Page 114 of Savannah Royals
“Are. You. Insane?” I hiss, clicking the lock on the door.
“Maybe.” He gives me a shifty grin. The kind that used to drive me wild with excitement, made me wonder what adventure he was dreaming up next.
Now I just feel sick.
“Why are you here?”
“You’re looking at the Academy’s newest top tier donor,” he announces proudly.
“You didn’t…” My eyes widen. “Whywould you do that?”
“Why shouldn’t I?” He shrugs. “I’m a charitable man, Kat, and I have more money than I can count. Besides, I’ve seen firsthand the doors thisplace opens for young women.” His voice is dripping with smarm by the end of his little speech.
“How noble.” I fold my arms across my chest. “Now tell me the real reason.”
“Come on, Kat. You’ve been around these people long enough to know how they operate. They can smell money from a mile away. The only thing better than hoarding wealth for themselves is leveraging it amongst their crowd. After I wrote Genevieve a hefty check for the Academy, she very kindly extended an invitation to one Jekyll Island for the annual Ides of March ball. Said philanthropic opportunities would abound at the event, and she would simplyloveto introduce me to her many charitable friends.”
“You’re after Jekyll Island,” I say, understanding. “Still? After all this time?”
“It’s a prize like no other, Katarina. But I haven’t even gotten to the best part. Have you heard what the theme of this year’s ball is?”
I don’t like the gleam in his eye. “No.”
“BejeweledIdes of March. The theme this year isjewels, Kat. As many as the upper crust can stuff on their fingers and around their necks. There will be priceless pieces at that party, family heirlooms and new money extravagances alike. Think of the opportunities.”
“You want to come to the ball,” I say, nodding, “because of the jewelry.”
“One piece of jewelry, Katarina. A necklace that, word on the street, is going to come out of the DaMolin vault for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century, making a special appearance at a special event. How can I possibly pass up an opportunity like that?”
“What?” I gasp, feeling his interest shift from professional to personal. “You want to steal the DaMolin rubies?”
“Of course I do.”
I breathe deeply, in and out. Fight to keep my panic at bay.
Matthew and I talked about the rubies the very first day we met. The piece is renowned in the jewel world, a reclusive legacy item, passed down in the family for generations. Paul has never hidden his lust for the jewels, but somehow—perhaps naively—I assumed things were different now, that he would never ask this of me.
“Why?” I finally ask. “You just admitted you have more money than you can count. You don’t need this. This is Matthew’sfamilyyou’re talking about, Paul. This isn’t a heist, it’s revenge. You’re too close to this con to see clearly. You’re going to bring the entire house of cards crashing down around us.”
“I assure you, Katarina, my mind is crystal clear. I know exactly what I’m doing. We’ll talk more about it later at Ray’s. I’ll wait there for you this afternoon.”
“And if I don’t show up?”
“You will. You could never resist a jewel heist. It’s your specialty, and this one’s a doozy. Besides, I thought you’d be happy. You’re the one who told me I should get out of the drug game and go back to our usual gigs.”
“I did say that, didn’t I?” I narrow my eyes.
“I’m just trying to give you what you wanted, doll.”
Truetohisword,Paul is waiting with the shopkeeper in the back room of Raymond’s when I arrive. I’m still heated from our encounter at the Academy, but I’m also frightened. The thought of stealing from Matthew and his family makes me sick.
“Nice of you to show up, Kitty-Kat.” Paul checks his watch. “Running a few minutes late, aren’t you?”
“Be thankful I’m here at all, Paul.”
“Come on, I know your fingers are twitching, same as mine. This is an heirloom piece, Kat. One of the biggest in the jewel industry.”
Ray stands by, listening, but at this statement, he offers a small nod.
