Page 37 of Lost Cause
“If Burke is willing to take us in his boat,” Abby said. “Ideally as soon as we finish this conversation.”
Victor pulled back as if someone had slapped him. “I… I will do my best, but you must promise if I demand to return to the house you will bring me back.”
“I promise, “Abby said and gave Burke a pointed look.
“Yeah, sure, we can do that,” Burke said, but he wouldn’t promise anything—couldn’t promise Victor anything. Not until they ruled him out as a suspect in the theft of a multimillion-dollar crown.
Abby wouldn’t let any time pass before going to the bank. She didn’t want to give Victor a chance to chicken out, but she needed to have a quick talk with Gabe before they departed.
She smiled at Victor. “Go ahead with Burke. I’ll meet you at the door.”
“Okay… I…” His words fell off, and he came to his feet, but he couldn’t have been more hesitant.
“You can do this,” Burke said enthusiastically.
Victor didn’t catch the excitement. A deep scowl drew down his face as he trudged out of the room, putting his weight fully on his cane and exaggerating his limp.
Abby turned to Gabe. “I have another exciting job for you.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Already sounds like grunt work, but lay it on me.”
She told him about Estelle’s journals. “Someone has to guard them to keep them away from Victor and his associates.”
“So babysit journals? All this tactical brilliance up here”—he tapped his forehead—“and you want me to babysit journals?”
Just the reaction she’d expected from him. “It might not seem like it, but it’s an important job.”
“Something you tell rookies when you hand them cleaning supplies after a drunk has hurled in your backseat.” He laughed. “But fine—I’ll do it on one condition.”
She cocked her head. “Which is?”
“You keep me looped in on everything else going on. No blackouts.”
“Not a very big ask. I was going to do that anyway.” She grinned. “This is just likeSurvivor. We’re stuck on an island, and you’re my ally. I need you.”
“Difference is, backstabbing is encouraged onSurvivor. Contestants often turn on their allies. You know I don’t operate that way.”
“Right back at you.” She shared a fist bump with him. “Sam has the journals. Just keep them in your sight at all times.”
“Don’t worry so much. Sitting around doing nothing is my specialty.” He relaxed back in his chair and cupped his hands behind his head.
She laughed, though it wasn’t true. Gabe was one of the most active members of their team. “It would help if you read the journals while you’re waiting. See if Estelle knew anything about the crown back in the day.”
“Bonus. Reading a woman’s internal thoughts she didn’t mean to share with anyone.” His sarcastic response trailed her out of the room, but she could count on him to do the job. In every event, but especially now when the stakes were so high for keeping their business alive.
The front door stood wide open, a cool breeze blowing in. She’d hoped Burke would have coaxed Victor outside, but he was frozen in the doorway, one hand glued to the frame. Outside, Burke rubbed a hand over his face as if he’d lost all patience.
“Everything okay?” she asked.
“Victor says he can’t leave.” Burke’s words came out in a sharp cadence.
His irritation didn’t surprise her, but she wouldn’t let Victor remain unmoving. It was either time to push the issue or scrap the idea of going into town.
She pressed past him and reached for his free hand. “Come on. It’ll be okay. We’re both with you, and we’ll support you all the way.”
At her gentle tug, he crossed the threshold. He took a good look around, his eyes widened, and his mouth formed an O of surprise. His steps faltered.
“You’re doing great. Keep going.” She didn’t let him stop, but tugged him along with her as she backed toward the steps. She took comfort in the sound of his cane thumping with every shift of his feet and marking their progress.
