Page 19 of The Sniper
“Any idea why they didn’t steal those?”
She shrugs.“I don’t even know why they stole the diamonds.Aside from the obvious.”
“Which is?”
I know what I think is the obvious answer, but I’m curious to understand what she thinks.
“Well, for money.People are hungry.”
I almost laugh.Apparently, Tiffany Stallone has a conscience, but in my opinion, she’s way off target with her theory.I can’t help digging a little deeper, and maybe it makes me an asshole.
“You think a poor person broke into your Bel Air mansion and your safe to get your diamonds to pay for their children’s food...and, let’s face it, probably fuel.”
She blushes.
But instead of arguing with me or defending her position, she looks me right in the eye and says, “I don’t know, Mr.Rogers.I’m not a thief nor a psychologist, but I’ve met a lot of people over the years who judge or hate me because I was born into privilege, so feel free to do the same.It makes little difference to changing the world or feeding the poor.”
Ouch.
I straighten; my smile fading.
Her eyes follow mine.
“I’m sorry.That wasn’t where I was headed with my comment,” I confess, somewhat surprised by the strength behind her words.This woman has more bite than I first gave her credit for.
“It’s fine.As I said, people assume a lot of things about rich people.We will get our insurance money, and while it was a gift from my daddy, I know what’s important in life.”
I want to ask what that is, but I stop myself.
“Do you think someone took them because they’re envious of your success?”I tilt my head.
She seems triggered by the topic, and if there is something going on that could be of interest to the police.
“I suppose.That would be silly of them.Anyway, envy achieves nothing.People should focus on their own lives, and if they want to be rich, then they should set it as a goal and go out to achieve it.”
“That easy?”I lift a brow, amused by her ignorance...or innocence.I’m not sure which it is yet.
“I didn’t say it was easy.”Her lips stretch into an unimpressed line.
“Yet you were born into it.”
“Yes, very rude of me.”Tiffany rolls her eyes.“I’ll make sure not to do that in my next life.”
Mic drop.
While her comments are triggering given my own personal situation, I can’t help being intrigued by her.
I follow her as she turns to leave.
I want to hear more.
I want a lot of things when it comes to Tiffany Stallone—none of which I have any right to.But a man can dream...or at least fantasize, and I see a lot of nights doing just that.
During the day, I’ll remain professional and make sure whoever did this doesn’t get near her again.
“This was the window they cut.”Tiffany points out and sits on the edge of a window seat.Her long legs stretch out, and I note she’s wearing a pair of classic white Converse.
Not Gucci.
