Life Rewired (Aspen Friends, Book 3) (31 page)

I was shrugging in response, but Vivian joined us and answered for him. “All she needs is six weeks of vacation rentals and she’ll make enough to cover her mortgage for the year.”

“What?” Cole shook his head. “Damn, we’re in the wrong biz, Fos. Let’s pool our money and buy a place to rent out to rich morons.”

I laughed. “We’d be lucky to buy a horse trailer in this town with our pooled resources.”

“What could we get for renting that, Viv?” he joked.

“Probably a couple hundred a week,” she deadpanned.

“Fos,” Natalie interrupted. “Someone’s here for you.”

I glanced down the hallway to find Yolanda standing in the mudroom up front. That annoying knot started twisting in my stomach again. She must have news.

“Cole, help your brother bring in the new appliances, please,” Natalie said to him, somehow knowing I needed to talk to Yolanda alone. She’d always been intuitive like that.

I waved Yolanda inside as Vivian joined Natalie to oversee the placement of the new appliances. Even with modest changes, the kitchen would end up looking different and more upscale than the one I’d been cooking in all summer. Vivian’s design touches and Natalie’s craftsmanship would make Glory’s house elegant enough to attract high-end vacationers.

Yolanda waited until I closed the bedroom door. “I have something for you to sign.”

“The police want me to show up?” I guessed as I reached for the documents she held out to me.

“Yes. Like we thought, they don’t want to have the guy back out because you don’t show.”

I so didn’t want to see him again. He’d influenced enough about my life. This shouldn’t be happening to me again. Not when I finally had the sense and the incentive to walk away from it. “I don’t want to do this.”

Yolanda studied me. She probably had to talk a lot of guilty clients out of doing stupid things. If she was like most defense attorneys, she had a lot more guilty clients than innocent. “Legally, you’re covered here.”

I flipped through the document, skimming to see that it was exactly as she stated. In exchange for my agreement to show up at a crime in progress to ensure that their intended target complete the crime, I would have immunity for all actions and stolen property found on my person. Yolanda had thought of everything. I’d lose another paycheck to her, but I could now afford it.

“Show up like he asked. Take possession of the rest of Molly’s things and clear out. Don’t let him bait you into anything. The agreement gives you leeway, but based on what you’ve said, the best thing you can do is let him think he’s in the clear. You’re just not interested in joining him.”

“Okay,” I could do this if I had to.

She waited for me to say more. I didn’t know what more to say. I’d do this and hopefully be done. Yolanda had warned the police that, after this was done, they couldn’t just assume I was a suspect for every burglary. That was far more than I could ask for. Just one evening and the wonderful life I’d managed to somehow snare in this serene town could finally be enjoyed.

Late afternoon, I pulled onto a side street and parked three houses down from the target house. The police worked everything out with the new owners to bring in phony boxes and furniture earlier today. It would look like someone had hired a moving company to get the work done before moving in. Truthfully, the new owners weren’t moving in until next week. They agreed to let the police open the doors for the fake movers and leave them open for Brock so he wouldn’t damage the locks, doors, or windows to get in.

Letting out a calming breath, I stepped out of the car. I didn’t see Brock. He was probably waiting for me to arrive first. I’d already driven past the house to get a feel for the scene. I knew the escape routes without having to think about them. I knew the best way to get to the house without drawing attention in daylight. I knew how I would approach this job if I were the one doing it. All of it came to me instantly. What didn’t was the incomparable combination of exhilaration and fear and excitement I used to experience every time I approached a job. Instead I felt sick. Sick that I’d ever gone through with this kind of thing. Sick that I’d made anyone feel unsafe.

I continued past the right street when I still didn’t see Brock. Going by the home you were going to hit more than once got you noticed. I didn’t want to give any of the neighbors a reason to remember me.

A truck came into view down the street. I slowed my gait, wondering if Brock thought of the same approach as I had. Yes, he had. He rolled down the street in a moving truck, no wary look, no unease. That was one of the reasons I’d wanted to stop. He thought his plans were infallible. He should have taken a better look at his team.

I crossed the street and made my way back toward the house. He parked right in the home’s driveway. Bold but not exactly stupid. A moving truck had already been there. Another wouldn’t arouse suspicion.

“Shaw,” Brock greeted as he climbed down from the truck. He was wearing a work shirt with the name “Buddy” on the tag. Sunglasses and work gloves kept his costume as a mover authentic. His hair was gelled into spikey points, unique enough that if someone noticed him, they’d remember the ridiculous hair but not so remarkable to make someone stare. “Knew you couldn’t stay away.”

Asshole. “You didn’t leave me a choice.”

“Such an attitude. You used to be more easygoing, girl. I’ve got a little treat for you.” He walked around to the back of the truck. He unlatched the door and rolled it up.

I nearly smiled when I saw it was partially filled with his take from the first two homes. He really was going to make this easy for the cops. I understood why he had the truck loaded. More than likely it was where he was keeping his stash while he was in town. Keeping it mobile was a good idea. After today’s score, he probably planned to take it to whatever fence he’d arranged. More than likely back in Boulder since that was where he’d had all his contacts. It would also give him the opportunity to bring the team back together. I wondered if they were stupid enough to want to start back up again or would they be as reluctant as I was?

“Impressive, right? Listen, you reconsider and join me on this, I’ll give you a split on what I’ve already got.” His head nodded at the stolen goods.

“Spotter is what we agreed on. Don’t force my hand more than that.”

“You showed because you wanted me to talk you into this.”

“I showed because our agreement was for you to return Molly’s stuff. Where is it?”

He sighed to show his disappointment. “I’m betting you won’t be able to stay away.”

“Her belongings, and don’t come after me or my friends again. I’ll contact you when another job comes up.”

“So testy.” He snorted and pointed to a small box and Molly’s TV on the right side of the truck. “Anything like this comes up again, let me know right away. I watched the movers unload some good shit today. Can’t believe the idiots who own this stuff are just letting it sit here tonight.”

I shrugged as if I agreed with his assessment. Years ago, I would have. Now, I thought more like the homeowners. Locked house, still packed boxes, who would break in? I knew how false that sense of security actually was, but it was still a genuine feeling.

I jumped up into the truck and brought the box to the edge before going back for the television. If anyone saw me walking down the street, I’d look like I was stealing this thing, but I couldn’t worry about that. I just needed to clear out.

“Help me move some of the bigger stuff.” He pointed over his shoulder to the front door.

“Bye, Brock.” I managed the flat screen under one arm and wrapped my other around the box. I’d take this to Yolanda’s to hand over as evidence. With everything else in the truck, they could probably release it back to Molly right away.

“I’ll turn you back, Shaw. Mark my words. We were good together.”

Hurrying to keep from being spotted, I loaded the television into my cargo area and plopped the box on the passenger seat. I started the car and drove past the house. Brock was already inside, probably thrilled that he’d found it unlocked.

A block away, I spotted the first police car. A police van was on the cross street. I was dying to stick around and watch Brock get caught, but I was more eager to drop the evidence at Yolanda’s and hear that this was all wrapped up.

“They just called,” Yolanda told me when I stepped into her office. “They picked up Brock after he’d loaded a few items into the truck.”

Relief swam through me. As slimy as I felt for turning on anyone I knew, I felt equally jubilant to be free of this whole predicament. Everything I’d intended when I moved here was finally free to happen. “It’s done?”

“You may need to testify, but your affidavit will suffice for the parole violation hearing. Best case scenario, he realizes he can’t win and takes a deal. You won’t have to testify in that situation.”

“That would be great.” Amazing, really.

“Go home, forget about all of this. I’ve got Tanner’s ear now, so you shouldn’t have any more trouble with the police again. If anything comes up, let me know.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s my job, Falyn, but you’re welcome.”

I shook her hand and left, hoping that Molly would get her possessions back soon. My stress level was so high I could crash right now, but I had to see Molly. I owed her an explanation and wanted to tell her everything now that I was free to do so.

I couldn’t interpret the look Molly was giving me. She was probably as mixed up about her feelings as I was.

“When I ran into you last week, you had this all planned?”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you,” I reiterated. “I know that’s important to you. I would have told you everything if I could. Please believe that.”

She grasped my arms, hope filling her eyes. “It’s really over?”

“I’ll probably have to testify. I don’t know where or when.”

“Falyn,” she started, her head shaking as if the movement would re-jumble all the thoughts into some sort of order. “I hate that you had to do this alone.”

I reached for a much needed hug. “You gave me your trust last week. That’s all I needed.”

“Whenever you need it, you have it.” She squeezed tighter and turned her face to kiss my head. Her hands caressed my back in soothing motion that I’d come to crave.

“Thank you,” I whispered, tears threatening again. I had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last time her kindness got to me. She’d been surprising me all summer, and there was still so much to learn about her.

“You’re welcome, Falyn. I was pretty worried, I admit.”

I leaned back from her caress to search her still worried eyes. “Yolanda says I shouldn’t be the cops’ first stop after a burglary anymore, but I’ll believe that when I see it.”

“I’m going to give Cherise a piece of my mind when I see her again,” she practically growled.

“She was ready to give you a piece of hers last time I saw her.”

Molly looked surprised. “About what?”

“She didn’t seem to like that we’re together.” I shrugged, still a little baffled that Cherise was the only one upset by our relationship.

Molly’s face transformed into a beautiful smile. “Screw her. She’s just jealous she can’t land Brandy.”

Brandy? As obnoxious as Brandy’s attempts to seduce me were, I wouldn’t wish Cherise on her. Not if Cherise was as close-minded and eager to jump to judgment as she’d been with me.

“I think she wants to protect you from me.” Which was odd because they weren’t good friends, but everything about Cherise seemed a bit off.