Page 36 of Third Crime's A Charm
Matteo made the most of Truman’s absence, bounding out of bed as soon as he left and quickly dressing for a run. He was able to lose Neville in Central Park and came out by Rockefeller Plaza. There, Matteo jumped into a cab and got out at Bryant Park. He still had time before he had to meet Tiffany on the C train, so Matteo popped into a quiet deli for a bagel and lox and read a newspaper.
He had concerns that Truman would cramp his style but a paper bag with the prior evening’s score was tucked inside Matteo’s windbreaker. Truman had accompanied him to a dinner party and two other events and hadn’t interfered as Matteo “went to work.”
Back at the townhouse, Truman had pressed Matteo about his intentions for the jewels but it had been easy to deflect and distract him. They had sex in the shower and Matteo spent the rest of the evening on social media, monitoring news of upcoming protests and checking in with local groups.
Coverage of the party itself was sparse but it was widely known that a big event was happening at the St. Regis the upcoming weekend and that several of the city’s most powerfuland wealthiest residents would be attending. That was exactly what Matteo was counting on and the morning paper was reporting that two celebrity activists had arrived and were expected to join the city’s protesters in pushing back against corruption and greed within the government.
Satisfied that he was up to date on current events, Matteo boarded the C train and gradually made his way through the car until he spotted a statuesque Black woman with cyan blue hair. Matteo fell into the seat next to her and casually dropped the folded paper sack into her open tote bag.
“How have you been, beautiful?” he asked, leaning as if he was checking the time on the overhead display.
“Me?” she let out a belligerent snort while pretending to read something on her phone. “You went missing and gave half the city a heart attack.”
Matteo groaned as he sat back. “I didn’t realize so many people cared. But I was fine. Got swept off my feet, actually.”
She clicked her teeth, shaking her head. “I’m just glad you’re alright.”
“I need a favor,” Matteo said, changing the subject. They only had two stops before he got off. “There’s a picture and design specs for a jewel in the bag. Can you make me agoodreplica?”
“Whatever you want, gorgeous,” she said with a firm nod, keeping her eyes on her phone.
Matteo waited until everyone found a spot and the train departed to continue. “I’m afraid it’s a rush job. I need it by Friday and youcannottell a soul. You don’t want to know anything about this but a cut of what I get for that replica will be anonymously donated to your shelter.”
“That would be wonderful but I’m happy to do it. You’ve already helped me raiseso much money,” she said with a watery laugh. Tiffany had no idea that her cut would be a quarter of the reward and Matteo wished he could be there to see her reaction.
“It’s good to have something worthwhile to do and keeps me from getting bored,” he said with a shrug. Tiffany made costume jewelry for several shows and pageant queens. “I’ll meet you here at the same time on Friday.”
“Perfect,” Matteo gave her hand an appreciative squeeze. “I’ll be ready with another delivery.”
“You’re an angel.”
“So are you.” He smiled, letting his gaze drift around the inside of the train casually before glancing at Tiffany. “I love that shade of blue!” he said as he gestured at her hair, then leaned closer. “It looks stunning with your skin tone and it brings out those beautiful brown eyes.”
She blushed as she slapped his arm. “What have I told you about flirting with me, sir? I’m the marrying type.”
“It’s a shame I’m not,” Matteo said, rising as his stop approached and winked at Tiffany. “Until next time, beautiful,” he said and moved toward the door as the train came to a jerking halt.
Matteo got out at 72nd, just across from the Olympia and hurried inside before anyone could stop him. He took a quick shower and stuffed a garment bag with fresh suits and refreshed his toiletry bag, hitting the call button on the elevator in just under an hour. For a moment, Matteo thought he was in the clear but a black car pulled up to the curb before he could hail a cab.
“Need a lift?” Max asked as the driver got out and retrieved Matteo’s bags.
“Danke!” Matteo replied brightly, then lowered into the back seat next to Max. “In the neighborhood?” He batted his lashes at Max as the car pulled into traffic, enjoying the way his eye twitched. It was almost as satisfying as needling Leo.
Max sighed, propping his cheek on his fist. “East 62nd Street, I presume?”
“As a matter of fact!”
“I really wish you’d reconsider, Teo. Truman Tennyson is…” He groaned as he lifted his cheek and rubbed his temple. “He is unsuitable.”
“I am very aware of his faults but Truman has his redeeming qualities.”
“Such as?” Max’s brows lifted expectantly.
“I’m sure you can guess.”
“He’s almost fifty. People are already talking.”
“Good!” Matteo said, then tapped his chin. “I’m sureyou’renot making an issue out of Truman’s age. Isn’t Reid…ten years younger than you?”
