Fast Money: A Shelby Nichols Adventure

  Through a blur of restless energy, I managed to get back on track with the day’s schedule. I’d almost forgotten that Josh had a soccer game after school, and it was my turn to pick up Savannah from dance class.

  I sent a text message to Chris about the game, telling him to meet us there. It was almost over when he arrived, and his face was drawn with fatigue. I gave him a quick hug. “Hard day?”

  “Yes.” He was thinking that his client was a major pain in the… He jerked his thoughts to a stop and cut me with a razor-sharp glance, remembering last night’s conversation. “I forgot…”

  “Please…don’t worry about it. I’m glad you made it to Josh’s game. Look, they’re ahead, that should take your mind off…you know.” I was making a mess of it as usual. “Listen, I’ve got to pick Savannah up from dance class so I’ll just meet you at home. Okay?”

  “Sure,” he gestured toward the game. “So, they’re winning?”

  “Yes. It’s five to three.” With his mind now focused on the game, I hugged him and left.

  Savannah and I got home before the boys, so I warmed up the lasagna in the microwave while Savannah set the table. Both Chris and Josh were in a good mood when they came in the door, mostly due to Josh’s team winning the game. The good feelings carried over through dinner, and I was relieved to feel like things were normal again.

  Cleaning up after dinner, Chris started worrying what he was thinking about, and how he could manage around me. I tensed. How could I think things were back to normal with this looming over us? We needed to talk before he got worked up and made too much out of it. As soon as we had a free moment together, I pulled Chris into his study. “We need to talk. Might as well be now.”

  He pursed his lips and closed the door. “You’re right. I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this. I didn’t expect you to lie to me. I understand why you did it, but this is hard for me to accept.” He ran his fingers through his hair in agitation, and I knew enough not to say anything until he got it all out.

  “I’m working hard at not being upset, but this whole thing is getting to me. I don’t know how to act, or how to think. I was so relieved when you said it was gone! And now…you’re saying it was never really gone…and you’ve been listening to my thoughts all this time? I feel…betrayed. And that makes me angry.”

  “When I told you it was gone, I really thought it was!” He needed to know that much. “You were blocking all your thoughts from me so well that I figured my powers were gone. I don’t know how you did it, but you did. Don’t you see? With both of us working on this, I’m sure we can find a solution.”

  He was trying hard not to let his anger get the best of him. “All right. So I can block you from my mind. How?”

  “I’m not sure…but you did it before, so I know you can. Plus, I’m getting better at blocking thoughts too.” He closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

  “There’s something else I need to talk to you about.” I figured I might as well tell him about the money and get everything out in the open. My tone must have triggered his fight or flight response because his eyes widened, and he braced his feet as if in readiness for a physical assault.

  “What?” His tone held acute displeasure, and my palms started to sweat.

  “Today I checked the account balance from the bank account that Uncle Joey set up for me, and I found something you should know.” His brows lifted, practically obliterating his forehead. This was not a good sign. “There’s some extra money in there. Look…here’s the receipt if you don’t believe me.” I found the receipt in my bra and held it toward him.

  “You put it in your bra?”

  “You actually said that out loud.” I was surprised.

  “I figured, why not?” Chris shrugged. “Since you can hear what I’m thinking, I might as well start blurting out what’s going on in my head.”

  “Hey…that could work.”

  “Yeah, right. Until I think something that hurts your feelings, and you hear it and get mad at me.”

  “Chris…that’s just silly! You hardly ever think or say anything to me that would hurt my feelings…enough that I couldn’t get over it. I’m not that fragile…I promise.”

  He took a breath, considering it. “You’re probably right. I do think you can be…a little exasperating at times, but for the most part…I think you’re great.”

  I smiled and circled my arms around him. “See. This isn’t so bad.”

  “So…you’re just worried about some money Manetto put in your account?”

  “I guess you could say that.”

  He smiled knowingly. “Because you’re afraid I’ll think you’re still working for him? Right? But you’re not. Right?”

  “Of course I’m not.” I said, starting to pull away.

  “Hey, you’re not supposed to get mad, remember?” He held me until I relaxed in his arms. “That’s better. So when was the last time you talked to him?” I sighed, upset that he could ask such a thing. “Hey,” he continued. “I’m just thinking out loud here. It’s what I’m supposed to do, right?”

  “I think you’re enjoying this way too much,” I said.

  “Hmm…yup. I think maybe I am.” His teasing smile was hard to resist. “And you’re smiling back at me. This is good. I think I can live with this.”

  “Good, because there’s more I need to tell you.”

  That made him pause. “Sure,” he said, back to his kidding self. “Tell me. I can take it.”

  “Okay. Just remember you said that.” I took the receipt from his fingers. “There’s over five million dollars in my account.” While that was sinking in, I continued. “And I got a letter from Uncle Joey telling me not to tell anyone. That it was a matter of life and death.”

  “Let me see that,” he grabbed the receipt and studied it. “You’re sure about this?”

  “I just got the receipt from the ATM today. I didn’t talk to the bank or anything because I thought it was best to keep this quiet.”

  “Where’s the letter? I need to see it.”

  “I’ll get it.” I hurried into the bedroom for my journal and brought it back. He snatched it from my fingers and read, his brows drawing together.

  “When did you get this?” He was hoping I hadn’t been keeping this a secret for long.

  “Today,” I assured him. “The FedEx guy brought it and I had to sign for it.”

  “Hmm…I wonder if he caught up with Kate and Hodges, and this is the money they stole from him. But that doesn’t explain why he put it in your account, or why it would be a matter of life and death. He clearly doesn’t want anyone to know about it, probably because they would try and take it from you. So he must feel it’s pretty safe where it is.”

  “What should we do about it?” I asked.

  “I don’t know.” He was thinking it would be great if Manetto never came back and left us with all that money. He glanced at me sharply. “Did you hear that?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “You didn’t tell Manetto your powers came back did you?”

  “Of course not!” Hot indignation poured over me, then sputtered out with a wink. “But the last time I talked to him, he might have picked up something from me. I’m just not sure. That’s why I didn’t ever want to talk to him again. I was afraid he’d guess.”

  “That makes sense.”

  “So what should we do?”

  “Let’s just leave it alone for now. I’ll check on the legal ramifications of getting a ‘gift’ like this tomorrow, and we can discuss what to do after that.” He was thinking that he’d like to at least make some good interest on it while it was sitting there.

  “I was thinking the same thing,” I said. “About the interest.”

  “Oh.” In all the excitement, he’d forgotten the mind-reading thing.

  “There’s something else.” I might as well tell him more. “I’m working with Dimples on a case.”

  “You mean he knows about…”

&nbs
p; “No! Remember before? When I told him I had premonitions? He called this morning and asked if I’d help him with a case. I figured it might be a good way to use my ability to get a paying job, like a consultant for the police or something.”

  Chris was thinking I was getting in over my head, and that somebody might figure it out.

  “No one really thinks a person can read minds, so I don’t think that’s something I have to worry that people will figure out.”

  Chris blew air out of his cheeks. “I really don’t like it when you do that. Could you at least wait until I say what I’m thinking like a normal person?”

  “Oh…sure. Sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” he said, instantly contrite. “It’s going to take some time to get used to this again for both of us. You’re just springing a lot on me all at once.”

  “Yeah, well, that’s kind of how it happens. But I’ll work on that.” Thank goodness I hadn’t told him about my visit to Thrasher Development. “We can both work on blocking thoughts. You did it pretty well when I thought I’d lost my powers.”

  His eyes crinkled in a wince. “Yeah. But it wasn’t something I liked doing. I guess I can work on it though.”

  I hated to think of him shutting me out again. “How about we see how I do at blocking first. If you’re okay with that.”

  “All right,” he nodded, his shoulders relaxing. “Tell me about the case.”

  I explained what had happened with the theft at the art museum and he was impressed at how quickly I’d figured out who the bad guy was. He admitted that I was in a great position to help a lot of people.

  “So you think having my own consulting agency might be a good idea?”

  “Yeah, if that’s what you really want. I think we could come up with a small business plan and get a license, but let’s wait until we figure out what to do with Uncle Joey and the money first.” He knew how single-minded I could get. Plus, he didn’t want me to get hurt. “Maybe you could just work for the police if they’ll start paying you for your time, as long as it’s not too much time.” He was thinking that he hated to see me get involved with those kinds of people. Would witnessing a murder, even if it was only in someone’s thoughts, change me?

  “Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.” Oops, I did it again.

  Chris just smiled, and pulled me to him. “If you’re going to read my mind, maybe it’s time I take advantage of it.” His kiss seared my lips, and I had no trouble knowing exactly what he wanted at that moment. For some reason he didn’t mind it a bit.

  Chapter 3

  The next morning dawned bright and clear. It was a beautiful spring day, and the tightness in my chest was gone. Talking to Chris had been the best thing I’d done in a long time.

  Chris was in the shower and I wanted to join him, but I had to make sure the kids got off to school. I slipped on my bathrobe and got the cereal and milk on the table, then put in some toast and buttered it. Savannah wandered in wearing a tight button-up shirt with a short skirt and black tights along with some clunky boots. This was a new look. She was hoping I wouldn’t freak out, but was ready to defy me if I did.

  “Savannah!” I exclaimed. “You look adorable. Where did you get those clothes?”

  “Oh,” she tried to hide her surprise. “Um…Ash and Madi and I decided to share some of our clothes. You know…so we’d have more things to wear.”

  “That’s generous of you. When I was your age none of my friends would have thought of doing that.”

  She mentally rolled her eyes, not in the least interested in hearing another ‘when I was your age’ story. I examined her skirt. If it was any shorter, I would have made her change, but it was within the acceptable range. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to say something.

  “That skirt is a little short, so I wouldn’t bend over if I were you.” That was more what she expected me to say. “Be sure to keep your knees together too.” I was on a roll. “Is that makeup you’re wearing?”

  “Mom! I’m old enough, and I’m not wearing that much. Besides, all my friends are wearing it.”

  “Wearing what?” Chris asked, coming into the kitchen.

  “Makeup,” I answered, knowing Savannah was too embarrassed to admit it.

  Chris did a double-take, studying Savannah in a new light. He was surprised to find his little girl changing before his eyes. “Umm…aren’t you a little young for that?”

  “No, Dad. Geez, don’t you even know how old I am?”

  “Of course I do. You’re about ten, right? Way too young for makeup.” Chris was teasing, which was a good thing, since he couldn’t remember if she was twelve or thirteen. This was one time I wished he could read my thoughts.

  “Not funny,” Savannah said, pouring cereal into her bowl.

  Joshua came in and filled his bowl until it overflowed with cereal. Half of it spilled out when he poured in the milk. He took a big mouthful and noticed us staring. “What?” Milk and bits of cereal dribbled down his chin.

  “Eww, that’s disgusting” Savannah sneered, grateful to have the attention off of her.

  Chris checked the clock and grabbed a piece of toast. “Got to run.” He kissed me and picked up his briefcase. We’ll talk later, he thought, and I smiled to let him know I heard.

  Joshua and Savannah followed not long after, leaving the house in comfortable silence. After putting the dishes away, I put on my exercise clothes and headed for the gym. A complete workout with my friend Holly left me sweaty, but feeling good. My goal to keep the weight off I’d lost the last few weeks was working.

  My euphoria vanished when I got home, replaced by a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. A black SUV was parked across the street from my house. It was identical to the one I’d seen yesterday in the parking lot of the grocery store, and driving slowly up my street.

  I swore under my breath and pulled into my garage, closing the door behind me. Safely inside, I watched to see what would happen. Sure enough, two men got out of the car and came toward my front door.

  Both wore dark glasses and white shirts with black suits. Their hair was cut short and they looked official, like they were from the set of a CSI or FBI TV show. My heart pounded, and like a crazy person, I ducked into the hall where they couldn’t see me.

  What did these guys want with me? The doorbell rang and I peeked around the corner. My heart did little flip-flops, and my breath caught. Unfortunately, they knew I was home. I waited, hoping they would leave if I didn’t answer right away.

  The doorbell rang again, followed by a few hard knocks on the door. These guys weren’t going anywhere. I might as well answer and get it over with. Besides, I had a secret weapon. I could read their minds. That gave me an advantage, right?

  Walking to the door on trembling legs, I pasted an inquisitive smile on my face and pulled it open.

  “Ms. Nichols?” one of them asked.

  “Yes,” I answered.

  He took a wallet from his pocket and flipped it open, revealing a gold badge and an ID card. After I glanced at it, he snapped it shut and returned it to his pocket. “I’m Agent Shaw and this is Agent Bristow. We’d like to speak to you for a moment.”

  “Um…wait a minute,” I said. “Can I see that again?” I needed some time to process their thoughts and make sure they were legitimate before I let them into my house. Agent Shaw froze. He couldn’t believe I was questioning his authority. No one had ever done this to him before.

  “Oh…sure.” He pulled his ID back out and handed it to me. I studied it closely, knowing if these were fake they’d be hoping I wouldn’t figure it out.

  “Yours too,” I said, holding my hand toward Agent Bristow. He was thinking that either I was buying time, or I knew that the law gave me every right to check their IDs. I could call the agency before talking to them if I wanted. I could even tell them to get lost and they couldn’t do a thing about it.

  That meant they were for real. I took my time, trying to glean any more information off them before handing thei
r badges back, but their minds were strangely quiet. “So…you’re with the CIA?” I asked.

  “That’s what it says on the badge, ma’am.” Agent Shaw’s lips twisted to hold back a smirk. “We’d like to ask you a few questions, if that’s all right?”

  That smirk got my dander up. Just because he was a federal agent didn’t mean he could talk down to me. “You know I could tell you to get lost and you’d have to leave. So you shouldn’t be such a smart-aleck if you want my cooperation.” Agent Shaw’s mouth dropped open and his face flushed. Usually the only people who called him on the carpet like that were his partner and his mother. It rubbed him the wrong way to apologize, but if I filed a complaint…

  “It wouldn’t look good on your record if I filed a complaint,” I finished his thought, and mentally kicked myself. Why couldn’t I keep my mouth shut? His initial shock left him speechless and Agent Bristow stepped in.

  “There’s no need for that. Agent Shaw meant no disrespect.” He glanced at Shaw, sending a mental image of whacking him a good one. “We only need a moment of your time and then we’ll be on our way.”

  Since I didn’t want to arouse any suspicion about me, I opened the door and ushered them inside. “What’s this about?”

  They sat on my couch and Agent Bristow got right to the point. “Have you received any communication from Joseph Manetto recently?”

  “Uh…not recently.” The lie came automatically and I was a little ashamed, but when Uncle Joey said not to tell anyone with all that life and death stuff, I had to be careful until I knew more. “I used to work for him, but there was some trouble and I quit. Last I heard he was on his way to Mexico.”

  “Do you know why he went there?” Bristow already knew the answer. He was just fishing to see how well I knew Uncle Joey.

  “Yes.” It wouldn’t help to lie about that since it was in the police report. “He went looking for his niece, Kate. Did something happen to him?” Dread tightened my stomach. Had he been kidnapped? Was that why it was a matter of life and death?

  Bristow glanced at Shaw, gauging how much he should tell me. Joey ‘The Knife’ Manetto had shown up at the home of an arms dealer they were working with. Their operation was centered on their fight against the drug cartels, and they wanted to know why Manetto was involved.