Stolen Skye (Book One, The Skye Trilogy) (19 page)

“Of course,” I said quietly.
 

“Alright, well, the team will need to leave for Paris the day after Christmas
, and we can arrange for you to arrive right before New Year’s Eve.”

“Again, I haven’t decided if I’
m going to Paris,” I countered, frustrated by everyone’s assumption.

“Forgive me; I was told that you had chosen to go.
There’s no reason for you not to if all you’ve said today is true. I just assumed… in light of everything, you would want to.” He eyed me suspiciously.

“I don’t know.
You were so sure I would be a hindrance to everyone.”

“Well, I think we’re past that.
It’s your choice. Talk to Finn, and if you do choose to come, we’ll make some arrangements.” His tone made it seem like the conversation was over, and he began to stand up.

“I’m not quite done.”
I paused to wait for him to retake his seat. “I have a few more questions. First, why did you come to Boston so soon after my accident?” The look on his face told me he didn’t know anyone knew he had. He stared silently at me for a moment.

“Evelyn, I go to Boston often.
If you are asking if I checked on you, the answer is no. I knew you were recovering and had lost your memory. I made my decision on how I was going to handle that. I lost you too, remember? It was best you stay gone for me as well.” He was so confident in his statement, there was no way to argue with him. It was what I had assumed anyway.

“Okay, fine.
Look, I want to give you some money, for the hotel and for the use of the jet. I don’t need you to pay my way. I mean, thank you, but I would feel better contributing.”

“I appreciate that, but I told you I was responsible for you here.
I won’t accept any payment. I feel partially to blame for the loss of your money. Not being able to find it for you, it’s… upsetting. The only thing I ask for is your honesty with the group and your discretion with everyone else. What other questions can I answer?” His stance on the issue was quite firm.

“Why are you getting married?”

His expression went from inquisitive to impenetrable in a millisecond.

“Please don’t.
I’m far too tired to try and explain my culture to you right now. It’s done and it will happen next year. That’s all you need to know.” At that, he rose and stood before me, waiting for me to join him. His patience had run its course. As I stood, turning to straighten my pillow, Finn and the others walked through the door. I had called Finn before I left the hotel to let him know I would meet him at Ari’s. He had sounded suspicious, so I wasn’t surprised to see the whole group arrive earlier than planned.

“So, by the looks of this place you don’t really need a cleaning crew?”
Bounce took in the sight and turned to Ari.

“No, that was taken care of.
I did want to speak with everyone this morning. Evelyn and I met to clarify some things, and now, I’d like to talk more about Paris. Let’s go downstairs.” Ari motioned for the group to proceed and then waited for me to make a choice. Curiosity won out over all my other emotions. I wanted to know what my friends were going up against. After filing into the work room, we each took a seat.

Ari began, not wasting any time.
“Friends, we are about to engage in something dangerous, but entertaining. We have done this before, but not quite this elaborately. I have met with Alex, off and on, over the last month, and Brinks has been doing some research for me. The upcoming exhibition, opening at the Louvre on New Year’s Eve, presents a unique possibility. Before I get too far ahead of myself, how many people do you estimate visit the Tower of London each year, to view the Crown Jewels?” Ari stood before us like a professor as we sat around the table and looked for who had an answer.

Finn took a shot
. “I don’t know... a million people?”

Ari responded, “Historically, closer to three million.
Each paying close to twenty pounds, just for a ticket. The proceeds go to the Treasury, with a portion set aside to benefit the people of the United Kingdom. With the decline in the economy and tourism, all museums and other attractions, including the Royal Collection, are feeling the pinch, with revenues dropping in record numbers. For this exhibition, that will travel to major cities around the world, we’ve been asked to… liven it up.” Ari took a seat at the head of the table, waiting for reaction.

“What exactly are you saying?
We’ve been asked to steal as a form of entertainment?” Finn questioned with a laugh.

“In a manner of speaking, yes.
First of all, a part of the Crown Jewels of the British Monarchy is being put on display with its original jeweled adornment and pedaled around the world. Alex is nervous, considering what happened last time to the Royal Rose Collection, but many countries are participating, and the British monarchy has the most elaborate collection. He can’t say no. The security at each location will be significant, but this type of collection will draw every thief’s attention. He feels better knowing I will be with him to test the system in place before the opening in Paris. In discussing my role as an independent security professional for Britain, we talked about what the theft and recovery of this particular item would do for the economy. Ticket sales to the traveling exhibit and the tours at the Tower of London would double or triple to see the stolen jewels that couldn’t be stolen.”

“Wait, what are we stealing, exactly?” Bounce asked.

“If you agree to it, we are stealing the Imperial State Crown with the Cullinan II diamond within its band.”

“From the Louvre?
You can’t be serious?” I had to chime in. I was the least experienced in the room, but it was madness, pure and simple.

“It’s a publicity stunt, Evelyn.
An inside job by a person my friend can trust. We’ll have to pull off the crime, but we’ll have some assistance and we won’t be prosecuted if anything goes wrong. It’s all just a security test and highlights on the evening news if it goes awry. At the pre-opening gala on New Year’s Eve, we take the crown, and then arrange a dramatic recovery the next day. It will build up the promotion and excitement around the exhibit and deter any other attempts to rob any part of the collection. Security at every exhibit it travels to will be tripled once we’re done.”

Finn stopped him.
“What if something happens to the crown? I mean, we get it out and hold onto it that evening? What if it’s damaged or we lose it somehow? What assurances do we have?” Finn was very serious, concentrating hard on the facts. He wasn’t saying yes, but it looked like he was considering it.

“We place it directly in Alex’s care.
The recovery is announced the next day and then Alex puts it back into the exhibit. Per the contract, he can’t put a replica on display for the exhibition, it is part of the reason he wants our help.”

“What’s the take?
If we pull this off, what’s the payout?” Raven got down to brass tacks.

“If we succeed, Alex has some annual money at his disposal for contract employees th
at he hasn’t spent for the year. It won’t be a huge sum, but the risks are close to none, and the thrill is immeasurable. As a side note, I believe there may be more opportunities like this out there. We would be doing this mostly as a favor for a friend, but individuals or companies would pay good money for our services. I believe my days of being “just a thief” may be over, but we can discuss that at a different time. If you’re in, we need to spend the next couple weeks planning. What do you think?” He looked out onto a sea of stunned faces.

“I’m in, you know that.”
Brinks spoke quickly, obviously excited to get started. “I have a good idea already of how the French are planning to secure the exhibit based on some past plans. Breaking through the system will be a challenge, but it’s the Louvre and, well, they can be too cocky.”

Bounce spoke confidently, “With the assurances in place it sounds like a blast, I’m in.”
Brinks slapped her hand in a high five of approval. Raven and Finn looked at each other with some hesitation, knowing a good bit of the burden fell on them, I assumed.

Finn turned from Raven to Ari.
“I trust you and Alex, but this is more serious than the Royal Rose Collection. We are actually the criminals here, and I’m going to need a get out of jail free card, just in case.”

Ari
replied, “Yes, if that is what it takes, we can arrange that.”

Finn thought for a moment and
said, “Okay, but the fact that this may be your final job is something we need to talk about.” Ari nodded, but made no other reply.

“I agree with Finn.
Better safe than sorry. Not that I don’t trust you, mi amor.” Raven smiled at Ari as she inspected her nails, not seeming to take it all quite as seriously as Finn. 

“Speaking of amor…
Ari, why?” Finn was clearly referring to the engagement.

“She was arranged for me years ago.
She’s of age now and I need to get on with my life.” Ari shrugged his shoulders and adopted a more serious expression. Perhaps the idea of marriage to Mirela scared him more than stealing from the Louvre.

“Look, I’m not criticizing, but you’re not the type to do what’s expected if it’s not what you want,” Finn countered.

“No, you got me there, but this is my choice. Let’s leave it at that. You’ll like her. She is sweet and innocent. Very... quiet.” High praise indeed. I gave it a year, tops. Could gypsies even get divorced? The idea of an arranged marriage was so foreign to me, but it certainly put an end to the hunt for that one perfect love.

Finn gave up, putting his hands behind his head.
He leaned back in his chair, asking, “When does this catastrophe take place?” He tried to smile to indicate he was partially joking.

“In the late spring, sometime after the festival.
Finn, I have told Evelyn she is welcome to accompany us to Paris as your guest, if she chooses.” Why was Ari addressing Finn about me? He had done that a few times over the last couple days. Once the meeting was over, I planned to speak with Finn privately about it. Finn just nodded to show he understood Ari’s comment and shot me a sideways glance.

“Now, that concludes what I wanted to talk to you about.
Seeing as how it’s Evelyn’s last day with us, how would you like to spend it?” Ari turned to me with interest.

I answered, “I was thinking earlier, perhaps doing some tourist things might help?
I just haven’t spent real time in the city and it is kind of nice out today.”

“Who wants to join us for a day in London?”
Finn posed the question to the group. Bounce’s hand shot up immediately.

“Brinks and I have some work to do, unfortunately.
Raven?” Ari’s inability to participate was not surprising to me. He didn’t seem like he felt a desire to do much of anything.

Raven responded, “I have to pass for today, but perhaps we could eat together tonight?
Le Daniel?” She looked excited at the thought. I was touched she would suggest it.

Finn scowled and said, “Raven, the bartender is married.
Please drop it. But, if you can behave, yes, a French restaurant is a great choice.” Raven’s anxious smile faded to annoyance. I probably should have guessed her excitement wasn’t entirely about me, but I still appreciated the thought.

“Yes.
Le Daniel is great — off the street, in a little cobblestone courtyard. Reminds me of some of the places we went in Paris,” Bounce stated with enthusiasm, unembarrassed by her persistent Parisian campaign.

“Fine.
I’ll make the reservations. Finn, you bring Evelyn and I’ll bring everyone else. See you this evening.” Ari stood and adjourned the meeting, motioning for Brinks to follow him back to the computers.

The afternoon had become overcast, but was still dry.
I convinced Bounce and Finn to take a double-decker, open air bus through the city for a tour. It was too chilly on top, but we found an empty bench below, along the back, that was partially under cover. The tour guide named points of interest as we made our way. I tried to imagine what those early days with my friends must have looked like, and reminded myself of Raven’s theft of my purse that had originally introduced us all.

“How do you do it…
pick a pocket?” I whispered to them, causing them each to slide closer to me.

“Why, are you short a few pounds?”
Finn laughed off my interest.

“No, I’m just curious.
I never felt a thing when it happened to me. I don’t see how that’s possible.”

Finn leaned in closer beside me.
His face, so near mine, was only mildly distracting. “You watch and notice a person’s rhythm. Look around this bus. Some people just stand quietly, not moving. Others fidget unpredictably. I always preferred readers because they were distracted, and you could tell when they were about to turn a page. If you know the route well enough, you know when the turns come, causing a body to sway a certain direction. If your hands are fast enough, it’s easy as breathing.” His lyrical, whispered voice was making his crime seem almost seductive, like a dance.

“Easy as breathing, huh?
Why don’t you show her, you braggart?” Bounce threw down a challenge that brought me back to reality.