Page 103 of Gem Warfare
“I beg to differ.”
“They belong to Rachenstein.” Another calculated guess.
Gideon’s jaw stiffened. “Theybelongto me.”
“We could be here all day doing this.” I was tempted to check my watch sarcastically but sudden moves seemed a bad idea. Gideon had me trapped against the wall and no one knew whereI was.Damn it!Surprise at seeing him had overtaken me. I should have called Solomon before I followed Gideon around the corner but I’d been so desperate not to lose him. I couldn’t do that. Not after the embarrassment of insisting I’d seen Maddox’s thief.
“I don’t have all day. I need you to go inside and get my jewels. I need you to go now. I’m not the only person who wants them. All the vultures will be here soon. Did you leak it to the press?”
“No! Did you?”
“No.”
“Did you kill your father?” I asked.
Gideon recoiled. “No!” Then he softened. “I’m not a killer. I’m a thief. Not the same thing.”
“Do you know who did?”
“No.”
“Do you want to know?”
“I want the jewels. You can tell me the rest later.” Gideon leaned closer again, his body inches from mine. “Do you know who killed my dad?” he asked softly.
“I’ve got a good idea.”
“Who?”
“Did you bug my car?” I asked, switching topics. If I could keep him talking long enough, Solomon would come looking for me.
“What’s with all the questions?”
“Did you?” I pressed.
“Maybe.”
“Why?”
“I think you’re stalling for time. I’ve told you what I need you to do. I want you to go inside here,” he said, tapping the building, his arm trapping me, “and get the jewels and bring them out to me. As soon as I have them, I’ll be gone and you’ll never see meagain. Unless you want to.” He smiled and tickled my cheek.
I drew up my hand and wiggled my ring finger. “I’m spoken for.”
“I heard you were married. That doesn’t bother me.” He winked.
“How did you hear anything?”
“I have plenty of ears that listen. Now go inside and get my jewels.” He mimed walking away with his fingers.
“I can’t. They’re in the evidence locker.”
“Which is exactly why you’re going to get them for me.” Something jabbed at my ribs. I looked down, expecting to see his finger but instead, I saw the muzzle of a gun, just peeking from under his shirt. I forced a breath, forcing a calmness I didn’t feel.
“I’m not a police officer.”
“I’ve done my research on you, Lexi Graves, PI. You’re related to half of them. Find someone to help you. Doesn’t matter who or what crazy story you make up, just get in there, get the jewels and bring them here. I’m sure you can figure it out. You have thirty minutes.”
“But…”