Dirty Thief

Call me old ]-fashioned, but I want to see my girl one more time. I’ll be at the Pantone Café at noon. Do not make me wait. Do not tell your husband, and if you value the lives of your loved ones, do not bring the guards.

Cordially,

Daddy Dwayne

Pushing away from the table, I run to the bathroom and barely make it in time to puke in the toilet. Tears spill over from my eyes, and I cough.

“Oh, God!”

I reach for a tissue to wipe my face. Another tissue to wipe my eyes. My stomach churns, and the weight of fear and misery presses down on my shoulders. I can’t tell Rowan? I can’t bring a guard? How will I escape Hajib? What does he mean by the lives of my loved ones?

Every breath is laced with painful fear. I stagger back to the laptop. When was this even sent? Yesterday!

I’m in our bedroom. Rowan is at the palace, and Hajib is somewhere waiting to take me back when I’m ready. A quick glance at the clock tells me it’s after eleven. I don’t have much time. I scoop my black shift off the floor and throw it over my head. In the bathroom, I clean my eyes, which are smudged black from my tears. I brush my teeth and grab the stolen necklace off the counter.

The bag from the boutique is on a chair, and I drop the necklace into it. It’s the only cover story I can think of. Sandals on, I race down the stairs and out the door without even consulting Hajib. I hop on the Vespa I haven’t used in ages and take off towards the mainland. Traffic is light this time of day, and I’m able to quickly maneuver through traffic to the small shop. The owner’s eyes light up when she sees me. I’m sure she’s hoping the paparazzi will catch wind that I’m here and take pictures. It’s free advertising for her.

“Majesté!” She steps around the counter and does a little bow. “You

’re back. What can I find for you today?”

Looking over my shoulder, I hold my breath, waiting to see if I’ve escaped the black towncar carrying the stocky driver. So far so good.

“Somehow this necklace was mixed up with my things. I didn’t pay for it.” I take the costume jewelry out and place it on the counter. “I’m so sorry.”

“Ah!” She lifts the item and inspects it. “Would you like to add it to your purchase now?”

“Um, no. I’m just… heading to a lunch date, if you don’t mind.”

Going to the back of the shop, I slip out into the alley, leaving my Vespa parked out front. Hopefully, it will give me a little time. Pantone Café is down by the water. It’s a walk-up food stand with a long counter and colorful awnings.

My entire body is trembling with fear. With every step my dread increases. I don’t want to see this man. I don’t want to be alone with him. The only comfort I have is it’s somewhat public. The staff behind the counter will be present. Turning my watch, it’s five minutes until noon. My hand shakes, and I slow my walking. I want Rowan. I want Hajib. I don’t want to be here…

“Still beautiful…” The voice is a cruel rasp at my back, and I spin around, holding out my hand.

“Stay back!” The words are out before I can stop them.

Dwayne Vega is as fleshy and pale as ever. Watery brown eyes move over my body, and his sick smile causes acid to rise in my throat.

“I had no idea you’d be so easy to find. Of course, that also means we don’t have much time.”

“Tell me what you want.” My voice is sharp but shaky. I’m terrified.

Flashes of panic surge under my skin. The internal confusion over whether to run or scream or freeze in place twists my guts, and I’m afraid I’ll vomit again.

“I want my money. You’ll give it to me or you’ll regret it.” He holds out a business card. “This is where you will leave the note. Two days. I will be there. If the money is not, I will take something from you.”

From somewhere deep inside, a fist of courage rises. “You can’t take anything from me. I’m completely safe here.”

Rage flashes across his features, and I’m sure if we were alone, he would have slapped me. “Not everyone is here. Not everyone is safe.”

Ice fills my stomach. “What does that mean?”

“So many children go missing every year. Island life is not as secure as a palace.”

Images of Zelda’s baby girl fill my mind, my sweet little niece Belle. She’s only two and living in the Virgin Islands with her parents.

“You’re lying. You can’t possibly get from here to Tortola that fast.”