Page 95 of Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms
I drove around the circular driveway to the gate and waited. It didn’t move.
“Jensen, it’s not opening.”
“It’s all right, darling. There’s probably a sensor. Give it a moment.”
My eyes flicked to the rearview mirror. I was half expecting to see Julian walking down the driveway, but no one was there.
The gate started to open.
“There it goes. It’s opening.” As soon as it was wide enough for my car, I went through. “I’m out.”
I heard Jensen’s long exhale. “Good. Go straight to the flat. Keep the door locked. I’m switching over to Maple while I finish the job, so I’ll see you there, all right?”
My heart jumped again. “This is going to be the longest wait of my life.”
“Don’t worry, darling. This is what I do. I’ll see you soon.”
“Be safe.”
“I will.”
The earpiece went dead. He was gone.
“Be careful, Jensen,” I whispered into the night. “Come home soon.”
CHAPTER 24
Jensen
Once Natalie’s rental car faded as she drove away, I finally allowed myself to feel relief. She was safe.
I’d hated every moment she’d spent in Julian’s house. Partly because of the ruse. He thought it was a date, and the mere idea of Natalie on a date with another man was abhorrent.
But she’d also been in danger. Julian’s invitation could have been a trap.
I’d been prepared for that. At the first hint that her safety was compromised, I would have intervened. But my gut had told me Julian didn’t suspect her. Whether it was his ego, and he couldn’t fathom that her interest wouldn’t be real, or the fact that his matchmaking grandmother had already planted the idea of Natalie in his head, he’d believed her.
She’d played her part perfectly. Now it was up to me to finish the job.
I’d left my car up the road, out of sight of any doorbell cameras, and slipped into the trees next to Julian’s property. The large dining room windows had given me a mostly unobstructed view during dinner. And I’d managed to get a few pictures ofthe necklace itself. No doubt about it. He was our thief, and the necklace was in his possession.
I connected to Maple.
“There you are,” she said. “I was getting concerned. What’s happening?”
“Natalie just left. She unlocked a door for me, but that’s not even the half of it. She got him to show it to her.”
“Fuck off.”
“I told you she could do it. A few hints and suggestions and he brought it out.”
“I doubt you’ll be lucky enough to find that he hasn’t put it away.”
“No, I’m sure it’s locked up already.”
“Do you think he’s the one who stole it? Or did he pay for it?”
“I think he did it. How he had the resources to pull it off is another question. But that’s not my immediate concern.”
