keys. They stuffed six of us in the damn thing after we got into a bar fight. It couldn’t even really be considered jail. But anyway, I’ve been to jail too - usually before I was convicted and sent to prison. Go on.” Hank waved his hand for me to continue.
I shook my head with my mouth hanging open. I had so many questions, but I was trying not to get sidetracked, “I figure you may have met someone there that could help me break in and not get caught.”
Mesha laughed maniacally, one hand going over her mouth.
“If they’ve been caught and sent to prison for breaking and entering, are they really someone you can to trust to help you fly in under the radar? But I think I might be able to help you,” Hank ventured.
“For almost a week, he broke into my house every night after I went to sleep because I refused to let him move in with me.” Nicole explained. “I’m pretty sure Hank’s up to the task, Eliza. Don’t let him play that innocent bullshit with you.”
“What?” Hank laughed. “I don’t want her to think I’m a thief or something.”
“Whatever.” I huffed out a breath, relieved that they hadn’t laughed in my face or tried to talk me out of my plan.
“You want to break into a crime scene that’s still under investigation and steal a houseplant?” Hank asked.
“It’s a vine. Well, more than one. The roots are in buckets on the floor, and the vines are entwined on a big wooden trellis. They can’t be injured. They have fruit growing on them that I can’t let die. I’ll need to rent a box truck to transport them so they’re not damaged by the wind while we bring them here. By the way, can I use your garage?”
“Sure. You understand that all the shit you just said is going to leave a whole lot of witnesses, right? A break-in usually requires . . . you know, being sneaky. Usually you’re really quiet. You sneak in and out the back when no one’s watching and you sure as hell don’t draw any attention to yourself. Hypothetically, of course.”
“I realize that, but there’s really no other way. They told Rason they can’t let anybody in there because the structure isn’t safe, and he figures that the plants are destroyed anyway. He’s just written the whole thing off. I want to save them for him.”
“That’s so nice,” Mesha cooed. “Sorry some crazy bitch burned your house down, and you only got out with the clothes on your back. Here’s your fucking fruit plant.”
“Mesha,” Hank growled.
“Well?” Mesha waved her hand.
“She’s right, really, but I still want to do this.”
“Okay,” Hank said as he ran his hand back through his hair. “When?”
“Now?”
“You’ve got a box truck?”
“Well, no. I bet one of the guys from the garage would help me sneak one out of the gate and then bring it back before the owners notice.”
“You are really on a mission to break the law, aren’t you? Keep it simple, babe.” Hank laughed and picked up his phone. He dialed and I heard the phone ringing from the speaker. “Hey, Dot. I need your box truck so I can help my sister break into Rason’s house for some shit.”
“Okay, you need my help? We’re having dinner right now, but I can meet you up at the garage when it gets dark.”
“Sure, I think we might need a few more than just the two of us. This sounds pretty heavy, and I know it’s going to be bulky. You mind calling a couple of the guys to help?”
“I’ll call Harley and Marlin. Maybe Blaze too. They're' pretty good friends with Rason and I’m sure they’d help.”
“Thanks, brother. I’ll see you about 10:00?”
“Sounds good. I’ll have the guys meet us there.”
“Was that Rason’s boss?” I asked Hank, shocked.
Hank nodded. “Texas Kings? Kings Customs? See where I’m going there?” He laughed. “He’s going to help us get this plant of yours. What’s so special about it anyway?”
“It’s what first made me fall in love with him, and I can’t tell him how I feel until the fruit grows.” I blurted suddenly.
“I knew it!” Mesha pumped her fist and pointed at Jayla. “You owe me a month!”
“Dammit. I hate doing dishes,” Jayla whined.
“You two bet on me?”
Nicole held her hand out toward Hank and he reached for his wallet with a sigh. I watched him pull a bill out and pass it along the table to