Ethics of a Thief

  “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.”

  Chapter Twenty-six

  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 brin
g 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.”

  While he was gone, she said a quick prayer. I need wisdom, help me not be rude, or fall into his arms, he is so perfect for me.

  When he returned with a coffee, he sat across from her.

  “I’m sorry for my attitude, Matt.”

  “Enough with ‘I’m sorry.’ I know what you thought.” He gazed at her until her face was flushed, and she turned away.

  While he sipped his coffee, she had a chance to regroup. “What do you know about the case, is there anything new? Has anyone been arrested?”

  “After Forelli spoke with the FBI, he was told not to leave town. But, they kept him under surveillance. When he tried to split, they arrested him. Now, he’s their official prime suspect for the murders.”

  “What evidence do they have?”

  “I’m not sure. His bosses, the Top Dogs, aren’t providing him with a good attorney. It would be a waste of money, with his federal criminal record to deal with.

  “Do you think he did it?”

  “He’s maintaining his innocence, so who knows. It’s possible someone else did it.”

  “I think so, too,” she said.

  “Why?”

  “Probably from watching too many TV shows, oftentimes the obvious person is later eliminated as a suspect.”

  “But, if he is innocent, why would he jump ship?” Matt asked.

  “Most likely because he didn’t want to get caught with two dead bodies and four thieves. That would give a man a reason to flee. But, that’s just one woman’s opinion.”

  “And, I’m one of the thieves, I get your point.”

  “I wasn’t intentionally trying to make a dig.”

  “Do you want to hear more or not?” he asked.

  “There’s more? What?”

  “Someone else was arrested: Luke Percy, Forelli’s direct boss.”

  “Why?”

  “For many reasons, the FBI discovered he had a beef with Mr. Kilgore about some business deal gone wrong. Plus, Luke and Forelli were tight, so they concluded Luke might be behind the murders. They also heard that Luke’s company had an audit. It resulted in evidence implicating Luke in embezzling several hundred thousand dollars from his partners. So, once the FBI discovered all that information, he became a suspect with a motive.”

  “What was the bad deal between Larry and this Luke fellow?”

  “Robert said Larry smuggled something and used Luke’s underground auction contact. When Larry received his money, he shortchanged Luke about a hundred thousand dollars.”

  She sat and stared, trying to digest everything. She said, “Based on what you’re telling me, Forelli might be the murderer. That means my female instincts just left town.”

  “You’re so cute. I love your humor.”

  When Abigail noticed the children walking toward their table, she gave a warm smile.

  Danny postured himself by the table. “When can we visit Robert and Brent?”

  “Right now,” Matt said, while standing and waiting for Abigail. When she was ready, he said, “I’ll show you the way.”

  While walking to the wheelhouse, Danny asked about the Fabergé egg.

  “It’s not what we were searching for, but it is valuable, so you’ll get your telescope.”

  While grinning, the boy said, “Really, my own telescope?” He turned to his aunt. “Did you hear that? Matt’s getting me a telescope.” But, she didn’t respond.

  “Promise me something,” Matt said. “You must let your sister look through it too, okay?”

  Lisa gloated when Danny reluctantly had to agree.

  “When can I get it?”

  “That’s up to your aunt -- today, if she agrees.”

  Suddenly, Danny stopped and spun around. “Can we get it today?”

  Quickly, she said, “We’ll discuss that later.”

  As they walked up the ladder to the wheelhouse, Abigail’s face reddened. How dare he use the children to get to me? Once they entered the wheelhouse, the children ran up to Robert.

  Suddenly, Matt pulled Abigail aside, “Look. I’m sorry if you’re offended. But, I feel obligated to that boy. It was he who found the Fabergé egg. And, I did promise him a reward. Would you let me do this one thing for him?”

  “You set me up. If I say no, I disappoint and hurt him. You seem to make a habit of placing me in awkward positions. That boy has gone through too much already, so you know I can’t say no! In the future, please don’t offer either child anything without speaking with me first in private!”

  “Does that mean we have a future?”

  “No. That’s not what I’m implying. I’m saying you have invited them to lunch, to a movie and now offered to buy a telescope, each time putting me on the spot. I don’t like it! Those children are in my care. I need to protect them.”

  “From a thief like me … is that what you’re insinuating?”

  “Okay, if you want honesty, then, yes!”

  “But, you told me that all saints have a past and all sinners have a future. I guess that doesn’t apply to me.”

  “It does, if you’re a saint or a repentant sinner. S
o, let me ask you: Did you decide to no longer be a thief? Have you repented or paid restitution? Have you accepted God’s grace and forgiveness? Frankly, I don’t think so. Am I wrong here?”

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  As the Harbor Cruise came to an end, Abigail and the children thanked Robert for inviting them. “Let Brent know that we missed not visiting with him, will you?”

  “Sure.”

  After a while, Matt said, “Can I walk you to your car?”

  “Sure,” Lisa said, while reaching for his hand.

  As they headed for Abigail’s car, they leisurely walked, and Abigail listened to him interact and laugh with the kids. She questioned why she was so judgmental and disapproving of him. Is it to push him away? Was it right to assume he was being nice to them to get to me? That doesn’t seem fair to him or the children.

  Deep inside, she knew he enjoyed them and wanted Danny to have a telescope. But, that meant Matt was in possession of the Fabergé egg. So, indirectly, the boy was being paid for helping a thief. Talk about inner conflict: I have to decide what’s more important, my high standard or Danny’s dream coming true.

  When she thought about the recent days, and how they had been trying to survive their family crises, she decided, I’ll gladly exchange self-respect for Danny’s happiness. Her next decision was how to handle its purchase. Should Matt help select it, or should they choose, and he pays later? She decided to let him help select and buy it. They could take it home and be done with it. No further contact.

  As they neared the car, she listened to them talking. Lisa asked, “Can I get a dollhouse?”

  Matt said, “No.” Abigail beamed and wanted to give the man five gold stars.

  She swiftly turned to Danny. “Which stores sell telescopes?”

  “There’s one at the mall. A science store, I think it’s on the same floor as the theater.”

  “I know the place,” said Matt. “When do you want to go?”

  “Today,” Danny said, with his eyes bright, giving the situation his full attention.

  “That’s your aunt’s decision,” Matt said. “Would today work for you?” He searched her face, as he waited for her response.