Ethics of a Thief (25 page)

Both she and Steven had dazed expressions as they watched him walk away.

“He was on the yacht with you and the children?” Steven asked. “He has some nerve coming here. I’ll tell him to leave!”

“No. The children like him. They’ll be happy he’s here.”

“You must be kidding. He kept you three hostage, and the kids will be glad to see him?”

“Yes. He watched over us and was very kind to the children. In fact, in some strange way, we all felt protected by him.”

“You never cease to amaze me, Abigail Wilson. You’re still picking up stray dogs, aren’t you?” After turning pink, she walked into the chapel. When she sat, she whispered to the kids, “Matt’s here.” They both grinned. “He’s really here?” Danny asked. Abigail nodded. They sat back with their hands in their laps.

The minister walked up to the podium, said a few words and introduced a woman who sang “Amazing Grace.” When she was finished, the minister asked David’s brother to come say a few words. After him, some close friends said heartfelt and loving comments. Those present could hear the love and devotion his friends and brother had for David.

After the minister gave the sermon, he recited “The Lord’s Prayer,” followed by, “Those of you who are believers will someday be reunited with David, and it’ll be for eternity. Let that be our comfort. Please come and give your last respects, starting with the last row.”

Each attendee, one by one, walked by the casket before exiting the church until it was time for those in the immediate family to say goodbye. As the children left with their family, they heard the casket close behind them. The kids abruptly stopped, turned and stood, while they watched the casket being carried out of the church. Tears filled the children’s eyes, and Lisa said, “Goodbye, Daddy.”

Once the casket was placed in the vehicle, it started to drive away. Lisa waved and yelled, “Goodbye!” Once the car was out of sight, she turned to her aunt. “Is Mommy going to die, too?”

“We’re praying she’ll be okay, Honey. She’s doing well and is resting, so that’s a good sign.”

“But, what will happen to me and Danny if she dies?”

Elizabeth was listening and quickly approached them. “You’ll stay with us, and visit Aunt Abigail on the weekends.” Danny and she were silent as they headed for the car. They saw Matt in the parking lot walking in their direction. As they got closer, he bent and sat on his heels and opened his arms. Danny accepted his hug, but quickly pulled away. “Why are you here?”

“For you -- I care about both of you. I’m so very sorry about your dad. Will you be okay?”

“They just closed the casket, and it was loud,” Lisa said, with a solitary tear creeping down her left cheek.

“I’m so sorry. It must be awful for you.”

The children both nodded, and their faces were grim. “We can never see him again,” Danny said.

“But, I heard the preacher man. Didn’t he say you’ll see him in heaven forever?” The kids were silent as they looked away. “I guess that doesn’t help you right now, does it?”

“No. I want him with me now,” Lisa said, while crying. “I want him to stay here.”

“It’s hard to say goodbye to your daddy … he was the only one you had.”

It surprised Abigail to see Matt comforting the children and how he seemed to know exactly what they needed to hear.
The man just keeps on amazing me with his contradictions. How can a thief be a kind gentleman? How can that be?

While glancing out the window, Abigail decided to water her roses. Although the yellow ones were plentiful, she wished the peach ones would have produced more. It was a lovely day. The blue sky was arrayed with feather-like clouds that helped cool the temperature. For her, being outdoors was always uplifting, so she took a lounge chair and placed it under the old sycamore tree, and brought a book to read.

Though she missed the children, she enjoyed having a day of leisure. While reading, she fell asleep. Once awake, she went inside for a cold drink. While pouring iced tea, she heard the phone ring. It was the store saying the telescope had arrived. She searched for and found Matt’s business card and called, but he didn’t seem surprised -- he must have received the same call. They agreed to meet.

After being out in the sun, her shower felt heavenly. Soon, she was dressed, had a bite to eat, and was on her way. When she arrived at the store, Matt was outside and greeted her with a hug.

She stepped back, while searching his eyes, and said, “Thank you.”

He stared at her for a second. “For what?”

“The children needed all the support they could get, and you being there was helpful as they experienced the most difficult day of their lives.”

“You don’t get it, Abigail -- I care about them.” He turned to go into the store.

At the counter was a young red-headed clerk with his paperwork. His pockmarked face gave him a rugged look. When he didn’t notice them, Matt said, “Excuse me.”

“Oh. Sorry. Can I help you?”

After Matt handed the young man his receipt, he examined it, pivoted and went into the storage room. While waiting, Abigail recognized Matt’s cologne. It was
Passion for Men
. Before long, the clerk returned with a box and placed it on the counter.

Matt shifted his weight and asked, “Does it require much assembly?”

“Some. But, it should be easy. A Phillips-head screwdriver might be the only tool you’ll need. But, I might be wrong. It’s been a while since I put one together.”

After paying and thanking the young man, they left. Matt insisted on carrying the box to her car. When they arrived, he placed it in her back seat. “I’ll follow you home.”

“Why?”

“To assemble it for Danny.”

His innocent way of asking caught her off-guard and caused her to feel foolish to refuse. While driving home, she realized her address was in the local phone directory, so there was no reason to be concerned about him knowing where she lived. She checked the rear-view mirror; he was still following.

When she got home, she was pleased that her gardener was finished. The man did such a wonderful job on her front yard. The colorful flowers that hugged her house looked fresher, the bushes were manicured, and he even trimmed the tree. She also noticed new flowers in the circular planter around the tree trunk. The yard gave her place a homier look.

After he parked, she walked up to her front door expecting him to follow, but he didn’t. When she turned, he was taking a toolbox from his trunk and laid it by the garage door. Then, he removed the telescope from her car. “Want this assembled in the garage?”

“No, it’s too hot. Come in, I’ll fix some iced tea.”

After entering her home, he said, “I like your place, it’s cheerful.” He walked to the large window and pulled back the pale, green sheers to let in more light. “It seems we have the same taste, we both like contemporary.”

She yelled from the kitchen, “Matt, can you come in here?”

When he entered the room, he said, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I wanted to see if you prefer soda.”

After shaking his head no, “I thought you saw some creature you wanted killed.” After having a laugh, he asked, “I need a few towels or a sheet, so I don’t mess up your light-colored carpet.”

“Oh, sure.” When she walked past him, she took in the scent of his cologne. She had given that product to her brother a few times -- it was her favorite. After finding some towels, she returned.

When he took them from her, he laid them on the carpet. “I need a box opener.”

After searching the kitchen drawers, she came back with a knife and a single-edged razor. “Can you use either of these?”

After he nodded his answer, she said, “Use lemon?”

“What?”

“Do you want lemon for your tea?”

“No. No sugar either.”

After bringing his beverage, she placed it on a nearby table and watched him at work. In the past, she might have questioned herself as to why she let a man in her home while alone. But, instead she was amazingly comfortable and felt safe in his company.

Soon, he finished assembling the stand, then he placed the telescope in its slot and secured it. When finished, he placed it near the window. He returned, sat on the couch and felt the texture of its fabric.

After refilling his glass, she sat at the other end of the sofa and watched him admire his finished project.

“I’m glad he selected that one,” he said. “It’ll last a while. Danny’s old enough to take good care of it.” While looking at her, he said, “If you ever have a chance, take him away from the city lights. It’ll help him to see the stars and planets more clearly.”

While finishing his tea, he asked about the children. So, she told him they were with their grandmother overnight. When he left, he went to the front door and stopped. He circled around to face her. “Go to dinner with me tonight, will you? I know a great place in La Jolla. It overlooks the cove and shore. I hate going to nice places alone, would you come with me?”

She surprised herself when she said, “Yes, that sounds pleasant.”

“Pick you up around seven?” he asked, as if not surprised by her response.

“That’ll work.” She followed him to his black Porsche. “So, can two people fit in that thing?” After chuckling, he said, “You’ll fit just fine. See you at seven.”

Later, while getting ready for her hot date, she searched her closet for the right outfit. She decided on a navy blue dress and a comfortable pair of shoes. While taking a quick shower, she told herself,
After all I’ve been through, I deserve one night of pleasure.

While waiting for him, she heard a knock, so she grabbed her things. But, when she opened the door, it was Steven. “Hi, Sis,” he said and walked in. “I’m going to see Mom and Dad, want to come?”

“No. I have plans.”

He looked at her. “It looks like you have a date.”

“Yes, I do, a dinner date,” she said, hoping he’d stop asking questions.

“Good for you, Sis, I’m glad you’re getting out. Is Carry going with you?”

“No. Perhaps tomorrow night we will.”

His eyes widened. “Gee, Sis, where did you get that neat telescope?”

“Matt bought it.” She thought,
Great! Now the questions.

“Who’s Matt?” he scowled. “He isn’t the guy who showed up at the funeral, is he?”

“Yes, matter of fact, the very same guy.”

With his mouth opened, he stared at her. “He’s trying to buy his way into your life with expensive gifts.”

“Actually, no, he isn’t. That isn’t for me, it’s for Danny.”

“What? Why would he do that?”

She started pacing. “It’s Danny’s reward for finding something for Matt.” “You sound defensive, Sis.”

While staring at the floor and still pacing, she said, “I don’t mean to be.”

After getting a closer look at the telescope, he said, “It must have cost the man a pretty penny.”

“You’re right, it did. Danny always wanted one, but couldn’t bring himself to ask his dad, because of the cost.”

Unexpectedly, he came and grabbed her to keep her from pacing. While holding her shoulders, Steven studied her face. “Be careful with this Matt person. He might seem nice, but I wouldn’t trust him, okay?”

“Thanks. But, it’s important I make my own decisions and mistakes.”

“You really like this guy, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do, on many levels.”

After Steven left, her enthusiasm was depleted. Matt pulled up and parked. Before he reached her door, she got her purse and jacket and waited for his knock. When she got to his car, he opened her door for her. As they drove, she enjoyed his selection of classical music. Their conversation was light. They reached their destination. He had to circle the lot only once before finding a parking space.

The Brock House restaurant was one of her favorite lunch eateries, so she was looking forward to their dinner menu. Matt gave his name and soon they were seated outside at a balcony table. After ordering drinks, they relaxed and watched the waves crash on the shoreline.

As they studied the menu, he asked, “What kind of food do you like?”

Without looking up, she said, “Seafood, chicken or specialty salads.”

“Well, that’s unusual. A woman who actually knows what she wants.”

“You’re right.” She grinned. “I also know what I want for breakfast and lunch.”

“Okay, Smarty Pants,” he said, with a chuckle.

They ordered their meals and watched the day come to an end, enjoying the sky’s orange and red rays just before the sun set into the ocean. She reached for his hand. “This was lovely, Matt.”

He took her hand, brought it to his mouth and kissed it, searching her pale blue eyes. Never had she felt so excited, yet relaxed at the same time. She wondered,
Why am I falling for an atheist and thief? That isn’t fair!

When they finished their meal, he paid and left a tip. They walked across the street and used the walkway that snuggled the shoreline. The night was magnificent. It was warm -- a rarity for San Diego. There was no haze or fog to prevent the stars from shining brilliantly. They held hands and watched the waves spray against the rocks.

Matt pulled her closer. She didn’t resist.

“What made you become a teacher?”

“It’s my calling.”

“What’s a calling?”

“I’m sorry. Let me rephrase. I enjoy being a teacher.”

“Don’t do that! You didn’t answer me -- what’s a calling?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. But, to answer your question, it’s my passion, it’s what fulfills me. It’s what I do to serve God and society. The Bible refers to it as a calling.”

“What might be my calling?”

“For starters, working with children. You have a way of making them feel valued. Many adults lack that ability. Or, perhaps you would make a good leader or business owner. Your cohorts seem to respect you, and you’re likable.”

“That’s interesting,” he said. His eyes focused on her lips.

Although, she loved his romantic attention, she blurted out a question. “What made you become a thief?”

“It just happened, without much forethought. Years ago, a friend wanted me to steal some of his jewelry and make it look like a breakin. Afterward, he put in an insurance claim and used the money to pay off his back taxes. I told myself, ‘He paid for his insurance, so why not use it?’ To me, it didn’t seem like a big deal at the time.”