Thief of the Heart

by M. J. Williamz

  “You really are smooth. And so handsome to boot. I bet you seduce a lot of women, don’t you?”

  Kit shrugged, unwilling to admit the truth.

  “I just enjoy the company of attractive women. Is there anything wrong with that?”

  “And just what makes me attractive?”

  “Your eyes for starters. They’re the color of milk chocolate and they glisten when you smile.”

  “Oh, my. Don’t stop. Tell me more.”

  Kit laughed. She was still unsure whether or not this woman would be up for seduction, but it was certainly worth a shot.

  “Your hair shines. It looks soft and silky.”

  The woman ran her hand over her hair.

  “This old mop?”

  Kit laughed again.

  “That’s not a mop. That’s a well-cared for head of hair.”

  “Okay, okay. I won’t pester you anymore. You’re very sweet and very kind. And you shower me with compliments like I haven’t heard since I was a much younger woman.”

  “Your husband doesn’t tell you every day how beautiful you are?”

  “Hardly.”

  “He’s a fool.”

  The woman placed her hand over Kit’s.

  “You’re too kind.”

  She pulled her hand back but not before Kit ran her thumb along it.

  “Tell me about yourself,” Kit said. “Where are you from? I detect an accent, but I can’t place it.”

  “I’m from Missouri, if you must know. In the States.”

  “Ah. A Midwest accent. Got it. I’m from the States, as well.”

  “I figured. And where are you from?”

  “Maryland.”

  “You don’t have an accent. I would have pegged you for West Coast.”

  “Really? Nope.”

  “So, what are you doing here? You’re not in the tournament. You’re not gambling. What brings you to this casino on this night?”

  “It’s early still. I’ll gamble a little later. I love roulette.”

  “I’d love to watch you play.”

  “What? And take my attention away from you? That’s not going to happen.”

  “You really are sweet. I’m enjoying you very much. I get the feeling you’re dangerous though.”

  “Dangerous?” Kit said. “How so?”

  “Like I’d better stay on my toes with you.”

  Kit extended her hands, palms up.

  “I’m not nefarious in the least. I’m just looking to pass the time, same as you.”

  “Okay. If you say so. Though I’m not sure I believe you.”

  “What could I possibly do that would make me dangerous?”

  “I don’t know. It’s just a feeling I get.”

  “Well, relax. I’ll go get another bottle of champagne.”

  “Another one?” the woman said.

  “Sure. Why not? What else would you be doing if not sipping Dom Perignon with me?”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Kit thoroughly enjoyed the woman’s company and almost felt bad about planning to rob her. Almost, but not quite. Maybe she was getting soft. Maybe it was time to get out of the game after all. She’d certainly have to give it some serious thought.

  “If you were a man, I’d think you were trying to seduce me,” the woman said as they finished their second bottle of champagne.

  Kit decided it was time to make her move.

  “I’d love to seduce you,” she said. “I’d love to show you how a beautiful woman should be treated.”

  “Buy me another bottle of Dom Perignon and I just might let you.”

  Kit grinned at her.

  “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

  She purchased another bottle and returned to the table.

  “Bring your chair around and sit next to me,” the woman said.

  Kit faltered. She didn’t want to sit with her back to the entrance.

  “You come over here. We’ll people watch together.”

  “You’re the only person I want to watch. But I’ll come join you.”

  They got situated and Kit placed her arm around the woman’s shoulders.

  “Isn’t this nice?” Kit said.

  “Very.” She snuggled closer.

  Kit was feeling good about things. One more bottle of champagne and the jewels would be hers. Then she’d be free and clear to meet up with Savannah.

  “You know, I’ve never done this before,” the woman said.

  “What’s that? Been with a woman?”

  “Cheated on my husband.”

  “Oh, you mustn’t think of it that way,” Kit said. “We’re just a couple of women having a good time. No more, no less. And after tonight, I’ll be out of your life which you can go on living guilt free.”

  “I like the way you think.”

  “Thanks. Now, relax and enjoy your champagne.”

  They finished the bottle and Kit escorted the woman back to her hotel.

  “Should we have told your husband we were leaving?” Kit said.

  “No. I often leave earlier than he does. It’s fine.”

  Kit pleased the woman in the manner she knew she’d never experienced and lay next to her until she heard the soft snores indicating the woman was asleep. She dressed quietly, pocketed the jewels, and let herself out. Another successful night.

  She hailed a taxi and made it back to her place. She stashed the jewels, took a shower, and rode back to the casino. She still had time to play some roulette before she and Savannah were meeting.

  Kit was winning. She felt unstoppable. It seemed she could do no wrong that night. She only hoped the next few hours panned out as she planned, as well.

  She was just about to place one more bet when she sensed a presence behind her. She turned to see Savannah standing there. Savannah beamed at her and Kit smiled back. She gathered her winnings and left the table.

  “Hey there. You look ravishing,” Kit said.

  “Thank you. I hope I didn’t disturb you. You still have time to play some more.”

  “Nonsense. Let’s get out of here.”

  “Let me powder my nose first. I’ll meet you out front.”

  Kit waited in the cool early morning air. It was crisp and made her feel alive. Her whole night had made her feel more alive than she had in a long time. The robberies were fun, but not that challenging. She had to admit she’d been a little leery about that night’s target. She was thinking she might have missed the mark. But then she had turned on the charm, kicked everything up a notch, and ended up with a beautiful haul. She turned when she heard the casino door open and her heart soared at the sight of Savannah.

  “All ready,” Savannah said.

  “Great. Let’s get some food. I’m famished.”

  They wandered into a restaurant that was open twenty-four hours and found a table.

  “You look radiant tonight,” Savannah said.

  “Thanks. I had a really good night.”

  “Did you win a lot?”

  “Babe, I scored big time.” She couldn’t fight the smile that she felt spread across her face.

  “That’s great. Winning looks good on you.”

  “Thank you. And how was your night?”

  “I enjoyed myself immensely. I watched the tournament a lot. Poker players fascinate me. I don’t have a poker face myself, so I could never play. But I do love to watch.”

  “Good. Did you play anything yourself?”

  “I did. I tried my hand at roulette. And, remembering everything you taught me, I managed to win a little.”

  “Good for you. That makes me so happy.”

  “It made me pretty happy, too.”

  When breakfast was over, Kit took Savannah’s hand and they walked back to her hotel.

  “What a glorious night,” Kit said.

  “And a beautiful sunrise.”

  Kit followed Savannah’s gaze and saw the sky highlighted with pink and orange hues. It looked like a painting. It matched her mood, glowing bright
. She was with a woman she adored and was about to spend her morning making love to that woman. Life couldn’t possibly get any better.

  They kissed in the elevator, and Kit knew her hair was a mess from Savannah running her hands through it. She didn’t care. She was about to get naked with Savannah. She couldn’t care less how she looked at the moment. Savannah wanted her and that was all that mattered.

  Kit wondered anew about life on the gambling circuit. They passed several people on the way to Savannah’s room and Kit thought about how elsewhere in the world, people, normal people, would be asleep at that hour.

  When Savannah’s door closed behind them, Kit took her in her arms and held her tight. She felt the swell of Savannah’s breasts pressed into her and felt them rise and fall as Kit nibbled her neck, earlobe, then lips.

  Savannah’s response was visceral. She needed Kit more than ever. And Kit didn’t seem to be in any hurry to leave. Could this be the night? Finally?

  And then she remembered the diamonds she was wearing. Is that what had Kit so worked up? Would they make love finally only to have Kit steal from her when she dozed? It had all come down to this. It was the moment of truth.

  Kit broke the kiss and stood looking into Savannah’s eyes. Her deep blue eyes showed her desire and Savannah had to look away.

  “Is everything okay?” Kit said.

  “Of course. Better than okay.” She hoped she sounded more convincing than she felt. She was scared. That was the truth of the matter. In a few hours, Kit could be arrested and taken from her life forever. That’s what happened when you fell for a criminal. She had to stop that train of thought and focus only on Kit.

  Maybe she wasn’t the thief. Maybe she and Savannah could make mad, passionate love then start a calm, restful life together. It was possible, wasn’t it?

  Her phone buzzed in her purse.

  “Who’s texting you at this hour?” Kit asked.

  “I don’t know. Let me check.”

  She pulled her phone out and walked to the window to read it in privacy.

  We’re on our way to your suite. There’s been another robbery.

  Give me a minute.

  We’re on our way.

  “Shit,” Savannah said.

  “What’s up?”

  “Bad news. Would you mind if I take a rain check? I need to deal with some stuff.”

  “I’m sorry. I’ll leave. I’ll see you soon?”

  “Definitely.”

  She opened the door and kissed Kit good-bye, then dressed in street clothes to go interview the victim. Li and the rest of the team showed up minutes later. They might have even passed Kit. How would that look?

  Ugh. She hated the cat and mouse game she and Kit were playing. She wanted to be completely honest with Kit, but was Kit being completely honest with her? She had no way of knowing. The only way to find out would be to sleep with her. With an agent waiting outside the door. Great.

  “You ready, boss?” Li said.

  “I am. Where are we going?”

  “The hotel is only two down from here. The victim is pretty shaken up. She says it was a woman, boss. You may be on to something.”

  Savannah thought she would be sick. How she wanted to be wrong about Kit. How desperately she wanted her to be innocent. Maybe the woman wasn’t Kit. Maybe she’d learn something else when they got there. But she knew better.

  They arrived at the room to find the fingerprint team working away. An older woman sat on the bed, dressed in a blue silk robe. Her eyes were red rimmed from crying and her cheeks were splotchy and swollen.

  “Hello, Miss…?”

  “Mrs. Mrs. Miller. And you are?”

  “I’m Agent Brown. I’m the lead on the team. Can you tell me exactly what happened?”

  “She was raped.” Savannah heard the shout before she saw the large, bald man enter the room with a glass of water. “Some freak took advantage of her and raped her and robbed her.”

  “Is this true?” Savannah said.

  “I wasn’t raped,” Mrs. Miller said quietly.

  “You don’t know that. You were passed out. Who knows what that freak of nature did to you while you were asleep?” the man continued to rant.

  “Mr. Miller?” Savannah said.

  “I am. This is my wife. She’s clearly been taken advantage of.”

  “Okay,” Savannah said. “Now, I really need to hear the story in your wife’s own words. Would you mind waiting in the other room for a few?”

  “Fine. But then I’ll tell you what really happened.”

  “That would be great. Officer Nguyen here will take your statement.”

  Li shot her a look but dutifully followed Mr. Miller to the sitting area. When they were out of earshot, Savannah turned her attention back to Mrs. Miller.

  “I wasn’t raped,” she said again. “Nothing happened. Not like that.”

  “Okay. So what did happen?”

  “A nice woman walked me back to my room. I must have passed out and when my husband got home, we discovered that my diamonds were missing.”

  “Your diamonds are insured, aren’t they?”

  “Of course. But they were a family heirloom so they’re irreplaceable.”

  “I’m sorry. Now, can you describe this woman to me?”

  Mrs. Miller shook her head.

  “Not really. I’d already had a few drinks when she approached me. She offered to buy me a drink. Several bottles of champagne later, we came back here.”

  “Several bottles? That must have taken some time to consume. So you must have noticed something about her. What color hair did she have? What was she wearing?”

  “She had dark hair.”

  “Short or long?”

  Mrs. Miller shook her head.

  “I want to say short, but I can’t be sure.”

  “And her attire?” Savannah probed.

  “I’m pretty sure she was wearing a black suit.”

  “Like a tux?”

  “I can’t remember.”

  Savannah exhaled.

  “Mrs. Miller, we really want to catch whoever is behind this. So I need you to think as hard as you can and tell me anything you remember.”

  “Her eyes,” Mrs. Miller said.

  “What about them?”

  “They were blue. Bright blue. And so expressive.”

  Savannah’s stomach roiled. She knew one person who had the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. Fighting overwhelming nausea, she stood and handed Mrs. Miller her card.

  “If you can think of anything else that might help, please don’t hesitate to call.”

  “Please catch her. I want my diamonds back.”

  Savannah didn’t have the heart to tell her they’d probably already been fenced by then.

  “We’ll do our best.”

  Li walked into the room.

  “All through here?” he said.

  “Yes. Did you get any information from the husband?”

  “Quite an earful.”

  “Okay. Let’s head back to my suite and compare notes.”

  They arrived at Savannah’s suite at eight thirty. She was exhausted and frustrated and sick to her stomach. But she was working a case. That was the single most important thing in her life at the moment. She needed to get her priorities straight once and for all.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “What did you learn?” Li asked. “Was it the woman you’ve suspected all along?”

  Savannah took a deep breath before she spoke.

  “It could be. It could very well be. Mrs. Miller couldn’t describe her very well. She couldn’t say how long her hair was or what she was wearing. The woman I suspect was wearing a tux last night. I’d think Mrs. Miller would remember that. But she didn’t. The only thing concrete we have to go on is that the suspect has blue eyes.”

  “And the woman you’re after? Does she have blue eyes?”

  “She does indeed.”

  “This is great. This is awesome. Let’s bring your suspec
t in for questioning. Like now.”

  “Because she has blue eyes? That’s hardly reasonable. I’ll continue to work on her. Now, what did the husband say?”

  “Something about a deviant who took advantage of his wife’s naiveté. You heard his theory. He’s sticking by it. Do you think that woman took advantage of Mrs. Miller?”

  Savannah didn’t want to think about it. The concept of Kit sharing the bed of another woman didn’t sit well with her.

  “I don’t know,” she said. “I think it’s another case of a rich woman being seduced by a young charmer. I do believe they slept together. And then she robbed Mrs. Miller. I, however, believe the sex was consensual. There’s something about this woman that makes older women unable to say no. She’s dangerous. She’s a menace. And we have to catch her.”

  She fought the tears that threatened. She didn’t like describing Kit that way. She was so sure it was her again and she hated that the woman she was falling for was a cold, manipulative criminal.

  “So are you going to seduce her?” Li said.

  This made the other team members sit up straighter. They were focused on her. She had their undivided attention.

  “That’s the plan. I’ll keep you all posted. Now go get some sleep. I’ll see you all Friday.”

  They left, and Savannah stripped and climbed into bed. She checked her phone before falling asleep and there was a text from Kit. Shit. Why did her heart skip a beat when she saw it? She needed to be cool.

  Worried about you. Everything okay?

  Fine. I just had some stuff to deal with.

  She waited but there was no answer. Kit was probably sawing logs. Something Savannah needed to do. She closed the drapes and fell sound asleep.

  It was three o’clock in the afternoon when Savannah finally awoke. She stretched, kicked off the covers, and reached for her phone. There was another text from Kit.

  I’m glad you’re okay. Lunch?

  Savannah checked the time on the text. Two hours before. Damn. She wondered if Kit would be up for dinner.

  Savannah: Sorry. Just woke up. How about an early dinner?

  Kit: Sounds great. I’ll pick you up at five?

  Savannah: Excellent. See you then.

  Kit: I can’t wait.

  Savannah: Me, either.

  And as she typed it, she realized it was true. She missed Kit. She couldn’t wait to see her again. Who cared if she happened to have blue eyes? That didn’t make her the guilty party. Or did it?