Ethics of a Thief (10 page)

Genuinely, she smiled and squeezed his hand before standing and walking to the bed. She moved Lisa over and crawled under the sheets. Within minutes, she was asleep. She dreamed of Matt. First, they were standing on the upper deck searching the evening stars, as he tossed her golden hair. Gently, he touched her face with the back of his hand. Her body wanted him, and she gave into his embrace.

Suddenly, they were lying together on a white sandy beach -- silently watching the playful waves splash. His passion stayed controlled as their bodies touched. Tenderly, he pulled her close with his hand, caressing her breast, her body wanting more. Slowly, he removed her pants and rubbed the inside of her thigh. As their bodies came together as one, her body exploded with pleasure.

After their passion, they laid on their backs, looking at the stars. Openly, they told each other their feelings. His tone was a hum in her ears, and contentment filled her soul. She didn’t want her dream to end.

The first to awaken was Matt. After taking his shower, he felt refreshed. As he walked near the bed, he watched her sleep.
What a beauty,
he thought, with his heart beating rapidly.

When her eyes opened, they met his. Quickly she turned and covered her head.

Hurriedly, he backed away and turned to leave the cabin.

My God! He knows about my dream. No. That’s not possible. Get ahold of yourself. The children need you. She panicked as she nudged Danny. “Get up. Lisa. Wake up, let’s get going.”

After Lisa’s eyes opened, she was excited. “We found the treasure in my dream. It was a painting.”

I found a treasure in my dream, too,
Abigail wanted to yell, but instead she busied herself by helping Lisa get dressed for the day.

When Matt reentered the cabin, he looked at Danny. “Ready to go treasure-hunting, young man?”

“But, I already found it. Remember? The egg. The one with jewels.”

“Yes. It could be. But, until we’re certain, we’ll continue our search. Who knows, we might find something even more valuable.”

“Okay,” the boy said, in a small voice.

Lisa blurted out, “Matt, I found the treasure. It was a painting.”

“I already found the egg!” Danny yelled. “Don’t you remember?”

“Okay, you two. Stop arguing and brush your teeth.” While Lisa got ready for the day, Abigail couldn’t get her dream out of her thoughts.
What kind of a person am I? Goodness. Each time I see him, am I going to lose my footing and turn pink? Abigail Wilson, you must get ahold of yourself!

While preparing toast, she asked her nephew, “Want peanut butter?” He grinned and nodded. She handed it to him and watched him gobble it down.

“Will you see who’s in the main salon?” she asked Danny.

As he walked toward the hatch, he heard Lisa say, “Do you think Matt’s cute?” He turned and gawked at his sister, and Lisa glared back.

“Do you like him?” the girl asked.

“Yes. He was kind to you and playful to your brother.” They turned when they heard loud footsteps and saw Matt enter the galley.

Lisa said, “I’ll watch the toast.”

“I trust you’ll do a good job.” Abigail tried to ignore him as he stood and watched. She was embarrassed when she felt her face become flushed.

“Just checking the coffee,” he said.

“It’s still dripping.”

When the coffee machine buzzed, he strolled over and placed cups on a tray. He left with the tray in one hand and the pot in the other.

As she watched him leave, she felt angry with herself for allowing him to stir such emotion in her. She decided to focus on escaping.
What are my options?
she questioned.
I have to find a cellphone to call for help. What if I pretend to look for female protection,
she chuckled.
No man would question a woman looking for that. Good idea, girl.

As Danny returned to the galley, his face was beaming. “Everyone accounted for, Miss Head Chef.”

Although she was glad he was cheerful, she hoped he wasn’t too comfortable with the thieves -- one might be the killer. Although the thieves didn’t intend on kidnapping, people can do strange things when faced with prison. The men, she worried, might come to view the children, and her, as a major threat.

The eggs were scrambled, and the toast was ready, but she hated to leave the galley. It was the only place she had some level of control. Lisa carried the toast on a platter and left. “Danny, will you bring the butter, salt and pepper?”

“I can’t wait to eat,” the boy said, with peanut butter still stuck on a corner of his mouth.

After Abigail put the serving bowl with eggs on the table, she stepped back and watched the men fill their plates. Danny sat with Robert and Brent, Lisa was next to Jack, laughing. The only place left to sit was next to Matt, unless she wanted to feel conspicuous.

His eyes were full of anticipation as she sat. He said, “Thanks. Breakfast looks great. You’re some kind of woman.” As he gazed at her, she glanced away. “This must be awful for you. Yet, you’re willing to make us a meal.”

Her fingers touched her face. “Good grief, it’s hot.”

He reached for her arm. “Is everything okay? Are you feeling ill?”

“It’s that time of the month, that’s all.” She pulled away. She took a bite of her eggs, but could barely swallow. “If we were home, we would be at church right now.”

“Did you attend church as a child?”

“Yes. My dad would drop us off and buy a newspaper to read while waiting.” She was pleased with herself. Talking about her family diffused the awkward feeling she felt around him.

“Why didn’t your dad go?”

“What?”

“You said he stayed in the car.”

“Oh. Yes.” She smiled. “I don’t know, but I wished many times that I could have stayed with him.”

“Why?”

“We couldn’t eat because of communion, and sometimes I felt lightheaded. While waiting for the sacraments, we had to kneel, stand, and find our place in the monthly booklets. I seldom found the right page in time for the readings. I often wondered if those were reasons Dad didn’t attend.”

Matt put his hand over his mouth. “Excuse me.”

“Once, when I was twelve, I remember going to confession. When I told the priest about having sexual fantasies, he actually came out of the confessional and accused me of trying to shock him. That was my last confession to a priest. After that, I went directly to God. He knew my sins already, so I couldn’t shock Him.”

“You bad little girl -- having sexual fantasies. I’ll listen to them anytime.”

She grinned. “Gee, thanks, but I don’t think so.”

“You can’t blame a guy for trying.”

Matt took his last mouthful of eggs, pushed his plate away, and patted his stomach. “Why did you go to church if you felt so uncomfortable?”

“It never occurred to me not to go. Besides, I don’t regret it. I just found it exasperating at times. I should have gone to Sunday school.”

“Years later, we changed churches, and Dad started going. Our new church was much better.”

“What made you think about church?” Matt asked.

“Today’s Sunday.” She smiled. “Thanks for listening without being cynical.” She saw Danny from the corner of her eye and adjusted to face him.

When he reached them, he asked Matt, “Why don’t you think the jeweled egg is real?”

Matt whispered, “It might be genuine. We’re not sure yet. I hope you didn’t say anything about the egg to Robert or Brent.”

“No.”

“Please keep it that way, okay?” The boy nodded.

“Well. Let’s get back to work.” Matt stood and stepped toward the ladder.

Abigail walked behind him and glanced out a porthole. “Why is that vessel following us? Does it have some connection to you and your men?”

Matt didn’t respond. Instead he moved faster. When they reached the cabin, he flung open the hatch. He said nothing to the children or her.

“Did I offend you by asking about the touring vessel?” When he didn’t respond, she said, “Well, it looks like the subject is off limits.”

Danny moved toward the bed to look under it. “Go sit. Over there.” Matt snapped, while pointing to a chair. “I’ll take care of this cabin.” He lifted the mattress and scanned the space underneath.

“Need help?” Abigail asked, grimly. She came to help hold the mattress.

He accepted her help, but didn’t look in her direction. Next, he checked the box spring for any unusual lumps. When he finished, he motioned for her to let go. The mattress dropped.

“Make the bed,” he ordered.

Abigail complied, and Lisa helped. Danny sat examining Matt’s face with his head tilted. Everyone noticed Matt’s mood change -- anyone would have.

“Why did your mood change so abruptly after I asked you a question?”

Instead of giving her a verbal response, he became more agitated and kicked at some items on the floor. Both children were silent.

The wind kicked up, the yacht swayed and Matt tried to get his footing. As he leaned against the bulkhead, he started to question himself.
Why am I so upset? Why did I act so cold to her and the children? I need to leave.
Matt pivoted to leave, avoiding eye contact. Harshly, he said, “I’m leaving. You stay. Understand?”

Abigail stepped closer to him. “What’s going on, Matt?”

“It’s none of your concern.”

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“No. I’m not okay. I screwed up my life. Can’t you see that?” He marched out of the cabin.

Abigail’s eyes were large, as she placed one hand on her chest.
What just happened? What does he regret? Did he have something to do with the murders?
She sat on the edge of the bed and covered her eyes with her hands.
My God, what was I thinking?
Any security she felt earlier left with Matt as he walked out of the cabin.

There has to be some logical explanation for his behavior. Perhaps he had wanted to consult with Jack about the Fabergé egg. No. That’s not it. He didn’t retrieve it from the drawer. If Matt wanted us dead, he would have taken care of that by now.

Danny stood in front of his aunt, “Why did he leave?”

Lisa stepped next to her brother. “Why is he so angry with us?”

After glancing back and forth at each child, she said, “He’s upset about something. He’ll be fine. Give him time.”

She sat on the edge of the bed, and Danny sat next to her. The children and she were silent. Lisa leaned against her, and Abigail placed her arm around her.

Okay, what now?
she asked herself. “I have to find a cellphone. Do you two want to help?”

Lisa jumped to her feet. “Sure.”

Danny stood and walked over to the vanity, pulled out a drawer and started to search inside.

Abigail remembered something her mother often said, “Honey, when you expect the best out of people, they seldom disappoint you.” But could that apply to a thief? She heard footsteps coming. She walked toward the hatch, but, to her disappointment, it was Robert.

His face was expressionless, “Come with me.”

Abigail moved out of the hatch and waited for the children. The boy seemed cheerful, as if on some new adventure.

The boy chatted with Robert and seemed unaware that they might be headed for trouble. The boy glanced up. “Did you find anything?”

“Not yet,” Robert said. He placed his hand on Lisa’s shoulder, she pulled away.

“Did you see Matt?” Lisa asked.

“Sure did.”

“Why did he leave us? Is he mad?”

“He needs a break, that’s all.” He smiled at the girl.

At that moment, Abigail tried to give the illusion that she had some level of control. She felt as if they were being led to walk the plank to their demise.

With Matt, I felt some level of security. But, now after my stupid dream, things have changed. Why didn’t I keep my mouth shut? I always ask too many questions. My friends tell me I do. They stopped, just outside the engine room. Great! This is a good place to stuff our dead bodies.

Robert turned to them. “Stay in the passageway. We’re almost finished in here.” He watched her as if to make sure she understood. When she nodded, he returned to his search.

Soon, Brent arrived with two chairs.

She folded her arms and glared at him. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing, he just needs a break -- that’s all -- he needs time alone.” He pivoted to leave, then reeled back. “Stay here. If you leave, it’ll complicate things, understand?”

“Do I have any choice here?” she yelled.

Brent scowled at her before he walked toward the engine room.

She crossed her legs while standing.
If my mouth was any drier, it would be full of cotton.
Suddenly, she felt exhausted and sat.

Lisa jumped on her lap and gave her her best hug. “Don’t worry, Auntie. Matt said he’ll make sure we get home.”

“Sure, I know, Honey.” She didn’t want to say their safety wasn’t only up to Matt. Instead, she managed to give the girl a reassuring smile.

Danny came nearer. “Why is Matt angry with me?”

“You did nothing wrong. He’s just upset about something and took a break.”

“He acted mad at me.”

Abigail’s shoulders slumped. Her voice weakened. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

“You don’t believe that, do you?” He turned and walked toward the engine room.

Lisa quickly stood and yelled, “They said to stay here, Danny.”

The boy circled to leer at her and then walked into the engine room. “Can I help?”

Abigail quickly got to her feet and moved to the hatch. She saw Robert. He was smiling. “Sure.”

The boy said, “If I find it, can I have five thousand dollars?”

She swallowed hard.

Robert grinned at Brent, and both their heads looked up as they let out a loud laugh. “So, you want to be our partner in crime, huh?” Robert bent down and stared at the boy. “Tell you what, if you find what we’re looking for, you most certainly can have the money you bargained for.” He rubbed the boy’s buzz haircut.

Abigail returned to her chair, glad the men were in a better mood than Matt.

Lisa was quiet. “Are you okay, Sweetie?”