The Thief Redeemer (2 page)

The nice part of working in this warehouse is that once dawn
approaches, I can take my cash and crash upstairs for a good six hours. Sally
never asks questions. She provides the food, and we pay Tommy the rent money.
She’s good at being Tommy’s wife. Not every woman would turn a blind eye to
what’s happening. Sally’s one of those women whose looks are deceiving. She’s
tattooed up and down her entire body, yet she’s one of the sweetest human
beings I’ve ever met. She’s twenty years older than us and looks after Marcus
and me like we’re her sons. I don’t complain because it’s nice to have
someone
care about you.

Marcus and I have lived here with them for the past five
years.

I close my eyes and the next thing I know, it’s eleven am.
Damn, I’ve overslept and it’s almost time for lunch. I pull myself out of bed,
take a quick shower and put on some clean clothes. I walk into the den and see
Marcus sitting on the sofa, staring at the television.

We acknowledge each other as I grab my laptop off the table.
First I decide to investigate Hamilton. I discover he’s been a cop for the past
fifteen years and he looks to be in his early forties. I stare at his picture
for a while, familiarizing myself with his face. His brown hair and mustache
make me want to scream out the word “Douchebag!” His office is at the downtown
police department.

Once I have read everything I can on his bio, I Google Peter
Birch. Hate runs through my veins at the mere thought of this man. He’s the
reason I have lost all communication with my brothers. Just looking at his
smiling face on the computer, makes me want to punch a hole in the screen. I
stare at his picture for what feels like an hour, reliving that day in the
courtroom when he took them away. He’s messed with the wrong guy. I don’t know
what I’m going to do, but I’m going to punish Mr. Birch. I’m going to make him
wish he had never met Brandon Wilson. His picture smirks back at me with his
perfect blonde hair, perfect blue eyes and perfect smile. He makes me sick.

“So, what’s your plan?” Marcus’s voice breaks into my
hate-filled thoughts as I return to the present.

“I’m going to destroy Birch.” My voice is matter-of-fact and
deadly all wrapped up in one.

“How do you expect to destroy the biggest and baddest lawyer
in Atlanta?” Marcus is mocking me but I let it slide. He’s all I have left, and
I can’t lose my temper with him.

“Give me a minute to think,” I say. I close the computer
screen and stare out the window. Birch has access to the sealed files of my
brothers’ location somewhere in his filthy rich law office. The idea hits me,
and I know what I can do to make this man pay. I’ll beat him at his own game.

“How’s this idea? I’m going to go to Birch’s office and look
for the files on my brothers. I’m going to find out where they are and throw it
back in his face.” I smile to myself because this sounds like a perfect plan.
I’ve been searching for my brothers for the past ten years. I’ve been such an
idiot. Why haven’t I thought of this before?

“You’re really not going to show up at Birch’s law office
are you?” Marcus asks with concern in his voice. This huge hunk of beef
actually cares for me.

“Yeah.” I open my computer and start to fish around his
website. I need an idea of how to get inside his office undetected. I search
around until I see the tab for their interns. This is perfect. I can access his
office as an intern. Summer has just started, and they won’t know everyone’s
faces yet. I click on the tab and my eyes zero in on the most beautiful woman I
have ever seen.

She has blond hair and blue eyes and a killer petite body.
Her name is Claire Peters and she’s in charge of all the interns. Okay, this
intern idea is looking even better now. Maybe I can stay on for a few days and
have a little fun with Ms. Peters. I don’t even care if this girl is married, I
would do almost anything to feel her body beneath my own. I search out the
names of the interns proudly posted online, and see that they start tomorrow.

Perfect. I’ll pose as an intern and discover the files. I’ll
learn where my brothers are and laugh in Birch’s perfectly chiseled face. Oh
yeah, and do some major flirting with Claire Peters. I should be fine by way of
disguise because Richard said they have my eighteen-year-old mug shot at the
police department. I look very different now. Ten years of my lifestyle will do
that to a person.

I head to the kitchen drawer, my plan formulating perfectly
in my mind. I fish through the fake IDs and pull out one of my most recent.
Thomas Grant. He’s my latest pseudonym and this ID is flawless. Simon makes
them for me. He might be a warehouse manger by night, but he’s a computer nerd
by day. I take my cell phone and press his number from my favorites list.

“Hey, boss.” His voice is raspy, reminding me of cigarettes.

“Hey. I’ve got a job for you.”

I explain how I need him to hack Philip Birch’s server and
add the name Thomas Grant as an intern. That should at least get me through the
front door. After explaining myself to Simon, I end the call. He says he’ll
have it done in a few hours.

I reveal my plan to Marcus, and he only shakes his head.

“How long do you think you’ll pose as an intern?”

“I don’t know. A week, tops. I just need to find those
files. As soon as I have those, I’m out.”

“I hope this works,” he says, positioning himself back
towards the television.

“Me too.” My response is a whisper and I’m not sure if he
hears me. Deep down inside the pit of my soul, this isn’t at all about
destroying Birch. It’s about finding the only thing that really matters in this
life: my family.

AFTER A LONG night of ensuring I
have the proper clothes and paperwork, I’m ready to infiltrate the law office
of Peter Birch. It’s like the first day of school all over again, and I smirk
at my lies. Sally cooks me a hearty breakfast, and I tell them I’m off to my
new job.

Monday through Thursday shouldn’t be that hard since I have
the nights off from the ring, but after that, I might be running on two hours
of sleep. I’ll worry about that when it gets here.

I head out the door and slip inside my Porsche. Yeah, this
was stolen about a year ago, but with the new paint job, tags, and other
changes, the original owners would never recognize their old car. Let’s just
say it’s one of the perks of my job.

I drive to Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta, running my
plan continuously through my head. I can’t afford to get caught, but I need to
teach this prick a lesson or two. You don’t mess with Brandon Wilson and come
out on top.

I pull up at the office and stop the car. I’m dressed in
khakis and a white button down polo. I had to borrow this nice look from Tommy
because I only own jeans and t-shirts. I lower my glasses and look in the
rearview mirror. I’m looking sharp, if I do say so myself.

It’s time to start my “internship.”

I climb out of the car and walk to the front door. Upon
entering, I see an older lady.

“Can I help you?” She looks down her nose at me, and I can’t
figure out why. I look nice in my khaki pants.

“Yeah. I’m a new intern.”

She looks at me like I’ve lost my mind.

“You know you were suppose to be here at eight for
orientation, right? Did you not receive your packet in the mail?”

“No ma’am.”

Shit! What am I to do? I remain calm and decide to do what I
know best - pull out the charm and work my magic. I lean slightly over her desk
and look deep into her eyes. “I didn’t receive any packet in the mail, Miss…”

A small smile forms on her lips, and I know I’ve won her
over.

“Tedders. I’m Laurel Tedders, but you can call me Laurel.”

“Laurel, do you think you could help me out? I’m apparently
a little lost.” I give her the killer smile I know I possess, and she melts in
front of my eyes. What is it with older women always falling for me? Well, the
younger ones fall for me, too. Hell, they all fall for me.

“Claire has already started the orientation. Go on down the
hall and take the first door on your right. I’ll get your packet together. You
can pick it up on your way out.”

“You’re the best, Laurel,” I flirt. I’m shameful and I know
it.

“And what’s your name?”

“Thomas. Thomas Grant.”

“Okay, Thomas. I’ll have it here waiting.”

I give her my signature smile once more and throw in a wink
as I walk towards the hallway. I open the first door on the right, like she
said, and see a room full of desks. The entire class stops what they’re doing
to stare, and that’s when I see her.

Claire Peters stands in the front of the classroom and
pauses her lecture due to my interruption. I’m suddenly waterlogged and can’t
speak or move. I just stare at her like there’s something wrong with me. She’s
really the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.

I’ve noticed my fair share of women and been with most of
them too, but this girl is different. Most of those girls I’ve been with are
the same bitches we’ve all been with, but Claire looks like an angel. She
radiates beauty, confidence, and goodness. Her blonde hair is soft and hangs
down to her tits, which are also perfect by the way, and her blue eyes give a
look of complete innocence. Her full lips on her heart-shaped face scream to be
kissed. I even notice she has one of those widow’s peak things, and I’ve never
noticed shit like that that on a woman before.

She walks up to me, not missing a beat, and stands right in
front me. She crosses her arms and looks me in the eyes. “You’re late.” She’s
playing the tough girl card, and if I wasn’t so memorized by her appearance, I
would be pulling out the charm right about now. I take a deep breath to pull
myself together and blink my eyes to focus. She narrows her eyes at my silence,
but I speak before I get on her bad side.

“My apologies, Miss Peters. I didn’t receive my packet in
the mail. It won’t happen again.”

The scowl on her face instantly lifts and is replaced by a
look that’s more sympathetic. “Oh, I’m so sorry! I’ll make sure you have one
before you go.”

“No problem, Miss Peters. Laurel is taking care of it for
me.”

“Okay, great. And can I ask your name?”

“Yeah. I’m Thomas,” I lie while displaying my smile.
Although I’ve finally remembered to turn on the charm, there’s something about
Claire that intimidates me.

“Take a seat, Thomas. I’ll fill you in on what you’ve missed
later.” She starts to walk back to the front, but turns after a few steps. “And
you can call me Claire.” She gives me a sweet smile, and I offer a cocky one in
return. I walk to the only empty desk in the room and take a seat. All the
other interns glance my direction, but I ignore them. Instead, I focus my
attention to the blonde angel.

I study her face, her hair, and the blue of her eyes. I want
this girl, and I want her bad. There’s something about her that radiates “good”
and I want some of what she’s got. Hell, her body is so banging and her
demeanor is so sweet, I want to take her into my arms right this minute and ask
her to never let me go.

No, I have to get a grip on this situation before I lose
sight of why I’m here. I’m here to destroy Birch and find those sealed files.

The two hours left of orientation pass quickly due to my
fantasizing about Claire Peters and before I know it, she’s announced it’s time
for lunch. I stand and wait for all the other interns to exit the room. I have
no desire to make friends with any of those twits. I focus on the one girl I
really want to know.

She might be the one to help me find the files, I remind
myself. Anyway, I might as well have some fun while I’m here.

She’s sitting at the front of the room sorting papers when I
stop at her desk. I wait for her to look up and when she does, I offer my
signature smile.

“So, tell me what I missed, Miss Claire,” I say, grabbing a
seat and sitting across from her.

“We were discussing some of the cases you’ll be representing
this summer and some of the extra-curricular activities that are expected of
you outside the office.”

I smile. “Sounds lovely.” And it does sound lovely since I
won’t be here longer than seven days. I think I’m having some sort of an effect
on this woman, although she’s a tough one to crack. She notices my flirting and
she hasn’t totally brushed me off, but she’s reserved. She’s going to be a
challenge, but that’s okay. I never back down from a challenge.

I have roughly a week to get this girl into my bed, and I’m
prepared to pull out all the stops to get her there. In fact, I’m going to up
the ante and say I can have her there in five.

Oh yeah, and I need to worry about those files. I scold
myself for getting off task so easily. Claire Peters is way too distracting.

“What time is this orientation over today?”

“Your schedule will be located in your packet, Thomas, but
most days we end at five PM.”

Five PM! Hell, my whole day has just been shot. I lay my
head back on the chair in exasperation, which results in Claire giving me a
small giggle. I raise my head and decide to up my game.

Before I can even begin, she beats me to the punch. “How
come you don’t look familiar? I interviewed all the interns, but I don’t
remember you.”

Oh shit. What do I say? My brain goes a million miles an
hour, but I don’t panic. I’m used to the lies and deceit. “I remember you.”

A small blush creeps across her cheeks, and that’s when I
know I have her. This will be easier than I thought. I lean in and put my arm
on her desk. It’s a risk because this chick scares easily. I can’t get too
cocky.

“So, Claire, I hear you’re the best intern teacher they’ve
ever had at this office.”

At that, Claire leans her head back and laughs. I love the
sound of her laughter and for a minute, I forget why I’m here and what I’m
doing. I want to live forever with her in this moment. She really might be an
angel and for a second, my guard slips away. Maybe she’s too good for me. Maybe
I won’t get this girl into my bed after all, because maybe she’s above that.

The moment quickly ends and the mask settles back on my
face.

Claire stops laughing. “Well, whoever told you that only
said it because I’m the
only
intern teacher.”

“The only one?”

“That’s right. We just started this program about three
years ago, and I’ve been the teacher since the start. Mr. Birch put me in
charge, and I’ve never looked back.”

I admire her strength and drive. This girl is going to be
something one day. She’ll amount to a hell of a lot more than I have. My cocky
façade slips again and the words slip involuntarily from my mouth. “Claire,
you’re going to go far in life.”

She looks at me, and gratitude flows through her eyes.
“Thanks, Thomas. That means a lot.”

I shake my head and stand. I’ve got to get out of here. I
can talk to her after class about the files, but right now this girl is
stripping me bare. I’m even considering telling her my real name because I hate
her calling me Thomas.

I need to remove myself and get some fresh air.

“I’m off to lunch,” I announce while I shove my hands in my
pockets. “You want anything?”

“No, I’m good. I brought something from home.”

I nod and start to walk out. When I reach the door she calls
my name.

“Thomas!”

I turn and notice the blue of her eyes. I give her my
complete attention.

“Be back here by one. I don’t want you to be late this
time.”

My lips curve to a smile as I open the door. “Yes, drill
sergeant,” I joke as she gives me condescending smile.

“I’m not Lieutenant Dan, Thomas.” She’s teasing me and I see
laughter play across her eyes. At least she has a sense of humor. And really,
who doesn’t love
Forrest Gump
?

THE REST OF the afternoon flows at a
snail’s pace. It’s exhausting trying to look interested when you have no idea
what’s going on. I’m also forced to interact with the other interns, which I
don’t enjoy at all. I’m focused only on Claire, and the other interns are
giving me looks at my flamboyant flirting. Claire doesn’t seem to mind, though,
as I worm my way into her heart hour by hour. Finally the clock strikes five.
No one is more excited than me.

Everyone starts picking up their items as I make my way to
Claire’s desk.

“Yes Thomas,” she says with smile that tells me that, while
she enjoys my flirting, she’s not interested. Like I said, this girl is going
to be a hard one to crack.

“What time do I need to be here in the morning, Miss
Claire?”

“Eight o’clock. Sharp.” The small smile is still present on
her lips and I give her a wink as I turn to leave. Tomorrow I will ask her
about the sealed files. I can’t move too fast or she’ll wonder why I’m
interested.