Read Online Thieves Like Us by Starr Ambrose - Free Book Online

delivered the punch line. “These people might be more dangerous than most.” It was this fear that had brought him here, and he waited to see if Ben had been thinking along the same lines.
    Recognition sparked in Ben’s eyes. “You’re talking about the gangs that prey on jewelry couriers.”
    “They aren’t usually so destructive, but hitting the car first is how they think. It’s their trademark.”
    “You think they’d be interested in the Pellinni Jewels?”
    That was the part that bothered Rocky, too. “Not usually. But it’s possible they saw it as an easy snatch if they moved fast. The industry has wised up and made it harder for them to stage successful grabs, so it might have looked like easy money. Safer than a smash and grab at a jewelry store.”
    “But it wasn’t successful,” Ben pointed out.
    “No. And that worries me. That scratch down the side of the car had nothing to do with a search for the Pellinni Jewels. It was for shock effect, intimidation.”
    “Meaning what? Turn over the jewels or else?”
    “Basically. And if it is one of these gangs and they try the condo next, Janet’s in real trouble. They’re a whole lot more dangerous than a solitary jewel thief who wants to get in and out as quietly as possible. These guys aren’t subtle, and all they care about is the final result, getting the jewelry.” The thought of them even putting a finger on Janet made his gut twist.
    The frown on Ben’s face showed he trusted Rocky’s analysis and shared his concern. “You sure she’s okay tonight? She’s not gonna do something foolish like call a cab and go home?”
    “I told both Elizabeth and her butler, Mr. Peters, that she shouldn’t be allowed to leave. I don’t think we have to worry.”
    Ben nodded his satisfaction. “I’ll find out who’s working her case and make sure I’m kept updated. And I’ll talk to Janet in the morning, see if I can convince her to listen to your advice and stay with Liz for a while.”
    He pulled a grimace. “I don’t recommend calling it my advice, not if you want her to take it.”
    “Huh.” Ben studied him. “What’s she got against you?”
    “Nothing. She’s just doesn’t like me telling her what to do.”
    Ben mulled it over. Rocky squirmed under the scrutiny, regretting that he’d said anything.
    “The girl knows her own mind. Maybe she just doesn’t like you.”
    He didn’t want to discuss it. “Maybe.” Standing, he pushed his chair in. “Forget I mentioned it.”
    Ben didn’t move. “Janet has a right to be gun-shy after what that bastard put her through.”
    “You’re right.” Rocky started for the door. “Thanks for looking out for her.”
    Ben still hadn’t made any move to get up. “You know, her parents moved to Arizona.”
    He didn’t like the feel of this. “Yeah, I heard they retired there.”
    “So the only family she has around here is Liz. And me.”
    “And Jack and Ellie.”
    Ben ignored him. “So I have to step in sometimes, since her dad can’t be here.”
    Rocky sighed; he wasn’t going to get out of this, so he might as well face it. “Look, Ben, Janet’s twenty-nine years old. So am I. I’m not asking your permission to date her. But if it makes you feel any better, I know what she’s been through and I’m not rushing her. That’s all you’ll get. Anything else is between me and Janet. It has nothing to do with you.”
    Ben cocked his head, pinning him with a hard look. “That so?”
    If the comment was calculated to irritate Rocky, it couldn’t have worked better. He’d finally made some progress with Janet tonight, then nearly ruined it by insisting she follow his orders. Even if it had been the safest course of action, he wasn’t happy with the results. The proverbial “one step forward, two steps back.” The last thing he needed now was someone else’s opinion about their prickly relationship.
    Staring back with an expression every bit as hard as Ben’s, he said, “Damn