to my table. I immediately wondered why – why had she come to me? Did she know who I really was? If so, what kind of help was she seeking? She introduced herself as Madeline.
Madeline had the most amazing green eyes. She was well dressed yet looked hungry. Despite her clothing, I knew she wasn’t Elite. I could also sense that she needed something, possibly food, probably something else. She must know, but who directed her to me?
I ordered my favorite, Chicken Kiev, a side of mixed vegetables and a bottle of Chardonnay. Then I hesitated. She really did look hungry.
“Would you like the same?” If she saw that I was willing and able to offer this, it might put her at ease. I was well aware that asking for help could be a daunting task, and I wanted to make this as easy as possible for her.
But, she didn’t ask. Not then, and not as the conversation continued. In between topics, Madeline seemed to be studying me. Was she trying to decide if she could trust me? I wanted to ask, “Why did you approach me?” but instead said, “What do you do, Madeline? How do you spend your days?” Maybe her answer to that would provide some clues.
When she asked, “What do you do for a living, Richard?” I realized she wasn’t going to ask for help. So why was she there, at my table? She had obviously sought me out specifically. But why?
I did discover the answer to my question but not until later that night. Madeline drank too quickly, or pretended to do so, and I ended up taking her home to see how this would all play out. I meant to keep a close eye on her.
Unfortunately, I hadn’t anticipated Rose. Neither her friends nor her family knew we were seeing each other. After Rose left, I waited to be certain that Madeline was sound asleep before I opened the safe. I could help Rose a little. It was the least I could do before ending the relationship.
All of the money was gone, every last gat. So that’s what Madeline had wanted, and she took the opportunity when I walked Rose to Eberhardt’s apartment. But, why was she still here? I immediately checked her purse and coat pockets and discovered a set of keys, an ID issued to Madeline Jones, 24 gats, two tubes of lipstick, a travel toothbrush and a couple of… I shook my head. Was that how she made a living? That and stealing?
Why did she carry two tubes of lipstick? Different colors perhaps? I opened them. Small metal rods poked out of one, a lock pick kit.
Who is Madeline? How did she know about the money? Where did she put it? Why is she still here? More important, what else does she know? I couldn’t leave her unattended, not now.
As I watched her sleep, I replayed the evening in my mind. I wondered if any of the details she’d shared about her life and family were true. When I’d asked about her father, her reaction had seemed genuine, but what about the rest? Did she really work for the Becketts? Should their estate be a future target? We could always use more funding, and I was sure I could uncover a good reason for Lance Beckett to “donate” to the cause.
My thoughts drifted back to Madeline, to her long wavy black hair and her bright emerald green eyes, eyes that had seemed familiar. I’d been serious when I’d asked her if we’d met before, but I didn’t recognize her name.
Eventually, I grew tired. I called Eberhardt and asked him to watch our “guest” through the night.
-Keira-
Friend or Foe?
I blinked. Sunlight streamed through the bedroom window, but a shadow fell over the bed. A large muscular man sat in a straight-backed chair. He stared at me. I stared back.
“Aren’t you Richard’s driver?” I feigned an indignant tone. “Why are you watching me?”
Eberhardt ignored me but called out. “Rick! The girl is awake.”
Richard III entered the room. He appeared rested and ready for the day in a tailor-made light grey business suit.
Why am I being guarded? Is he onto me? I looked past him. The closet door stood open, as did the door of the safe. Oh, hell!
“Good morning, Sunshine! So, where did you put it?”
“What?” I asked in confusion. “Where did I put what?”
“My money. You bat your eyes, pretend to get drunk, end up at my place and steal my money.”
“I