New Town, New Thief

by Melinda Craig

  Shower done and dressed, there was nothing left to do but head to her meeting with the chief. She pulled on her everyday dark gloves, thankful again for the chill in the air that helped her blend in. With the jacket slipped on and her purse over her shoulder, she opened the front door and began the walk to the station.

  Starry Valley was a small town, but Lindsey found herself enjoying the slower pace. Being a city gal most of her life, the calm setting had surprisingly made its way straight into her heart. She noticed the shops she had yet to visit and made a mental note to stop in while she was still residing in this strange but interesting town.

  As Lindsey walked, she felt pulled to one direction. There stood an odd little store at the corner of her street. Its appearance was almost lopsided but the charm and blue hues of the window shutters, along with the little white painted door piqued her interest. Being an avid coffee drinker, she wasn’t sure she’d have a reason to ever stop into the little tea shop, but still, she found her curiosity over the store enough of a reason to try and check it out.

  “Maybe I’ll stop in after my meeting with the chief,” she spoke quietly to herself, her eyes lingering on the oval sign hanging above the door. It read, “Fortunes and Tea.”

  Placing thoughts of the little tea shop in the back of her mind, it was only a few more minutes before she reached the police station where the chief would be waiting for her. Another involuntary shiver ran down her spine, and in response Lindsey straightened her shoulders and held her head high. She would not look afraid, she was determined on that point.

  Walking through the doors of the station, Lindsey approached the front desk and was pointed to a chair in the station lobby. She nodded her thanks and sat, hoping the chief wouldn’t keep her waiting too long, or else she might lose her cool façade that was at any moment, willing to fade. She wasn’t disappointed, for at just that moment, the chief opened his office and quite literally shook the floor as he walked her way. Gulping and tugging at her dress, Lindsey stood, ready to greet the giant that was nearly in front of her.

  “Lindsey Smith, it is a pleasure to finally meet you face to face.” He boomed.

  “The pleasure’s all mine Chief Keaton.” She nearly squeaked. Lindsey had to lean her head back to look into his unusual violet eyes.

  The chief chuckled and Lindsey thought how out of place the soft sound seemed on his large and very muscular frame. He pointed to his office and asked Lindsey to come in and sit down.

  As the chief walked she noticed how the floorboards seemed to vibrate with each footstep. He motioned her inside what she assumed was his office, and went to sit behind his desk. Lindsey took a minute to study him. His skin was the darkest hue of ebony she had ever laid eyes on. He had to be near seven feet tall, and his massive frame bulged with muscle in his uniform. He had angular cheeks, and again, she found herself drawn to his violet eyes that were a contrast to his skin.

  “You must be wondering why I asked you to meet.” The chief said as he shuffled some paperwork aside on his desk. Lindsey noticed that the chief’s paper bins seemed pretty full, but a quick glance around the office told her he was organized and efficient.

  “Not really,” she cleared her throat trying to sound confident, “I know you’ve hired me to help solve the art theft issue…or more like the mysterious circumstances on how the painting was acquired. I want to be upfront and let you know that I haven’t gotten a lot of new information as of yet, but I know I can gather some results soon. I’ve just got to explore a few more things and with your permission, I’d like to review the recording of the theft some more.”

  He nodded in approval at Lindsey’s directness. She felt her nerves calm.

  “Don’t worry, I don’t expect you to solve the case in a few days. That would be a new record, even with your special talents. I asked you in for two reasons. One, there’s been another theft. Two, I want to talk to you about the possibility of staying here in this town and accepting a semi-permanent position.”

  Lindsey’s eyes widened, her brows furrowing in confusion. She felt her heart pick up its pace and she wasn’t sure if it was excitement over the desire to make roots or fear that the chief was offering her something she desired with a catch. Things that were too good to be true, often weren’t true at all.

  Chief Keaton must have took her silence as a no, as he began to try and convince Lindsey on why she should think about the offer.

  “Look,” He reclined his chair back and placed his large hands behind his head. “We’ve worked a couple cases before. Granted, it was over the phone but I’ve come to admire your efficiency and results. You don’t mess around Lindsey. You get answers, you don’t create drama. You’re in and out. Those qualities are high on my priorities, and frankly, I need more people like you. You could like it here you know. It’s not the city, and it may be hard to blend in overtime, but people will get used to the gloves and you may find out that some people aren’t that different from you.”

  The chief’s eyes flashed a darker hue of violet, but as quick as the moment came, it was gone. She took another minute before speaking, the chief watching her intently. He didn’t seem to mind the gap of silence as she weighed her response.

  “Thank you. I’m not sure what to say right now…but perhaps I could let you know after the case? You mentioned a second theft? Do you have footage of that one as well, maybe I can pick up something new.”

  Pushing his chair back upright, the chief nodded. “I do. And I knew you’d want to see it. I can have Officer Vance show you the footage when we finish up. Think about my offer.”

  Lindsey knew she would be thinking about it for the remainder of the case.

  More Discoveries

  Lindsey’s heart picked up its pace at the sight of Ryan. He gave her a knowing smile and they walked side by side towards the interview/interrogation room. She was just about to speak about last night when another shock hit her as Ryan opened the door.

  “Lindsey, I’d like to introduce you to Jake Laurens, a consultant on the case. The chief has been working with him on another project that may tie into this one. With the second theft happening, I guess he thought you and I needed a little help…although, I think we do just fine the two of us.” Ryan laughed at his own joke, blissfully unaware of the tension.

  Jake cleared his throat. “It’s good to see you again Lindsey.”

  Ryan’s smile dropped as he looked from Lindsey to Jake and back to Lindsey again.

  “I suppose so. Must be a big deal if they brought you in.” She felt her heart quickening again, and a sharp pain hit Lindsey as she remembered her last encounter with Jake. The man had immediately been a thorn in her side, but she had thought a friendship had formed until he’d been ridiculously petty. She shook her head to clear the memory.

  “So I see you’ve both met,” Ryan said as he draped his arm over Lindsey’s shoulders. She stiffened but didn’t shove his arm aside. Did she sense a hint of jealousy?

  Jake raised his eyebrows, “Met? Oh, we’ve more than just met. We worked a case together. She solved it, but nearly got kidnapped in the mix.” He laughed and adjusted his worn cowboy hat.

  Lindsey was surprised that he still dawned his flannel shirt, worn jeans, and boots. Then again, maybe the cowboy attire she had gotten used to, wasn’t part of his cover after all.

  “Really?” Ryan tightened his hold on her shoulders, “You’ll have to tell me over our next dinner Lindsey.”

  “Next dinner…?” She asked.

  Jake laughed and Ryan dropped his arm from her shoulders. Lindsey looked between the two men and tried to make sense of the testosterone she was certainly sensing between the both of them.

  “Of course,” Ryan smiled, though it seemed a little strained. “We’ve got the case to work on and I always think clearer after food. I’ll even take you somewhere new this time.” Stressing the “this.”

  The little show the two men were putting on was quite ridiculous. R
eally, she hadn’t had this much attention since, well, a long time.

  “I’m sure that would be nice,” she said looking at Ryan and then turning towards Jake, “Although it’s good to see you again, I’m not really sure your assistance is needed.”

  “Really?” Jake challenged. “Because I remember the last time we worked together, you very much needed my assistance.”

  Furrowing his brows, Ryan stared at Lindsey and Jake. She felt her temper rising at Jake…not a surprise there, he brought the worst out in her. Jake purposefully insinuating something in his tone, likely to bait Ryan. She had quite all she could take of this macho silliness.

  “Oh give me a break! I didn’t need you to do much of anything. I had the whole situation under control until I ran into you on my way out of Mr. Cade’s house. If you remember, you tripped me.”

  “I tripped you?” Jake replied. “If it wasn’t for my aim, Mr. Cade may have drug you off to who knows where. I think you owe me a thank you.”

  “A thank you! Are you crazy? How was he going to drag me anywhere after being pepper sprayed in the face? I would have drove off it wasn’t for you standing in the door way.”

  Why, oh why did Jake make her lose her temper every time they were around each other? He was infuriating.

  Ryan held up his hands and stepped between the two of them.

  “Whoa, Whoa. Wow…ok. You two have some history,” Ryan gave Lindsey a look, “which you can fill me on later, over dinner…tonight, pretty lady. But until then, how about we put this tension behind us long enough to view the theft. That’s what you were brought in here for, right cowboy Jake?”

  Jake turned his head sharply to Ryan and glared. Ryan wasn’t daunted, picked up the remote, and played the footage of the recent robbery.

  Fortune

  The footage hadn’t given Lindsey any new insight, only more questions. First off, the thief was getting ballsy. He didn’t even try to hide from the cameras. She supposed being able to walk through physical matter made him feel pretty invincible. He did manage to inconveniently pull a full faced winter mask on. Lindsey sighed in annoyance and pulled her blue jacket tighter around herself. The chill was trickling through her dress, and she felt cold to the bone. Not to mention the wind had picked up and Lindsey found herself wishing for something hot to drink on her brisk walk home.

  Leaving the police station had been more difficult then she anticipated, remembering how Ryan had wanted to walk her out, and then Jake annoyingly making the same offer to “catch up.” Lindsey declined them both. She’d had enough male attention for the day. What she really wanted was to get some answers on this mysterious thief.

  The footage showed the thief entering a home and stealing from the safe. He literally stuck his hand through the safe in the wall and walked out with the contents in a bag. Lindsey did gain something small from the footage…she was certain the thief knew the house. He had walked in unafraid, and didn’t spend time searching. He knew exactly where the office was, where the safe was located and she was certain he knew what the contents of the safe were too. That meant he knew the people who owned the home.

  The robbery was reported to the chief last night and the recording was supplied by the home owner’s security cameras. According to the report, a diamond necklace and a couple thousand in cash was taken. The necklace was worth several hundred at least…but not a large enough of an amount that a thief (who could walk through walls) would be tempted to take. Now, the couple thousand in cash…sure that was a nice chunk of change, but come on. This guy could walk through anything. Why not hit a bank or a jewelry store with a lot more than one diamond necklace? Maybe he was working his way up to the bigger ticketed items…but then why start with the art piece at the museum?

  Lindsey sighed. It was something, and something was better than nothing. She had asked Ryan to give her the name of the people who owned the house and their address. She wanted to question them and get a start on listing possible suspects. He agreed, but only if she let him stop by this evening with the information. She just hoped Ryan would be true to his word and give her the info, instead of playing his flirty game. As she walked, the tea shop grabbed her attention once again.

  She shrugged and gave into curiosity and strolled up to the antique building. The oval sign, “Fortunes and Tea,” gave Lindsey a small smile as she thought about someone trying to read her fortune and getting an unpleasant surprise when the tables turned.

  “Definitely no fortune reading for me,” Lindsey muttered.

  “What a shame my girl, you look like someone with an adventure ahead of you.”

  Lindsey jumped and bopped her head on the low hanging sign. She whipped her face to the side and saw an older woman walking around the building…wind chime in one of her hands.

  “I’m sorry, who are you?” Lindsey’s voice came out a little sharper than she intended and she winced at sounding rude to an older lady. “I beg your pardon, you gave me quite a scare…”

  The lady cackled, outright cackled in delight and placed her free hand over her heart. Lindsey looked around trying to see if anyone else was witnessing this oddly awkward moment and thought about leaving as quick as she could. Before she got the chance, the woman spoke.

  “Oh my dear, you’re funny you know that? I haven’t had a good laugh in some time. I did right scare you didn’t I? My name is Felmira Willowshy. I know, it’s a mouthful, but when you get to be my age it doesn’t really matter all that much.”

  Still apprehensive, Lindsey stretched her gloved hand towards the woman and introduced herself, “I’m Lindsey Smith. I think we met briefly in line at the grocery store.”

  “So we did, so we did.” Felmira replied.

  She shook Lindsey’s hand with her free one and then bustled around as though Lindsey’s visit wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. Felmira grabbed a stool by the shop window and climbed up its step to hang the chime beside the entryway. Lindsey watched as the woman moved fluidly, a strange feat for someone her age and she couldn’t help but admire the wind chime as it swung. Forgetting the earlier awkwardness of meeting Felmira, Lindsey closed her eyes to listen to the chime’s lovely melody as it swung in the wind.

  “The butterflies are beautiful,” Lindsey said as she continued to listen, looking at the strung butterflies and watching them sway. Their wings flittered, almost life-like, and spun in a beautiful dance as they moved.

  “Thank you. I felt like the shop needed some spring on this cold day. Speaking of cold dear, you look about frozen to the core. Why don’t you come in and have a drink of hot tea with me?” Felmira opened the white door to her shop and beckoned Lindsey to step inside.

  Lindsey peeked in to see a vintage interior design. Wooden shelves, painted white, lined the walls holding glass jars with mixed tea, herbs, and spices. The two tall windows that were on the storefront entrance, sported deep window seats with a couple intricately designed throw pillows and small tables beside them. She breathed in the aroma of lemon, blueberries, and cinnamon, allowing the fragrance to fill her senses. Surprisingly, the smell was not too overwhelming.

  Stepping all the way through the door, Felmira smiled and had Lindsey sit on one of the window seats. She bustled about with that unusual energy, and walked towards a couple glass jars on the shelf. Adding some of the contents to a white and gold tea pot, she hummed an unfamiliar tune. Hot water was soon added to the pot and the older woman placed the kettle and two small matching cups on a tray. She grabbed a beautifully carved stool and sat it on the opposite side of Lindsey’s window seat so they could face each other as they talked. The tea and cups were sat on the small table and Lindsey watched as the hot steam floated towards her, while the freshly brewed tea was poured.

  “I must confess, tea is not my usual drink.” Lindsey said as she took the cup offered to her.

  “Ah, I pegged you for a coffee drinker at the store.” Felmira smiled, a bit of mischief dancing in her eyes.

  �
��What gave it away? The amount of k-cups or the tired expression on my face?” Lindsey laughed and held the cup in her hands, taking a small sip out of courtesy. The smell of lemon and blueberry once more filled her senses and again, Lindsey was surprised. She enjoyed the warmth of the tea and each drink made her anxiety melt away…it was as though every nerve was calmed and soothed in a warm bath.

  “Coffee is all well and good my dear, but for days like today…I find a nice, hot, calm brew more my style.” Felmira said with a wink.

  “Well, you’ve certainly convinced me to try this brew a little more often. I’ll buy a bag off of you, it’s delicious…although, I’m not going to give up coffee.” Lindsey said, taking another sip from her cup and smiling with contentment.

  Felmira gave another cackle and Lindsey was finding it hard not to laugh out loud with her. The old woman’s feisty cheer was contagious.

  “Well, I won’t hold it against you dear. But, if you trade out your evening cup of coffee for one of my teas, you may find you sleep easier.” She reached over and patted Lindsey’s shoulder.

  Raising her eyebrows, Lindsey could almost swear that Felmira had some kind of insight into Lindsey’s long, sleepless night. She shook her head and scolded herself internally for being so silly. When Lindsey looked up, she met the woman’s eyes, locking in a knowing gaze. The moment was quick but powerful. Lindsey felt a tingle race up her spine and an involuntary chill went through her.

  “All my tea comes with a free fortune.” Felmira said as she reached for Lindsey’s gloved hand.

  “No thank you!” Lindsey yanked her hand away, sloshing some of the tea and slunk back against the window as far as she could. “Trust me, you don’t want to read my fortune.”

  “Oh, I think it’s more like you don’t want me to,” Felmira said, but not unkind, “There are many ways to read fortunes you know. I don’t have to use the palm.” She gave Lindsey a perceptive look.