Page 26 of The Diamond Thief
I hear a click at the back of the van but don’t bother to open my eyes. It’s probably the driver finishing up the work. I’ll be glad to get a move on. It’s not a bad idea to have a new ally in Elliott. If anything is going to go down later with Jacob, the more people who can vouch for me, particularly at the highest levels of the Den, the better.
Who knows, maybe I will confess to him and ask for his advice.
That is actually an incredibly good idea. I could impress him on this heist, and afterward, admit that I took Jacob’s swords and see what he would have me do.
The back door opens and the road noise fills the quiet of the van. I turn to look and then suck in a breath.
I can’t believe it.
It’s Jacob Holt.
“Oh my God,” I say.
But he just tilts his head at me. “Are you okay?”
My heart hammers ninety miles an hour. Does he not recognize me? I touch my hair. It is a big change, but still, my face is my face.
I can’t even answer. My breath is stolen.
“I’m sorry to have rendered you speechless,” he says. “I’m Jacob Holt. I’m the fourth.”
What? He’s part of the job?
My voice barely squeaks out my words. “I didn’t know there was a fourth.” I look around wildly. There’s no one nearby.
“I hope that’s okay,” he says. “Elliott and I are good friends. We thought this would be a fun little low-key adventure for us.”
He settles in the seat across from me, completely calm.
I’m not quite sure I believe it.
Jacob Holt is sitting right in front of me. I just stole his biggest heist a week ago. Something has to be off.
“What’s your name?” he asks. “I apologize that I don’t already know it. I’m not familiar with many of the female thieves from the Den.”
I try not to stumble on my words. The others will call me by what they know. I should go with that. “I’m Marissa.”
“I assume youarefrom the Den,” Jacob says easily, his head tilted. He’s so laidback compared to the last time I saw him. Does he really not recognize me?
“Yes. But my friend Elena told me about this job.”
“So you haven’t been at the Den for a while? That would explain why I haven’t seen you.”
“No, not in a little while.” I’m still stumbling.
He tugs on his shirt cuffs, making them more impeccably straight than they already were. His collar is open at his throat. His suit pants are pressed and perfect. His shoes gleam as though he just stepped off a shoeshine stand.
My heart pounds at his nearness, just like before. I willnotmake another mistake just because I’m hot for him. I refuse.
“So what is your area of interest on this job?” Jacob asks.
I almost say tiaras, then realize that would be incredibly stupid. The Jade he knew stole his tiaras.
“There are lots of amazing things on it,” I say, and decide to deflect. “My friend Elena is here for the Egyptian gold.”
He nods. “I am a great lover of ancient things. I’m hoping there might be some undocumented items on this exhibit that are of interest to me. But otherwise, I am here for the companionship.” He flashes a charming smile. If Elena had been here, she probably would’ve insisted that her panties fell off for this one too. Except that I have a feeling her panties are already off for Elliott.
I have to pull myself together. He either doesn’t recognize me or he is playing some game. I feel very alone and now question everything that has happened in the last few hours. The van. The blowout.
