Finders Keepers

by Kris Lillyman

  “Didn’t I say I was up to the challenge?” She grinned.

  “You know, I believe you did.”

  “I can’t go falling at the first hurdle then, can I?”

  “No you can’t.”

  “Until seven-thirty, then. Goodnight Jake.” She leant over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek and he savoured the smell of her and the gentle touch of her lips on his face. But then she turned and walked away.

  “Goodnight, Lizzie,” he said after her and she threw up a hand and waved without looking back. He watched her for a few moments longer, admiring the way she walked, swaying her hips confidently like the model she had once been. Then, when she was maybe forty feet away, she yelled, “Hey Jake! I like three sausages and plenty of bacon - I hope you got that!”

  He couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, I’ve got it! He yelled, already knowing he would lose the challenge and very much looking forward to defeat.

  Chapter 28

  The next morning, Jake arrived at the restaurant at seven-twenty to find Lizzie already there going through her warm-up routine.

  “Hey there, Limey - wassup, you’re alarm break?”

  Jake laughed. “Yeah, something like that.”

  She looked great, even in the old Abercrombie T-shirt and frayed Daisy Dukes she was wearing. Her hair was pulled tightly off her face and held in place by a white towelling scrunchy. Her pony tail falling freely just like a real pony’s tail. Her legs were long and golden and glistening with coconut oil which smelled deliciously tropical on this beautiful Caribbean morning. Lizzie’s Nike’s were high-end, custom-fitted and clearly well used and if he didn’t already, Jake knew now that he had a race on his hands.

  Jake wore a battered Quiksilver T-shirt and a pair of lightweight Billabong combats. His Nike’s were off the shelf but equally well used. As he performed a few stretches Lizzie admired him out the corner of her eye. Even in his scruffs he was a sight to see.

  “You ready?” Jake asked a moment later.

  “Born ready,” she smiled.

  “Want a head start?”

  “Not a chance.”

  “Thought not. Okay, once around the resort then down onto the beach until you see the trunk of a big palm tree lying half into the sea. Then turn and head back. I’ll point out my place on the way - we’ll finish there, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “Alright then, Lizzie. On your marks, set - go!”

  The pair of them shot off as if their lives depended on it and were pretty much neck and neck as they headed down passed the Club House and around into the small village square which had a little supermarket, a deli and a Starbucks. Resort staff were out sweeping the walkways and tidying the lush gardens, the sprinklers were on soaking the rich green lawns and the water was running down onto the narrow road as Jake and Lizzie splashed by. It wasn’t long before they were dashing past the small block of exclusive apartments which were owned by resort club members and then down onto the road that ran parallel with the beach which was dotted with the first hamlet of private bungalows. Minutes later they were running around the southern end of the golf course but soon left that behind as they headed up the cliff road into open countryside with breathtaking views of the sea. They had fallen into a rhythm by then, their legs perfectly in sync as their feet lightly slapped out a steady beat on the tarmac. Both of them were still breathing easily as they approached the next small hamlet of bungalows. Jake was starting to sweat a little now as they were going a little faster than he normally would. It wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle but he was glad when they were heading downhill again into an avenue of tall palm trees which offered them a welcome canopy of shade that shielded them briefly from the early morning sun.

  Five minutes later they were adjacent to the little cluster of dwellings that belonged to Jake’s neighbours and then on passed his own bungalow which was the last one in the row. He pointed it out to Lizzie who was at his shoulder, and said, “That’s my place, right there. That’s where we’ll finish, okay?”

  “You mean that’s where you’ll cook me my champion’s breakfast?”

  He laughed. “Maybe,” he said, suddenly shifting it up a gear and leaving her behind.

  “Oh, you wanna play it like that, huh?” She shouted after him, “Well okay then, that’s fine by me!”

  They were both enjoying themselves immensely as they bounded down the little track that led from Jake’s bungalow and onto the beach. Once they were on the sand Jake knew it was a straight two and half miles to the downed palm tree and then the same back. This was where the race would be won or lost, running on the sand was much tougher than on the road and it was a case of whose stamina was the better. Jake was still ahead but only marginally and he could hear Lizzie’s footfalls right on his tail. The girl was fit there was no doubt about it but Jake felt he had it under control.

  Jake was sweating hard as they approached the downed palm tree that marked the halfway point of this final section and Lizzie was right there with him. They were neck and neck as their feet simultaneously struck the tree trunk before turning and heading back.

  Then, like an Olympic athlete, Lizzie suddenly kicked and found a new burst of speed which quickly left Jake floundering some way behind her. She laughed wickedly, “See you there, Limey! Mmm, I can already taste that bacon!”

  “Hey! What are you, a ringer or something?” He called and heard her giggle.

  Jake couldn’t help but chuckle. Until now, he had been semi-toying with her and had always intended to let her win, just for the sheer pleasure of having breakfast with her. But now he really did have a race on his hands. She was quick and had already built up an impressive lead. The sun was now heating up nicely and Jake knew he would struggle to catch her. It was one thing to let her win, but to let her win by a considerable distance was more than his pride could stand. Instantly he put his head down and shifted it up a gear, determined now to make a proper race of it.

  Jake did gain ground but no matter how he tried he just could not seem to get closer than a few feet away from her but then, with maybe less than a quarter of a mile to go, Lizzie suddenly seemed to flag. She was good and fast but she too had been running at a much quicker pace than she was used to and the sun which by now was climbing steadily into the clear, cloudless sky, was really starting to give off some heat and taking its toll on her stamina. With Jake’s bungalow now looming large in the distance he suddenly appeared at her shoulder. But he was breathing heavily as he said, “Hey there, Yank - how’s your cooking?”

  Puffing hard but still smiling, she replied, “You’re not going to find out today, Limey!” As soon as she said it, she magically got her second wind and once again put her foot on the accelerator. Jake was still hot on her tail, but try as he might, he couldn’t fully catch her. She was going to win and there was nothing he could or wanted to do to stop her.

  He was literally a couple of feet behind her as they both bounded up the little track from the beach and onto his veranda but by then it was over and she had deservedly won.

  Lizzie threw her arms into the air and jumped up and down. “Haha! I win, I win!” She exclaimed like an excited child. “How’d you like that, Mister Lime!”

  Jake couldn’t help it as he started laughing at her. The sheer joy of seeing how pleased she was warmed his heart and made him happier than he had been in a very long time. “Okay, Lizzie!” He chuckled, “I give in. You win. You got me fair and square.”

  She was laughing too now, mainly at herself, at how stupidly pleased she was with herself. “I’m so sorry,” she giggled, “I don’t know what’s come over me, I’m not usually such a competitive brat. But I did beat you didn’t I?” She laughed again, her legs almost giving way under her as the pair of them howled, tears streaming down both their red, worn out faces.

  Then, without thinking, as if it was the most natural thing in the world
, Jake hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. She was so adorable that he just did it spontaneously but the second he did it, the moment changed. Not for the worse but for something that felt more meaningful. The laughter stopped and for a second there was nothing before Jake broke away, “So, guess I’m cooking breakfast?” He said somewhat awkwardly as he pulled open the french windows and stepped into the bungalow.

  “Yep, guess so,” she replied, smiling. “Maybe I should take a shower first though, huh? Cos I would bet I don’t smell too good about now.”

  “Yeah,” he smiled, “Me neither. You go first - the juice is in the fridge, help yourself, and the shower’s at the back. There’s fresh towels on the shelf. I’ll put on the coffee and grab a shower after you.”

  “Sounds great,” she said softly. “Back in a bit.”

  * * *

  Lizzie appeared a short while later looking fresh and clean. Her hair was damp and loose and she was wearing one of Jake’s old surfer T-shirts. “I found this in the bathroom - I hope you don’t mind?”

  She looked absolutely beautiful, even stripped of make-up and dressed in the oversized shirt. How on earth could he mind. “Course not,” he said. “Be my guest. There’s fresh coffee in the pot and today’s papers are out on the table. Let me just get a quick shower myself then I’ll make a start on that winner’s breakfast of yours.”

  “Can’t wait,” she said, “I’m starved.”

  * * *

  Lizzie sat on the veranda and blew her coffee. She was having a good time, enjoying herself. But it was not supposed to be this way, it was all wrong. Jake was supposed to be the mark, not a potential suitor. Yes, she was supposed to get close to him, to maybe even make him fall for her, as bad as that was, but it was all for the greater good, strictly part of the mission. Clean, detached, controlled. But she felt far from in control. In fact she felt out of control. She was already smitten - just on the strength of these two dates and even after knowing what had happened with him in the past, maybe because of it. Even though Jake had tried to be a closed book, there was a vulnerability about him, a sadness, which she wished she could tell him she fully understood. But that was not part of the plan.

  She knew if she had these feelings she should get out. All her instincts were screaming for her to do so before either he or she got hurt but she was being relied upon to do her part. It was her turn and she had to see it through but deceiving Jake just killed her. Lizzie knew she should perhaps back-off at least, give him a bit of breathing space and her some time to compose herself as things were moving way, way too fast. But she couldn’t help herself, she wanted to be with him, to see more of him, to see if what she was feeling was real. It was as simple as that. The mission was important. The most important thing in her life but she was also a woman and this man had taken her breath away. And that was important too.

  “Penny for them,” Jake said as he came up behind her and sat down. He was now wearing a crisp white polo shirt and a pair of beige knee length needle cord shorts.

  “Sorry?” Lizzie said, a little startled.

  “A penny for your thoughts,” he said. “You looked miles away just then.”

  Lizzie smiled at him, “Yes, I was, for a moment. But I’m back now - and ravenous! Where’s my breakfast? She snarled playfully.

  “Ah, yes, my apologies. One champion’s breakfast coming right up!”

  * * *

  The delicious aroma of sizzling bacon was irresistible as Lizzie wandered into the kitchen a short time later. Jake was working hard at the grill, a washcloth draped over one shoulder as he turned the fat, spitting sausages with a spatula.

  “Anything I can do to help there, Chef?” She asked.

  “No, thanks - I think it’s all under control - sort of,” he replied with a wry grin. “You like it crispy, right?”

  She smiled. “Guess so.”

  “Good. Be ready in a few minutes. Oh, and by the way, I threw your clothes in the washer - hope you don’t mind. They’ll be ready after breakfast. Didn’t think you’d wanna be heading back without them.” Then he blushed, “Just wearing that old shirt of mine is what I meant.”

  “Yeah, yeah - sure you did, Mister Lime,” Lizzie teased.

  “Honest!” Jake held his hands up in surrender as he started laughing.

  “Oh sure,” replied Lizzie sarcastically. Then said, “So where are these paintings I’ve heard about?”

  “Through there.” Jake nodded to the bedroom. “Help yourself. Don’t expect too much.”

  Lizzie strolled through to the bedroom where she found the canvases, maybe twenty or thirty, all lined up in uneven stacks leaning against the wall. An empty easel was standing there too.

  Immediately she was struck by how good they were. She was no expert but had grown up in a house that had been filled with expensive paintings so had a keen eye for talent. And it was clear that Jake had it in abundance.

  She picked one up, a seascape painted during a tropical storm, and placed it on the easel to appreciate it fully. She stepped back a few paces to admire it more. It was sensational, the brushwork and use of colour absolutely staggering.

  “Wow, Jake!” she called, “These are amazing. Really, really good. I had no idea —”

  “Sorry?” I can’t hear you. Did you say something?” Jake yelled back over the loud sizzle of bacon.

  “I said, that you’re paintings are really good. You’re very talented, Jake.” Lizzie said sincerely as she came back out of the bedroom.

  “Thanks,” he replied. “Breakfast’s ready.”

  “Great. I mean it though, Jake. You’re work is excellent - really something.”

  “Thanks,” he said again, a little embarrassed, “That’s nice of you to say. Come on, let’s eat before it gets cold.”

  Again Lizzie noticed how deftly Jake changed the subject when it came around to him and was once again struck by how different he was to what she expected. She felt really conflicted about what she had read about him in the report, which she had studied again on the flight over. He was definitely something of a conundrum and had she not already known it for certain, there was no way she would have believed that this softly spoken, witty and self-deprecating gentle man was the very same person who had stolen those diamonds.

  * * *

  Jake and Lizzie fell into an easy rhythm as they chatted and laughed through breakfast, feeling more and more comfortable in each others company, then a little after eleven she made a move to leave. Jake retrieved her now clean, dry clothes from the dryer and turned his back whilst she put them on, trying hard not to think about what she looked like as she shrugged her tiny denims on over her firm, shapely bottom. Lizzie tied her Abercrombie T-shirt in a tight knot under her breasts exposing her lean brown midriff and impossibly flat stomach to make the most of the sun on the way back to her bungalow. “Okay, you can turn around now, I’m decent,” she said. “Thanks for the loan of the shirt, I’ve left it on the chair.”

  “No problem. It looked much better on you than it ever did on me.” He smiled.

  “Thanks. And thanks for the breakfast” she said. “It was just as billed.”

  “You mean crispy, don’t you?”

  “Just a little. But it was great, though,” she said, scooching her bare feet back into her expensive Nike’s.

  “Hey, no. A deal’s a deal and you won fair and square, champ.”

  “That’s right, I did, didn’t I?” She giggled.

  Jake wanted to kiss her and sensed that she was willing him to. But, with an effort, he restrained himself. Lizzie had got to him. She had somehow broken through the barrier, that huge wall he had put up which he thought would never be knocked down. Already his feelings, which had been dormant, almost completely absent for so long, had been awoken - shaken abruptly to life by this beautiful, funny, intelligent woman. He had to force himself to take it slowly, to
be sure that what he was feeling was real. Because if it was then she deserved to know the truth about him and that was something he thought he would never be able to tell anyone.

  “Will you have dinner with me again tonight?” Jake asked her. There was an intensity in his voice and the humour had gone.

  Lizzie stopped giggling. Knowing that the moment had changed again, desperately wanting him to kiss her but berating herself for it. She knew she should say no to dinner. To keep him dangling would be the wise move, keep him waiting for a couple of days before seeing him again, but she couldn’t help herself. “I’d love to,” she said.

  “Good. How about I pick you up just before sunset, then we can watch it together.”

  “That sounds lovely,” she said. “But I’ll meet you here.” Then, unable to resist, she leant in and brushed his lips with hers, too quickly for Jake to respond. She didn’t trust herself to linger there any longer, suspecting that if she did she would never be able to tear herself away. “See you tonight,” she said, then instantly turned and left before Jake had a chance to stop her. By the time she was down the hill and out of sight he was already missing her and couldn’t wait to feel her lips on his once more.

  Chapter 29

  That night, after watching the spectacular sunset together, Jake took Lizzie to an exclusive restaurant on the sea front. There was soft music, candlelight and a very romantic mood and the heat between the two of them was rising dramatically.

  Jake couldn’t help himself. He was intoxicated by her. He suddenly felt alive again, revitalised, vibrant even, like nothing he had felt in a very long time.

  She was in a white, vintage Yves Saint Laurent dress with bare arms and a low neck that made the most of her tanned cleavage. Her shoes were simple white Louboutin sling backs with trademark red soles and killer heels. Jake had on a linen shirt, a lightweight beige suit and the same soft brown loafers that he had worn the previous evening. As a couple they looked exactly right, beautiful, stylish and wealthy as if they had stepped directly out of the pages of Vogue.