Controlled (Gretel Koch Jewel Thief Book 2) Read online

  “I wish I could’ve seen that.”

  “Yeah, would’ve been funny,” Kent agreed.

  “Oh yeah, but in reality, that's dreadful. And that's why he didn't call you to warn you that Monica knew?”

  “That's right. He had my number on his cell phone but hadn't written it down anywhere else so he couldn't contact me.”

  “How did he contact you eventually?”

  “Email. That's how I made the initial contact with him.”

  Gretel thought about it for a moment. “This is a disaster. If she's got that phone she could trace it back to you.”

  “No, she couldn’t. I already destroyed the cell phone I was using to make the arrangements. It’s all untraceable. Don’t worry.”

  “I hope so. I can’t help feeling like I’m one slip away from landing back in jail. All it takes is one wrong move. It’s a lot of pressure.”

  “You’re an ace at handling pressure. You’re the coolest person I know.”

  She pouted, while thinking about what he said. “In the moment, I’m cool, but it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t get nervous.”

  “It’s adrenaline and that’s okay. Anyway, maybe you should tell your friend at the FBI about these men. There’ll be other diamonds, other opportunities. Don’t do anything silly while you’re under threat.”

  “There’ll never be any other diamonds like this one. This is one I’d like to keep just for myself. I’ve always loved all shades of purple—violet, mauve, indigo, periwinkle, lavender.”

  “I can’t agree.”

  “Don’t tell me you’re color blind?”

  “No. I don’t agree that you should take the risk. It’s too great.”

  “I hear what you’re saying, but there’s also this tiny voice in the back of my head telling me that where there is no risk there is no reward. It nags at me.”

  “You also told me there’s a louder voice in your head about not going back to prison.”

  She swallowed hard. “But if I do this one I'll never have to do anything ever again. This will quench my thirst; it'll scratch my itch. It’ll… I can't think of anything else. How do I know these men would even carry out anything? They’re probably just bluffing. I’ve got a close association with the FBI so surely these men wouldn’t risk doing anything stupid.”

  “It's far too risky on both sides. If you get caught, you'll end up in jail probably for life. They’ll come down hard on you to make an example. You would've made the FBI look stupid as well, now that they’ve given you a chance and opened themselves up to a security breach.”

  “I don't think it would be that much of a security breach. They haven't told me any secrets.” Gretel laughed. “I don’t even have a pass to the executive washroom.”

  “I’m serious, Gretel. You’re in a sandwich between the FBI and these guys. The outcome is being dead or going to prison. Or having your family members killed.”

  She knew Kent only had her best interests at heart. Also, most of his income came from her keeping him on retainer and any bonuses she’d paid out in the past when she’d scored big. “Sounds like they were just bluffing anyway. I don't think they’d really carry it out. I don’t think they said they’d kill me, just my family. No wait, they did say they’d kill me. That was the last thing he said to me.”

  “Well you don't want either, do you?”

  “Of course I don't.”

  “I really see that telling Jack is your only option. Tell him they threatened you.”

  “But, can I risk that?”

  “I'll give Marty a call and see what he thinks.”

  “Good idea. Make him earn his keep,” Gretel said. “He hasn’t done much lately.”

  Marty was Gretel’s other friend and partner in crime, who was responsible for organizing Gretel fake IDs, transportation, and most of the other detail things. He had been a key part of her criminal operation. “I'd call him myself, but I don't feel very well.”

  “When did you eat last?”

  “I don't know, lunch maybe”

  “Order in some take out and have a rest.”

  Kent ended the call.

  Gretel dropped the cell phone and closed her eyes. Thank goodness it was Friday and she was certain Jack didn’t want her to work on Saturday.

  Chapter Six

  The next morning, Gretel was looking forward to a day on her own. She heated up herbed toasted bagels, spread large thick slices of cream cheese onto them, got herself a cup of coffee and was just sitting down to read the paper when her door buzzer sounded. The only person who got past the door manager was Jack. Gretel looked down at herself still in her pajamas and robe, and no makeup. She moved her hand through her hair to tame it, and walked to the door. As she looked in the monitor she tightened the belt around her waist. It was Hazel, the only other person known by the doorman. She opened the door. “Thank goodness it’s you.”

  “Who else were you expecting?”

  Thugs, disgruntled FBI agents, possibly the police, or Jack. “Nobody. Nobody at all,” Gretel answered. When her sister walked in, she quickly closed the door behind her.

  “Come on, whom were you expecting?”

  “Just Jack.”

  “Just Jack?” her sister repeated, in a mocking way, teasing her.

  “That’s right. I’m not expecting him, but I get so few visitors. You and Jack are the only ones who get past Nick, the doorman. Do you want something to eat? Coffee, a bagel?”

  “All you have nowadays is coffee and bagels.”

  “That's not true. I also drink water. And other things when I'm out and about.”

  “I don't know that's true.”

  Gretel sighed. “The truth is often overrated. There’s your truth, my truth and then something in the middle. Mr. Nobody’s truth.”

  Hazel laughed. “Why are you being so philosophical?”

  “That’s philosophical? I’m just repeating things I’ve heard other people say.”

  They both sat down on the couch. “Do you want something to eat?”

  “I'm fine but you go right ahead and eat.” Hazel sprang to her feet and looked out the window. “Look at that view. You’re so lucky. One day I hope to have an apartment like this.”

  “I’ll buy you one.”

  Hazel giggled. “I couldn’t accept. You’d have the IRS investigate you.”

  “Hmm. I want to avoid them. You’ll have to get your own.” Gretel took a mouthful of coffee. “What's the matter, Hazel? You look down.”

  Hazel sat down again.

  “I'm okay.”

  “Men trouble again, is it? Did you break up with what’s his name again?” Gretel wanted to keep the conversation light. As long as she did what those men said, or as long as they thought she was doing what they said, Hazel would be safe. That is, if they were at all serious.

  “How did you know?” Hazel asked.

  “A wild guess. You’re so on again, off again with him.”

  “I know it’s not ideal at the moment. We just need to sort a few things out. He needs to grow up a bit.”

  “And, you’re perfect, right?”

  “Of course. I am starting to see someone else, but I don’t know … I think it’s too soon to rush into a new relationship when I haven’t said goodbye to the old one. Don’t you think?”

  Gretel grunted and broke off some of her bagel and munched on it. From her life experience, she knew her sister’s relationship was not going to work. Those types of relationships never did. When would Hazel wake up? Was she going to continue like this into her 40s and 50s? There was no point saying anything to her. She picked up her coffee cup and took a mouthful. “How are Mom and Dad?”

  “That's why I came here. I want to talk to you about them.”

  Gretel’s shoulders lowered as though she’d just been burdened with a weight. She placed the coffee cup back down, sensing this wouldn’t be good. “Go on. They’re all right, aren't they?” She was thinking about those thugs. Had her folks been threatened
in any way?

  “They’re fine. They've been asking about you. You know that they know I see you from time to time.”

  “What's that got to do with them?”

  “You’re their daughter. They love you and care about you.”

  Gretel didn’t think that was true. “That's a matter of opinion.”

  “Don't be silly. All parents love their children.”

  Gretel scoffed. Then she stared at Hazel. “Anything strange happening lately?”

  Hazel’s head tilted to one side. “What?”

  “I don't know. Anything out of the ordinary? Have you seen anyone strange lurking about? Have you been followed in your car, that kind of thing?”

  “Gretel, stop! You're scaring me. Is there something going on? Something I should know about?”

  “No.” Gretel laughed. “Nothing at all, I'm just asking questions.”

  “Yes, but you must be asking for a reason.”

  Gretel had to make something up. “I've just had a strange dream that's all. And you know how sometimes dreams can come true.”

  “Tell me about your dream.”

  Gretel scratched her head.

  “It was nothing really. Forget I said anything.”

  “No, tell me about your dream.”

  “I don't really remember it now. Just forget I said anything.”

  “Are you sure everything’s all right?”

  “Everything’s fine.”

  Hazel stared at her trying to read her face. “I hope so.”

  “It is.” Gretel smiled and tried to look relaxed.

  “You look a little tired. Dark circles under the eyes. What's really going on?”

  Gretel sighed. “Stop being dramatic. If there was something wrong I’d tell you.”

  “Would you?”

  “Yes.” After Gretel had swallowed her last mouthful of food, she said, “If something strange does happen, just tell me.”

  Hazel’s bottom lip trembled just slightly. “What should I be expecting?”

  “I'm not sure, like I said, I forgot the dream.”

  “I hate it when you don't tell me things. I'm not a kid anymore, you know; I'm an adult.”

  “I know, and I'm treating you like one, but I can’t tell you something I’ve forgotten. Anyway it was just a silly dream. I should’ve kept it to myself and I would’ve if I knew you’d carry on like this about it. Can we change the subject?”

  Hazel pouted, before she said, “What are you doing with yourself now?”

  “Nothing. You know I’m working for the FBI—consulting.”

  “Yes?”

  “And that’s what I’ve been doing. I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but Jack and I are part of the team babysitting the Purple Promise.”

  “The purple what?”

  “Haven’t you been reading the papers?”

  “Not lately. I’ve been too busy with other things.”

  Gretel told her all about the Purple Promise, along with its estimated value.

  Hazel shook her head at the value. “That’s crazy.”

  “I know.”

  “And they’re trusting you?”

  “Of course. I’m reformed.”

  “To me, that’s even crazier.”

  “Well, thanks.”

  “You know what I mean. I’d trust you, but why would they? Are you certain they’re not laying some kind of trap for you?”

  “There’d be no reason. They already caught me, if you’ll remember.”

  Hazel slowly nodded as though she didn’t believe one word. “Won’t you be tempted?”

  “Even if I am, there’s no way anyone would be able to steal it. Not even me. It’s the most heavily guarded thing on the planet—nearly.”

  “Still, if you wanted to you could find a way.”

  Gretel frowned. Was that a hint of pride in her sister’s voice right now? “Don’t say things like that. I don’t want to even think about it. That life is so far behind me that it’s not even funny. It’s a world away.”

  “Okay. I just find it a bit odd that all of a sudden you’ve switched sides of the fence. Wouldn’t it take years to reform and turn your back on old ways?”

  “No. It just takes being in prison for anything longer than one day. Don’t talk about things of which you know nothing about.”

  “I’m sorry, Gretel, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “It’s okay. I just haven’t had enough coffee yet.”

  “Quick. Drink up.”

  They both giggled.

  After Gretel took another swallow, she said, “What are Mom and Dad doing now?”

  “Just the same stuff as usual. They’re back from their cruise.”

  “And the poor people who went on the church cruise would now all have empty pockets.”

  “Oh, don’t say that Gretel. People donate to the ministries all the time. Why do you give Mom and Dad such a hard time? Collecting money is part of what they do, part of their job working for the Lord.”

  “I don’t like it.”

  Hazel sighed. “Won’t you just put your differences aside and come to a family dinner tonight? They’ll be beside themselves to see you.”

  Gretel trembled at the thought. Hazel was forever trying to repair the family damage, but in truth, Gretel knew her folks were disappointed in her and would not be pleased to see her at all. Hazel was too optimistic. It was her greatest asset and also her greatest downfall. “I’m sorry, but I can’t think of anything worse. Yes, I can, spending the holidays with them. Hmm, holidays. The way Jack is working me, I doubt I’ll get any vacations.”

  “I wouldn’t complain. It is keeping you out of trouble. You know you like to work.”

  “No I don’t.” Gretel shook her head. “I like to relax.”

  “Yeah, for five minutes and then you’re ready to do something. You can’t sit still for five minutes, Gretel, and you know it.”

  “Did you come over here just to nag at me?”

  “No, but I’m not going to stop asking until you see Mom and Dad.”

  Gretel shrugged her shoulders. “Okay.”

  “You’ll do it?”

  “You can show me a photo of them, then I’ll be seeing them. Got one on your cell phone?”

  “Oh, Gretel, you know that’s not what I meant. Rifts in families are bad.”

  “Some families are bad, and in those families rifts are good things.”

  Hazel shook her head. “What made you start stealing things? We’ve never talked about it. I’ve asked, but you’ve never wanted to talk about it.”

  “I guess it was the challenge. It's a skill like any other profession.”

  “Well, it's not like any other profession is it? Because in any other profession it’s not going to land you in jail.”

  “Some professions do. I could name a few.”

  “Don’t bother. You know what I mean.”

  “I would’ve been fine if it hadn't been for Ryan Castle. He was the fly in the ointment. The fly in the soup ... or whatever that old saying is.”

  “You were bound to be caught at some point if you had kept doing what you were doing.”

  “I was about to retire.”

  “That's what you used to keep saying, but you didn't retire and I don't know if you would've.”

  Gretel scoffed and stuck her nose in the air.

  “Anyway, couldn't you have done something else with your life?”

  “If you've never done it, you will never understand.”

  “Try me. Is it the thrill of doing something and not getting caught?”

  “Don't worry about it—you'll never understand.”

  “I want to understand better.”

  “It’s everything. It’s the planning, the enlisting of people you need to help you. It’s outsmarting and outwitting everyone. And once it’s done, it’s the thrill of getting away with it. But, in a way that’s the beginning of it, not the end.”

  “Stealing is not the end of it?”<
br />
  “No. You still have to get rid of the items. And often, that's the hardest part. You have to know the right people to offload the jewels to at the right time. It’s a whole other process altogether. Oftentimes that’s where most people get caught.”

  “I never really thought of that.”

  “Hmm. Thanks for reminding me, I was trying to forget everything that happened. Trying to forget my career wasn’t ended by choice. I was brought down by a man. That’s what I hate. If I’d slipped up it would have been my fault. But he double-crossed me—”

  “He outsmarted you.”

  “Yeah. As much as I hate to admit it, it’s true. He took off with the diamonds and left me there to take the rap.”

  “I think it was all for the best. All things work together for good. You’re free now and working with law enforcement.”

  Gretel made a face. She didn’t feel free. “I never want to go back to that horrible place. I never want to go back there. I wasn’t in control of any part of my life in prison.”

  “Yeah, I imagine it would be awful.”

  “It was.”

  “Do you miss the excitement, the not getting caught, the adrenaline rush that you were just talking about?”

  “No,” Gretel lied. Of course she missed it. And if she was smart, the Purple Promise would be hers and no one would be any the wiser.

  Chapter Seven

  Monday morning, Gretel’s cell phone rang—the one those men had given her.

  She scrambled through her bag to find it and answer it in time. “Yes.”

  “You’d better not breathe a word to anyone.”

  Anger rose within her like a dark and stormy cloud ready to spew forth lightening. “I’m sorry, this is all a bit hard to believe. Are you playing some kind of prank with me?”

  “You think this is a joke? You think I am a joke?”

  “Yes, I do. A complete joke.”

  “I’ll prove to you this is no joke.”

  As quickly as it had come, Gretel’s anger was quelled by her fears as her heart beat hard against her chest. Now she knew it was no joke. She searched for something to say to calm him down.

  Before she could think of anything, he repeated, “I’ll show you this is no joke.” Then he ended the call.