Thieves Like Us by Starr Ambrose Page A

that sounds. I’m taking you to the Westfield’s.”
    Make an unexpected, uninvited visit to her ex– mother-in-law? “That’s not necessary. I can get a motel room.”
    His expression was soft, but his voice was firm. “Janet, let’s not argue about this. There is no place safer than Elizabeth’s house. I know it’s late, and I know there’s an uncomfortable history there.”
    Only the fact that she was responsible for sending Elizabeth’s lying, thieving, doublecrossing son to jail.
    “But I also know she loves you like a daughter and would be justifiably furious if I took you anyplace else.” As Janet opened her mouth to respond, he added, “And I’m prepared to go to Ben if I have to.”
    Ben Thatcher was one of the nicest guys she knew. He was also the chief of police and the great love of Elizabeth Westfield’s life. Both of those positions gave him an advantage he wouldn’t hesitate to use if he thought it would help keep Janet safe.
    She raised her eyebrows. “I was just going to say, okay.”
    “Oh.” He recouped gracefully, pulling out his cell phone. “Great. I’ll call to let her know we’re coming.”
    She went upstairs to pack, trying not to think about how Ben would get involved anyway once the police report was filed, and then she’d have two well-meaning men telling her what to do.
    And no car. This just got better and better.
    She was back in minutes, a small duffel bag slung over her shoulder. “Did you make my reservations at the Westfield Hilton?”
    His sense of humor seemed to come back now that she was cooperating, because he actually smiled. “Elizabeth said she’s thrilled to have you back in her house.”
    “I’ll bet. She agrees to keep her granddaughter so her son can take his wife to Europe for thier honeymoon, and now she gets her ex–daughter-in-law, too. The poor woman never gets any time to herself.”
    She talked as she headed for the front door, but Rocky hung back. “Don’t you have a cat carrier for Jingles?”
    She bit her lip; it hadn’t been an easy decision. “I wasn’t going to take Jingles. Do you think he’s in danger here?”
    “Frankly, no. They aren’t going to bother with a cat, and he’ll most likely hide. But I thought you’d want him with you.”
    “I do. But Elizabeth isn’t a pet person. He has lots of food and water, a comfy couch, and no competition for the TV remote. He’ll have a ball,” she said, more to convince herself than Rocky. There wasn’t much choice. She couldn’t find a kennel that would take him at this time of night. If she was lucky, this would all be over in a day or two and she’d be back in her condo.
    She felt self-conscious in the car, like a little kid being taken home to mommy’s. Mommy’s gated and guarded mansion. Still, she was touched by Elizabeth’s warm hug at the front door.
    “I’m sorry to intrude,” Janet said.
    “Nonsense. You were right to come here. You’re family.” From anyone else it would have sounded like a generous gesture; from Elizabeth Payton Westfield, it was irrefutable fact, a royal decree that allowed no argument. Elizabeth stepped back, her sharp gaze running over Janet from head to toe. “You look exhausted, dear. Why don’t you head upstairs? Roberto can tell me about this horrible event.”
    Janet cast a sideways glance at Rocky. “Roberto exaggerates. But I am tired.” She looked at the graceful sweep of stairs, thinking of the warm whirlpool tub and huge canopied bed in the suite of rooms she had once shared with Banner. “Same room?”
    “It’s always yours.”
    She smiled. “Thank you.” It came out as a soft sigh. She was crashing fast. Starting toward the stairs, she turned for one final comment. “Elizabeth, please don’t worry. This isn’t nearly as dangerous as Rocky makes it sound.”
    Elizabeth gave her a serene smile. “Then we’ll use it as a chance to visit. We can talk in the morning.”
    That sounded good. With a wave to Rocky, Janet