Steal Read online

  Contents

  Copyright

  Other Books by Jeff Elkins

  Dedication

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  An Excerpt from Fight

  Other Books by Jeff Elkins

  Copyright © 2019 Jeff Elkins

  All rights reserved.

  Look for these other titles in the Watkins and Howe series.

  Grab

  Fight (coming June 2019)

  Save (coming August 2019)

  Check out these other books by Jeff Elkins on Amazon:

  Mencken and the Monsters

  Mencken and the Lost Boys

  Saving Deborah

  Becoming Legend

  Mark and All the Magical Things

  7 Nights in a Bar

  My Top Five in No Particular Order

  Revolution Church

  To follow Jeff’s work, subscribe to his monthly newsletter by clicking here.

  Every subscriber receives a free copy of the novel The Twelve Commandments and the short story The Window Washing Boy.

  For Julianna. May you continue to be as fierce as Francine, as smart as Ami, as brave as Stacie, and as compassionate as Moe.

  Special thanks to Laura Humm and Lindsey Renee.

  Thank you for helping Moe and Stacie come to life.

  Thanks to Elizabeth Mackey for the amazing cover.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Edwin picked up the pace. He looked at his watch for the third time as he hustled down the walking trail. His employer would be home in thirty minutes. It would take ten minutes to get back to the house, which meant this meeting needed to wrap up in ten minutes to ensure he wasn’t missed.

  He wished they didn’t have to meet in such a remote place. This could all be done over the phone, but his partners didn’t trust him not to record them. Everything had to be face to face.

  As he hurried, he looked around. The park was completely empty, except for one of his partners. The site of the man leaning against a large tree caused Edwin’s chest to tighten. This was his least favorite partner. He considered stopping where he was until the others arrived, but he knew if he did, the man would just come and get him.

  Edwin pressed forward, assuring himself that this would be the last meeting. He’d promised himself that. No more. He didn’t care what they held over his head.

  But, his resolve began to fade as he neared the tree.

  “You’re late,” his partner said.

  “I’m sorry. It couldn’t be helped,” Edwin stammered, hating the weakness in his voice.

  “It’s fine. So, give me the details,” the man at the tree said.

  “Shouldn’t we wait for the others?” Edwin said, looking around for signs that someone else was coming.

  “It’s just me today,” the man shrugged.

  “I just think we should wait until everyone is here. I don’t want to talk about things until we’re all together. That was the plan,” Edwin complained.

  “The others are busy. They sent me. Do you have a problem with that?” the man said, the danger in his voice building.

  “It’s just irregular,” Edwin said, looking around again, hoping to see another one of the partners appear.

  “Give me the details,” his partner ordered.

  Edwin looked away as he said, “Well, first, I just want to be clear. I know this has made us some money. But, I told you before. The McClintok was my last one. I’m just not comfortable with this arrangement anymore. I’m sorry but…“

  “You’re done, when we say you’re done,” the man growled.

  Edwin looked at the ground and mumbled, “Well, I just think we may have pushed this too far. He’s getting suspicious.”

  “I didn’t come here to listen to you whine. Give me the details,” the man said.

  Edwin wished he were stronger. He wished he were a fighter so he could punch his partner right in the face.

  “I can’t. I just can’t. I mean, I won’t,” Edwin said. He was ashamed at the whining tone of his voice.

  “Stand up straight, damn it. If you’re going to try and walk out on this, look me in the eye and speak to me like a man,” his partner reprimanded him like he was child.

  Edwin straighten his back and looked at his partner’s mouth. He knew the violence his partner was capable of. He’d seen him do terrible things to people. He didn’t want to be the next victim. “I don’t want to do this anymore,” he complained, softly to himself.

  Edwin’s partner tried turning on the charm. “Look, we’ve all made good money from this. And, you can’t tell me you don’t need it, because I’ve seen what he pays you. He treats you like his dog. You need this as much as I do,” his partner said.

  Edwin looked at the ground, afraid to make eye contact. “I think he knows. He’s going to have us arrested,” he complained.

  “Well, have you convinced him to sign the new will? Because with all the things we hid in there, if he signs it, we’re set for life. Then, we won’t need the damn paintings and you can get out,” his partner rationalized.

  Edwin didn’t doubt for a second that his partner would kill Mr. Thalberg as soon as he signed the will. He’d never seen the man kill someone, but he knew he was capable of it. “I don’t want that,” Edwin complained.

  “Will he sign it or won’t he?” his partner demanded.

  “I put it in his pile of things to address. He hasn’t gotten to it yet,” Edwin said.

  “Then, we’re moving forward with the next painting. So, give me the details. What’s he buying?” There was greed in his voice that sent a new wave of fear through Edwin.

  “I don’t know yet,” Edwin whined, then, quickly added, “But I know it’s something big. He’s moved a lot of cash over to his expense account.”

  “You better not be holding back on me,” the man threatened.

  “That’s everything I know right now,” Edwin said.

  His partner leaned in. Edwin looked down again. He could feel the man’s warm breath in his eyes. It stank of stale coffee. “If you’re out, we need to clean up this operation. I don’t think you want that.”

  Edwin could barely breathe. His heart raced. “No. I don’t want that.”

  “Then, we understand each other. I’ll expect your call as soon as you find out what he’s buying and where he’s hanging it. Hold out on me, and I’ll put a bullet in you both, will or no will,” his partner said, before turning and walking away.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Moneta looked down at her neon rainbow shoe laces. They’d been the right choice. This place needed some color. The off-white hallway with the speckled white tile floor felt sterile. The smell of disinfectant was so thick, Moe felt it invading her nasal cavity. She looked at the ceiling. The rectangular panels were identical in color and feel
to the floor.

  “Ms. Watkins?” asked a man in a white coat.

  “That’s me,” Moe said with a smile.

  The man crossed the room and shook her hand. He was shorter than she was and he was skeletal thin, but his smile was genuine and warm. “Thank you for coming. I’m Doctor Elias. We spoke on the phone,” he said. “From what I was told, you have a unique ability with memories that could be very helpful with this patient.

  “Thank you for contacting me. It’s rare that I get to take a case for something like this,” Moe said.

  “Oh? What kind do you usually take?” he asked with the tone of a curious psychiatrist.

  “Typically, I’m being asked to relive someone’s death or solve a crime,” Moe said with a laugh.

  “That sounds difficult,” Doctor Elias said with a nod.

  “Well, if you ever have room in your appointment schedule let me know, and I’ll come lie on your couch and tell you all about it,” Moe said with a grin.

  The doctor looked down in embarrassment. “Oh, well, I only deal with juveniles. And, we don’t really use couches any more, but there is a very comfortable chair in my office.”

  “Speaking of juveniles, who is it you wanted me to see?” Moe asked.

  “Oh, right,” Doctor Elias said, as he glanced at his watch. “The reason I asked you here is because we have a young girl that has suffered a deep trauma. My ability to speak with her about her feelings has been unsuccessful. I was hoping you might be able to find a happy memory I could use as a therapeutic launching point,” he explained.

  “What’s her name?” Moe asked.

  “Sarah,” the doctor said.

  “Can I ask what happened to her?”

  “There was a break-in and both her parents were killed. It’s unclear how much she saw. The police found her hiding in a closet. That was three months ago. She hasn’t spoken a word since,” the doctor explained. His voice was strained with concern.

  “Did they catch the killer?” Moe asked, suspicious the doctor’s request was some backhanded way to get her involved in a cold case.

  “I’m not sure. I haven’t heard anything, but that’s not really my area of expertise. My concern is for Sarah’s health. She seems to be sliding further into depression and isolation,” he clarified.

  “And you want me to help her remember something happy?” Moe asked, still suspicious this was some kind of trick.

  “I was told your gift can bring happy memories to the surface?” he said with uncertainty.

  “How did you hear about me?” Moe had assumed it had been from the police, but they would never describe her gift that way.

  “I’m friends with your brother. We were discussing Sarah’s predicament, and he told me about your gift,” the doctor said.

  “You know Robert?” Moe asked. Her eldest brother was an FBI agent. A multiple homicide was right up his alley.

  “Um, no,” the doctor said, shaking his head. “I’m friends with Joe.”

  Connections started falling into place in Moe’s mind. “Joe told you about me.”

  “Joe and I go way back. We were in school together and, then, did our residency together. Even though he doesn’t practice anymore, we still get coffee occasionally,” Doctor Elias explained.

  “Well, if Joe sent you, then I better meet Sarah, because there is no telling Joe no,” Moe said with a refreshed grin.

  “I’ve never been able to,” Doctor Elias said with a thoughtful nod. “Sarah’s room is just this way,” he said, as he turned to walk down the hall.

  Moe followed him through a set of double doors. Except for eight heavy doors, the hallways were identical. Doctor Elias walked to the third door on the left, eased it open, and stepped inside. Moe followed quietly.

  The room was softer than the hall. While the walls were still white, the light pink dresser, pink bedspread, and shaggy pink rug eased the institutional feel. Sitting on the bed, huddled in a corner was a small girl. Her brunette hair hid her face and her knees were pulled to her chest. She didn’t respond when Moe and the doctor entered the room.

  “Sarah, it’s Doctor Elias. I’ve brought a friend I’d like you to meet. This is Ms. Watkins,” Doctor Elias said.

  The young girl didn’t respond.

  Moe smiled at the doctor and moved toward the bed. She eased herself down on the bed next to the girl, careful not to touch her. “Hi, Sarah. I’m Moe,” she said, leaning down to try and meet the girl’s eyes, but there was no recognition that Moe was even there. Sadness seemed to radiate from the child. The sight of her stillness caused a knot to form in Moe’s throat. Tears built in her eyes, but she wiped them away with the back of her hand. “Sarah, I’d like to give you something.”

  Sarah didn’t move.

  “To do that, I’m going to have to touch your hand. I promise, it will only be for a minute or so. Is that okay?” Moe asked.

  Sarah didn’t respond.

  “We’ll start small,” Moe said. Cautiously, she reached out for the girl’s hand. Touching it, Moe closed her eyes and searched for a sense of joy in Sarah’s mind.

  Snow crunched under Moe boots and a cold wind blew across her face. She opened her eyes. They took a minute to adjust to the bright light reflecting off the white snow.

  “Come on Sar-Bear,” a man said. Moe looked up at his kind eyes and reassuring smile. He was her father, and she knew everything was going to be okay.

  Moe squeezed the edge of the sled in her hands and felt it press through her mittens. Chasing after her dad, she ran the final few steps up the hill.

  “Okay, big girl. You ready to try this again?” her dad said.

  Moe replied with a slight nod. She swallowed, as she looked down the hill. It was so big.

  “Can you see Mommy there at the bottom?” He waved, and a woman waved back. She was beautiful. Moe loved her fluffy light-blue coat. Moe waved and her mom waved wilder. A giggle slipped from Moe’s lips.

  “Okay, just aim for Mom,” her dad said, as he took the sled from her hands. Placing it on the ground, he held it steady as Moe climbed in.

  “Don’t let go,” he said.

  Moe gripped both sides of the round sled with all her might.

  “Three, two, one,” he said, giving her a little push.

  The sled crept forward. Moe held her breath. The hill was so big. She considered jumping off like she’d done last time. She hadn’t gone too far yet. It wasn’t too late. A pit formed in her stomach.

  Then, the sled began to pick up speed. Wind brushed against Moe’s face, as snow kicked up around her. A burst of laughter escaped her mouth. She closed her eyes and threw her head back and yelled with joy. The sled sped faster and faster, and Moe laughed harder and harder. She loved every second. She already wanted to do it again.

  The sled began to slow and she opened her eyes. Her mother was there, a few feet in front of her. “You did so great Sar-Bear!” her mother said with pride. “Did you like it?”

  Moe jumped from the sled picked it up and exclaimed, “I want to do it again!” She turned and began running back up the hill toward her father, who was cheering her on.

  Moe released Sarah’s hand and opened her eyes. She shivered at the memory of the cold.

  Sarah was looking up at her. The young girl had the most beautiful blue eyes.

  “That was a beautiful memory. Thank you for sharing it with me,” Moe said with a smile and a nod.

  The left side of Sarah’s mouth twitched in what Moe thought might have been a quick grin.

  “Would you like to do another one?” Moe asked.

  Sarah looked down in thought, then back up at Moe and shook her head no.

  “Okay,” Moe said. “I understand. I tell you what, I’ll come back tomorrow night and see if we can find another fun memory. Would you like that?”

  Keeping her lips closed, Sarah nodded. Releasing her legs from her chest, she began to lie down on the bed.

  Moe stood and pulled back the covers. Sarah rested her h
ead on the pillow and closed her eyes. Moe was certain she was reliving that moment on the hill. Watching her father wave and her mother beam with pride. Moe covered the young girl and said, “Goodnight Sarah. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

  Doctor Elias turned out the light as Moe reached the door. Just before it closed, a strained high-pitched voice said, “Thank you, Ms. Moe.”

  Moe looked back in the room at her new friend. “You’re welcome, Sarah,” she said, as the doctor closed the door.

  Back in the sterile hall, Moe turned her attention to the doctor.

  “That was unbelievable. She hasn’t spoken a word since she’s been her. Or laid down to sleep. I think you had a real breakthrough tonight,” Doctor Elias said, as he made notes in a small notepad.

  “Why is she here?” Moe demanded.

  “What do you mean? Her parents died?” the doctor said, looking up from his notes in confusion.

  “I know that. But why is she here? In this prison of a place?” Moe said, waving her hands at the hall. “Why isn’t she with a grandmother or aunt or uncle? Where is her family?”

  “She has no family left.” The doctor looked genuinely sad. “She’s a ward of the state. Her case worker brought her here because she thought it would be better than foster care. We’ve done the best we can to make her comfortable. We take her outside most of the day, not that she’s done anything but sit on the bench yet. But, you are right. This is a hospital for those with mental struggles. It’s no place for a grieving child.”

  “She’s got no family?” Moe asked with disbelief.

  “Well, her mother was an immigrant from Germany, and we don’t know much about her extended family. Her father’s parents died about ten years ago. Neither of them had any siblings. So, Sarah is all alone,” the doctor said. Moe could tell from the way that he looked at the floor and nodded, that he would fix the situation if he could.

  “I’ll be back tomorrow,” Moe said, as she turned to walk toward the door.

  The doctor chased after her. “You do need to tell me how you did that. I would love to understand,” he called.