Page 98 of Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms
“Where are my exits?”
“Front door, study door, another double door at the back.”
The front door was closest. And there was something audacious about walking out his front door with the necklace he’d stolen. I liked it.
I made my way quickly and silently down the stairs, once again glad he’d decided to put a water feature in his entryway. It covered the sound of me leaving. I slipped out the door and closed it softly behind me.
“I’m outside.”
“Still on property, I assume.”
“I went out the front door.”
“Jensen Lakes,” she scolded.
I grinned as I stole around the corner of the house and ducked below the dining room windows. There was almost nosnow along the perimeter of the house, but he’d probably still be able to follow my tracks if he looked for them.
Didn’t matter. I had the necklace.
Pausing at the edge of the house, I looked to make sure he wasn’t near the windows. I didn’t see any movement or shadows, so I darted for the bluff above the river and retraced my path along the rocky edge.
It was precarious, but I managed to get by without slipping and, moments later, emerged into the trees. Veering in the direction of my car, I picked up speed, jogging through the snow.
As soon as I got to my car, I scrambled in, turned on the engine, and got out of there.
“It’s done. I’m on the road.”
“Nice work. I assume you’ll bring it back yourself?”
“I will, but we need to hold them off for a couple days.”
“Why? They want it for Christmas.”
“I promised someone I’d be here for Christmas.”
“Jensen, what on earth are you talking about?”
“If they want it now, you’ll need to send another operative to Tilikum to retrieve it.”
“I suppose I can arrange that. Deacon is still in the region. He could fly in tomorrow morning.”
“He’ll do.”
“But… why are you spending Christmas there? Wait. You’re spending the holiday with Natalie, aren’t you?”
“And her family. Shocking turn of events, isn’t it?”
“Are you serious?”
“Completely.”
“I’m not quite sure what to say.”
“How about ‘Merry Christmas, Jensen, your fee will be in your account by tomorrow.’”
“Your fee will be in your account once the client has their property.”
“Fine. But get Deacon here early. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and I have an outrageous amount of shopping to do.”
