?”

  “I told your other agent, didn’t he write it down?”

  “I’m asking you the questions, Mr. Willingham. Who gave you permission to board the yacht?”

  “Forelli asked Robert and Brent, and Robert said he would if he could invite Jack and me -- we’re all friends.”

  “Did the Kilgores know?”

  “Forelli might have told them, but I don’t know for certain.”

  “Why did you decide to go?”

  “Because in return for our service, we had the pleasure of being out on a new, beautiful yacht, and we weren’t expected to do much.”

  “What were you and your cohorts searching for?” Matt folded his arms and stared, while taking in a deep breath. “Please answer my questions. What were you looking for?”

  “Something the Kilgores may have smuggled.”

  “I understand that your real motive was to steal something.” he said, without taking his eyes off of Matt.

  “Then, you understand incorrectly.”

  “What do you do for a living?”

  “What does my employment have to do with a murder investigation?”

  “Do I have to remind you, I’m conducting the interview?”
r />   “The same company as Forelli.”

  “Did you murder Mr. and Mrs. Kilgore, Mr. Willingham?”

  While glaring at the agent, he took another deep breath and slowly let it out. “No, I did not.”

  “Can you prove it?”

  “I’m presumed innocent, remember? It’s your job to prove differently. Isn’t that true, Mr. Vorty?”

  “If you’re so innocent, who killed the couple?”

  “Again, that’s your job to find that out.” They were staring each other down.

  “Miss Wilson said you became upset when she asked about your connection to the touring vessel. Why?” Matt was stunned and unable to speak. He wondered why she told them as he squirmed in his seat. “You must answer my question.”

  “That’s personal. It has nothing to do with the case.”

  “Let me decide that, Mr. Willingham.”

  “Why did you get so upset?”

  “Look. Do I need to call my lawyer?”

  Vorty tapped his pen on the paper nervously, then slowly stood and said, “No. This interview has ended, you’re free to go. But, don’t leave town. Do you understand?”

  “Yes. That won’t be a problem.”

  “Goodbye, Mr. Willingham. I’m sure we’ll speak with you again, soon.” His deadpan expression didn’t give a clue as to his thoughts.

  When Matt reached the parking lot, he didn’t see Jack’s car, so he pulled out his cellphone. It rang, but there was no answer, so he left a message: “Call Me.”

  Chapter Twenty-three

  While Abigail tried to stay busy, she worried when she saw the children’s grieving faces. They both seemed to be going through the motions of everyday life. Constantly, they asked to be with their mother, but were told not yet. They needed to wait until arrangements were made to bring her back to San Diego.

  As she stood at the sink looking out the window, she turned when she heard footsteps and saw Lisa’s sad brown eyes squinting.