The Thief Redeemer (3 page)

TODAY IS ONLY day two of my
“internship,” and I’m not sure how much more I can take. Eight o’clock days are
so not my thing and working till five PM isn’t what I’m about either. Sitting
in a white walled office for hours on end, learning stuff I know nothing about,
just might kill me. If it wasn’t for Claire as a distraction, I might have
already bailed on this mission. Just a few more days, and as soon as I have the
files I’m out.

I’ve been working my ass off on Claire all morning, and
she’s still not cracking. She’s flirting back, yes, but in small, professional
ways. I’m not sure how to take her, but I know I still want a shot at getting
her in my bed. I brush her hand when I turn in papers and I’m always answering
her questions and joking with her during breaks.

It’s time to break for lunch, and today I’m prepared. I’ve
brought my own lunch so I can eat here with Miss Peters. We’re dismissed for an
hour and all the other interns leave. I stay in my seat, staring at Claire as
she organizes her desk.

She looks up from work, noticing my stare and that I’m the
only one left. “You aren’t going to lunch Thomas?”

“I brought mine today. Thought I would eat with my teacher.”

She rolls her eyes at me as a small smile finds her lips. I
pull my sack lunch from my bag and walk to her desk. I hold it up to my face.
“See.”

She looks at me and a laugh escapes her tight lips. “Okay.
Follow me.”

I follow her down the hallway and we enter the break room.
It’s a small kitchen with a table and chairs. I sit in one of the chairs and,
after grabbing her lunch from the refrigerator, she joins me. I watch her
assemble her sandwich and I’m taken aback by her beauty.

“So, Claire, do you enjoy working here?” I’m making small talk
but we are interrupted when the door swings open and in walks Birch. I freeze
and hang my head. I’ve been so involved in Claire and finding the files I
didn’t even consider running into the man himself here. Marcus was right. I’m
going to get caught and sent to jail.

“Hi, Claire,” he says and she responds with a smile. He
looks over at me and nods in acknowledgement as he heads to the freezer. He
removes his item and pops it in the microwave. He’s just standing there,
watching his lunch spin around and I feel the sweat start to bead on my
forehead.

He has to recognize me. How could he not?

“Thomas, are you all right? You look a little flushed.”

Claire looks at me with concern on her face and places the
back of her hand on my forehead. Instinctively, I lean into her to feel her
soft touch. No one has been worried about me like this in years. Birch looks up
at me and places his food down at the table. Shit! I’m having lunch with Claire
and Philip Birch. This is not how today was supposed to go.

“I’m fine, Claire. Thanks.”

“Here, son, take this. Carbonation always helps me.” Birch
hands me his Coke and goes to get himself another. When he opens the
refrigerator door, I see all types of carbonated drinks inside.

“Um, thanks.” I pop the top and take a swig.

Claire and Mr. Birch make polite conversation about cases
they’re working on as I attempt to eat my food. I hate this man, but I’m also
scared as shit right now. I can barely concentrate on their conversation,
knowing that I’m one phone call away from jail.

It’s also near impossible to eat when there’s a piece of
cotton stuck in your throat. We finish our lunch, and Birch leaves the room.

I release a breath of air from my lungs. For the first time
that hour, I relax.

“What was wrong during lunch? Do you not feel well?”

I look into Claire’s eyes and for a minute I’m lost. This
girl is worried about me. I’ve never had a woman worried about me; well, except
maybe Sally, but that doesn’t count. Sally’s like my mother. I’ve never had a
girl who’s beautiful and pure worried about me. Most of the girls I’ve been
around are there for one thing and that’s sex. All I’ve been able to think
about is getting Claire into my bed, and now, I see she’s more than that. She’s
compassionate and loving, two traits hard to find in my world.

I seriously thought I could get her in my bed? I’m lucky
she’s even giving me the time of day.

Claire clears her throat softly, and I remember she’s asked
me a question. “I was nervous because I know who he is.”

Claire smiles as she throws away her trash. “He’s not that
scary, Thomas.”

We share a laugh because now I feel ridiculous.

I go to throw my trash away and brush arms with Claire in
the process. She freezes, and I stop in my steps. Our eyes lock as wordless
communication flows between us. Our shoulders remain sewn together and I wonder
how only touching her this little can have such a profound effect on me. The
room around us fades away and I long to lose myself in her big blue eyes. I
envision kissing her and holding her, running my hands through her silky hair.
We are so close that I can smell her scent, and a weird feeling runs through
me.

I want to protect her.

Actually, I want to protect her from the likes of me. She
inhales a deep breath and pushes against my chest to break the contact. She
diverts her eyes to the floor and before I can speak, she turns and leaves the
room. I stand in the silence, remembering the feeling that just passed between
us only moments before.

I didn’t do anything wrong, did I? Why do I even care? I’ve
never cared before. I’m no expert when it comes to relationships, but I know
when someone leaves without speaking, it’s usually a bad sign.

The feelings I’ve tried to deny the past forty-eight hours
have now found their way to the surface. I actually care about this girl. Our
little moment in here just made that abundantly clear.

And I know she’s a million miles out of my league.

FIVE PM ARRIVES at the slowest pace
possible. Claire has been avoiding me since lunch. There’s
something
going on between us, but I’m not sure what. I’m no longer thinking of getting
her into my bed. Instead I’m thinking of what I did wrong. Whatever it was, I
need to make it right. I need to lighten the mood and take us back to where we
were. At least then she was talking to me.

She dismisses the interns and I walk to the front. I’m
displaying my usual cocky attitude that, for the most part, has girls swooning.
Claire doesn’t seem to notice.

“So, Claire. I have a question for you.”

She looks up from her papers and gives me her complete attention.
She probably thinks I’m going to ask her something about interning, but my
thoughts are far from this stupid class. There’s no smile on her face. Her
expression is bland, like she’s never met me before.

I barge ahead anyway. “Do you know anything about sealed
files?”

She narrows her eyes in confusion and I wonder if I’ve over
stepped my boundaries. “Yes. Why?”

“Just wondering. How would one access sealed files?”

Claire sets her folders down on the desk and puts one hand
on her hip. Oh no. Here it goes.

“Why do you want to know about sealed files, Thomas?”

Her stance tells me this might venture into territory where
I don’t want to go. I need a diversion. “Okay, let me ask you a different
question. Do you like sushi?”

“What?” Now she’s really confused which is good because
maybe I can take her out tonight and get her talking. Maybe she’ll tell me
everything I need to know about sealed files and where to find them. And then
afterwards we can…I don’t know, talk or something.

“Do you like sushi? I repeat. “It’s almost dinnertime and I
thought you would like to join me?” Damn, I’ve never asked a girl on a
date.
Then I realize, Claire’s the type of girl you
do
ask on a date.

“Thomas.” She drops her arm from her hip and the look on her
face is stern. “I don’t date interns. It’s a rule of mine. I don’t know what’s
going on between us, but it needs to stop. I thought you were just being
playful. I didn’t know you wanted more. My answer is no. I’m sorry.”

Well, hell. The first girl I’ve ever asked on a date has rejected
me. This sucks.

“Okay.” I stare at her a minute before grabbing my bag and
heading towards the door. She doesn’t call my name and I don’t look back.
Rejection hurts. I’ve never experienced this before, and it isn’t fun. I climb
into my car and listen to the engine as it comes to life. I drive home without
even turning on the radio.

This whole intern thing is a total bust. And to top it off,
I was a breath away from having Philip Birch stick my ass in jail today.

I drive down the alley and pull into the garage. We have one
more night off before we start the ring and I make a decision to take matters
into my own hands. I don’t have all day to sit around with this intern shit. If
it’s not leading me where I need to go, I’m bailing. It’s that simple. Tomorrow
is my last day. If I can’t find what I need by tomorrow, I’ll dream up a Plan
B.

I walk to the apartment and see Marcus eating a sandwich. I
sit down at the table beside him and grab a bag of chips.

“What’s up, boss? You look angry.”

“Yeah, you could say that,” I say, opening the bag and
popping a few chips in my mouth. I vent internally for a while, and if Marcus
speaks, I don’t hear him. I’ve been too distracted by Claire, and I need to get
back to the real issue at stake.

“Marcus, I’m going to need your help tomorrow.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m going to need you to drive me to Birch’s law office.
I’m finding the filing room myself and I’m going to need you there in case I
need to make a run for it.”

Marcus looks at his sandwich. “Boss, I know how important those
files are to you, but if you’re caught, you’re going to jail.”

I stand and head to the refrigerator, removing a drink and
popping the top. I take a long sip before returning my focus to Marcus. “But I
have to try.”

He nods his head in understanding. “I’ll drive you tomorrow.
What time?”

I think of all that needs to be accomplished, and know I
shouldn’t show up at eight with the other interns. “Let’s be there at eleven.
Everyone should be busy by then and I can slip in and slip out. I know there’s
a filing room around there somewhere. I’ve seen Claire with all the folders.
I’ve just got to find it.”

“It’s a bad idea, but sure, I’ll drive with you there. If
you get caught, I’m leaving your ass behind.”

I laugh to myself because I know Marcus would never leave me
behind. We’re practically brothers, and that’s our number one rule: never leave
the other behind.

“DON’T GET YOURSELF caught.”
Marcus’s words ring loud through the car, and I slip off my sunglasses. How
many times has he said this?

“I won’t!” I say in frustration. “You get behind the wheel
and be ready to drive away as soon as you see me leave. I’ve got this all under
control.”

“What are you going to say when you get inside?”

“Don’t worry about it, Marcus.” I don’t feel like repeating
my plan in full detail. I have a mission to accomplish and I want to get in and
get out. I open the car door and walk to the building like I’ve done the past
two days.

Intern Thomas Grant is back; he’s just a couple of hours
late. And today, he won’t let himself be sidetracked by Claire Peters. He’s on
a mission.

I climb the stairs to the front door and slowly let myself
inside. I glace back at Marcus and he’s staring right at me. He shows no
emotion, but I know he thinks I’m crazy. Hell, I
am
crazy for doing this,
but the high of showing Birch what I’m made of is too much. I walk inside and
am instantly greeted by Laurel. Then the idea hits me. She’s the key to the
filing room.

“Good morning Laurel,” I say, dropping my grin and looking
in her eyes.

“Morning, Thomas. You’re a little late.” She’s flirting with
me; her tone is far from scolding.

“I’m running an errand for Claire. She told me to head to
the filing room when I returned. Can you tell me where you keep all your
files?” I’m doing my best to act the part of a clueless intern and I’m trying
not to let my confidence fail me now.

“Sure, Thomas. Head straight down this hallway. The filing
room is the third door on the right.”

I win. She believes me.

“Thank you, Laurel.”

I leave her with one of my award-winning smiles and venture
down the hall. My charm has worked on all types of women. Well, all women
except Claire.

I head straight to the third door on the right, making sure
to avoid the intern room. I’m not ready to cross paths with Claire Peters
again. One look at her and my mission will be a bust.

I open the third door on the right and bingo. I have entered
the filing room. Out of habit, I glance around for cameras but don’t see any.
I’m a pro at detecting camera technology. Once I have the go ahead, I start looking
for my last name among the files. I head to the “W’s” and search for Wilson. I
know most things are electronic these days, but surely there’s a folder
somewhere with my name.

I figure Wilson is a common last name but how many Brandon
Wilsons can there be? After searching for several minutes, I don’t see my
folder and I’m starting to become agitated. There’s maybe twenty or so Wilson
files. I decide to comb through each one slowly, file by file. Maybe I skipped
my name the first go-around or maybe the file is under one of my brother’s
names.

I engross myself in the files, wondering who on earth these
other people are and what they’ve done to get into this room, when I feel a
hand on my shoulder. I stop cold but don’t move. I’m not scared. This hand isn’t
one that imparts fear, but one that calms. I turn around and there she is, up
close and personal.

It’s Claire.

“What are you doing in here Thomas? Are you lost?” She
glances at the folders in my hand, and I take a deep breath. She’s so close.
It’s like the atmosphere has changed. Her voice reminds me of velvet and it
pours over my broken soul. What is it about that girl that has me in knots? At
what point did I let her get under my skin?

I freeze, not sure how to act. This girl is not like the
warehouse bitches I bark orders at and expect to get in my bed. She’s on an
entirely different playing field.

“I’m…sorry.” I manage to mutter. “I must be lost.” Why did I
just say that? Seriously, what’s wrong with me and why can’t I form a coherent
sentence?

Claire’s demeanor is gentle, yet strong and confident. Her
blue eyes look deep into my own eyes and I know she can read my soul. I
suddenly feel very naked in the filing room.

“I don’t think interns have any need to be in this room,
Thomas.”

“Yeah. Okay.” I place the W files back into their correct
place and gaze back into her eyes. I’ve been caught red handed but I don’t
care. “You want to get lunch?” I have no idea where this idea originated, and I
know Marcus will kill me if I bring her back to the car, but I don’t care. I’ve
been staring at her for the past two days and I know this is all or nothing.
Today is my last day as a fake intern, and in the moment, I make a hasty
decision.

Forget the files and my big elaborate plan, I can think of
some other way to find them later. I can’t miss my last chance with Claire.

“I thought we already discussed this, Thomas. I don’t date
my interns.” I remember her rejection from yesterday and know that this moment
will determine everything.

“First, I’m not the typical intern, and second, this isn’t a
date.” I give her my signature smile and get ready to turn on the charm. I’ll
do anything to spend more time with her.

She sighs and bites her bottom lip, deep in thought. “I’ve
noticed you aren’t the typical intern.” She’s flirting back with me and I know
how well two can play this game.

“Go to lunch with me, Claire. Please.” This is my last
opportunity to see her, and all I want is a little more time.

I see the war raging in her mind by the conflict displayed
so openly on her face. “Okay.” Her voice is a whisper and I know I have her in
the palm of my hand. I’ve cracked her walls and I feel like a king.

“I was just about to leave.” I gently place her hand in mine
and surprisingly, she doesn’t pull away. We walk down the hall with Laurel
eyeballing us.

“Laurel, I’ll be back in an hour,” Claire calls behind her
while I rush us through the door. I need to get out of here before Birch makes
another appearance and decides to take this girl away from me, too.

I SEE THE Porsche parked out front
with Marcus sitting in the driver’s seat. He raises his eyebrows as I emerge
from the building with a beautiful blonde holding my hand. I walk to the window
and he rolls it down.

“We’re taking Claire to lunch today.” I signal for him to
get in the back and then I walk to the passenger side to open the door for her.
I usually don’t do this nice gentlemen act like opening doors and shit, but
Claire’s the type of woman who you do this stuff for. If I barked orders at
her, she would walk away and I would never see her beautiful face again. No,
when it comes to Claire, I have to pull out all the stops.

“Claire, this is my partner in crime, Marcus. Marcus, this
is Claire.” I make the small talk introductions as she slides into the seat.
She has no idea how much meaning is behind the phrase “partner in crime.” I
walk to the driver’s side and start the car. Claire looks slightly nervous, and
I figure it’s due to Marcus’ huge presence that fills the car.

“Don’t worry about him, Claire. He looks scary, but he’s
just a big teddy bear.” She gives me a shy smile and there goes my heart,
melting again. Marcus is probably cussing at me under his breath, but I don’t
care. I just made Claire smile.

“Where you would like to go?” I pull away from the curb
because I don’t need to be seen near that law office anymore, and we head into
the downtown area.

“It doesn’t matter to me.” I know what her reply means, and
I’m ready to take control of the situation.

“Cheesecake Factory?” I want to take her someplace nice.

“Yeah, that sounds great.” She gives me a small smile and I
melt a little again. We make small talk on the way there, our conversation
flowing easily, with Marcus silent in the backseat. I know he’s pissed at me,
but I’ll deal with him later. We pull into the parking lot, and I run around
the car to open Claire’s door. I see Marcus shaking his head.

“See that sandwich shop across the street? I’m going over
there to eat.” He mumbles his words, but I can make out exactly what he’s
saying. He’s been mumbling his words at me for years. I grab Claire’s hand and
we walk to the front of the building.

“Sounds good Marcus. We’ll meet back up at the car.” He
mumbles something else and I watch him walk across the street. “He’s a man of
few words,” I explain to Claire as I hold the door open so we can both walk
through. The hostess quickly seats us, and I watch Claire as she scans the
menu. She’s beyond beautiful, and the facial expressions she makes while
studying the menu are heaven. She looks up and catches me staring. I give her a
slight smile to stop the awkwardness.

“So Claire, how long have you been working at Mr. Birch’s
law firm?”

“Almost five years.” She pauses for a minute, still looking
into my eyes. “I’m still trying to figure out why don’t you look familiar? I
seriously don’t remember interviewing you. Did Mr. Birch hire you?”

I take a breath. I hate to lie to this girl, but I am
already living a lie. “Yeah, he hired me, but I don’t think it’s going to work
out.”

“Oh.” She has a confused look on her face and her mouth does
this “O” shaped thing. I want to reach across and kiss her when the waitress
interrupts and breaks the spell.

“Can I take your order?” We tell her what we want and she
walks away, leaving me looking right into Claire’s blue eyes.

“What do you do when you’re not interning? Where are you in
law school?”

I give an involuntary laugh. Law school? If she only knew
that my education doesn’t surpass high school. “Um, no. I’m not in law school.
I’m…um…I’m in business for myself. I’m a mechanic.”

There. That was the best I could do without telling her I’m
a car thief. Oh, and that I currently have a mug shot up at the police station,
and her boss is in cahoots to help put me behind bars.

Claire’s brow winkles, and then I realize my mistake. Why in
the hell would I be an intern at Birch’s office if I were a mechanic? What an
idiot! I move quickly to change the subject.

“Did you go to law school?”

“I’m still in school. I have two more years and then I need
to pass the bar. After that, I’m a full-fledged lawyer.” She says this with
pride and her eyes light up. It brings a grin to my face to see someone this
excited about life. I want to reach out and touch her.

I wish I could be like this. I wish I had something in life
that made me this excited and happy.

“That’s great Claire. I’m sure you’ll be an incredible
lawyer.”

She bows her head shyly and looks at the table. I reach
across the gap and grab her hands. Her skin feels like silk to my rough
callused hands, and I link her fingers between mine. If her fingers feel this
amazing, I can’t imagine what the rest of her skin feels like. “You’re
beautiful.” The words slip out, but I don’t regret them. Her face instantly
becomes a rose red, and once again she brings a smile to my face.

“I’m not trying to embarrass you. It’s just that you’re
seriously the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met.” I don’t mention that she’s
sweet and kind and that makes her all the more beautiful. I’ve only spent a few
days with her, yet I feel like I’ve known her my entire life. She doesn’t pull
away from my hands. In fact, she interlocks her fingers with mine and we stay
this way until the meal arrives.

“What’s your favorite movie?” I ask, after taking a bite of
my burger.

“
Weekend at Bernie’s
.” She smiles with the answer,
and my eyes light up.

“I love that movie. I have it memorized!” I don’t think I’ve
been this excited since grade school over a girl. We start quoting the movie
back and forth. I am laughing. I don’t think I’ve laughed in years, at least,
not a real laugh. I’m laughing for real with Claire and it feels amazing.

“What’s your favorite book?” she asks.

I swallow because if there’s something I love to do, it’s
read. I have read every John Grisham book ever written. “
A Time to Kill
.
John Grisham.” I look over at her, and she smiles.