Page 66 of Robin and Marian
Robin couldn’t deny the truth anymore, not to those he most trusted. Alan’s words had hit him hard earlier—he was to blame for his friends hating him. He hadn’t tried to explain anything. “Yeah,” Robin said. “You got it right.”
John pulled out a paper from his back pocket, unfolding it. “Marian told me what you’re doing tonight and I wish I could help out more. I’m barely surviving as it is. Maybe in a few months when we can start to turn a profit, but we don’t have that much time. Here are the names of the people who’ve come to me for help.”
“You got Sierra Wyss in there?” Robin asked.
“Yeah.” Little John held out the paper to him and Robin reached for it. True to form, Little John kept it just out of his grip. “What are you planning?”
“A jewelry heist,” Robin said. He knew better than to grab for the paper anymore and so he pleaded with him instead, “If you give me the names… Scarlett says she’ll bake you a fresh batch of cookies.”
Little John fixed him with a considering look before he seemed to come to a decision and slapped the side of the Engler F.F. with his fist. “I might be a fool, but we’ve got to work together on this.” He pushed the list into Robin’s hands. “I think Guy bought up the property loans from where he wants to build.”
Robin nodded. “For Jana’s ski resort. And then whatever he needs from there—gas stations, restaurants, lodges, you name it.”
Marian came up behind them, carrying a pile of clothes. “What are those?” Robin asked.
“That’s your disguise to pull this off,” Little John said. “Or people will think you’re after their money again. Here.” He tugged at the pile in Marian’s arms and unfolded a brown mill worker shirt that looked like it belonged to a delivery driver. “You can just look like you’re bringing in packages—just pull your cap low over your face. Nobody will be the wiser.”
Robin snickered. Little John had thought of everything. “You sure you don’t want to come?”
“What? And get caught with you? No thanks. I still have a reputation around here. Now get out of here before I call the police.”
Marian got in behind him and Robin started the Engler F.F. and shouted over the engine, “Thanks,Little John.”
His friend made a face and hollered back, “You know I hate that!”
Robin smiled at him as he peeled out onto the street with Marian holding him with one hand and grasping the fluttering list with the other. They found the closest address and Robin gunned the engine the direction of the mountains. Guy had his hands in everything—trailer parks, lodges, gated communities. They made their way to the trailer park where most of the loggers lived. The mobile homes were cheap, but their land was set in idyllic locations next to Sherwood Forest.
Merilee Klause was first on the list. She was Lucius’s widow. They had owned the mom and pop store near Robin’s high school, and he remembered seeing them practically every day at lunch. That had been years ago.
Parking in her driveway, he popped open the trunk on the super quad where he’d stowed the baskets. It slid open on silent hinges. His sister had found elegantly crafted coned baskets in the attic and decked them out with flowers from the garden then laced strong twine to the top to hang over the door handles. They looked exactly like the mayday baskets they’d delivered in the years past, except these were infinitely more expensive.
Marian’s mouth rounded when she saw them, and she took off her helmet. “Well, this is very Pinterest-y.”
He came around the side to join her. “I put the jewels in there, along with their appraisals and proof of ownership.” And he’d made duplicates of the paperwork in case the sheriff and Guy got any funny ideas to cheat anyone.
“Which one do we give Merilee?” she asked.
Checking how much she owed, he shuffled through the baskets to find the perfect one. He handed it to Marian. “Why didn’t you make out a check or something?” she asked with heightened color on her cheeks. She slammed the hood on the others. “You could’ve traded them in for cash.”
“Not enough time,” he said before winking. “Besides, don’t you want Guy to know what we did?”
“You’ll blow my cover!”
“Good.” He leaned over and kissed the side of her head, liking the feel of her hair under his lips. “I don’t want you going anywhere alone with Guy again.”
He knew that would convince her. In response, she lodged his brown uniform into his stomach. Minutes later, both he and Marian stood on the warped front porch dressed as delivery workers. Robin adjusted his cap, looking over at Marian. “Man, you’re hot.” He hooked his finger around her belt loop. Hers was a jumpsuit, and he tugged her closer for a kiss. She laughed at him and tried to swat him away as the door opened. Robin let her go. “Yes, uh delivery.” He held out the May basket to the widow.
Merilee’s eyes lit up and she took the basket, shuffling through it before she found the jewels. She let out a gasp. “What is this?”
“Um… yes,” Robin said in a voice he purposely kept gruff. “There’s a poem that goes along with that—jewels are nice for paying the price… of your property taxes. Have a nice day!”
Marian laughed at him.
The widow took a good look at him then. “Robin?”
“No.” He shoved his cap down further, feeling himself flush.
“Yes, it’s Robin!” She let out a shriek and hugged him to her, upending his cap and leaving his hair all messy. “Your poor wrist—it’s broken! Come inside for some food.”
