Crushed (33 page)

She knew from Luke's expression that the solution was right in front of her. All she had to do was turn the phone off, or take out the battery and throw it away.

Sophie didn't need it to be that easy. To fully let go she needed him to give up. She needed Robert to stop calling, and to send her the message that he was done with her for good. Only then could she let go.

Luke didn't have to ask to see the truth. He'd come to understand her too well.

"Here." He offered her out a folder, and she reluctantly took it. "It's our plan for the mission."

"What time are we leaving?"

"Everything should be prepared by seven." His voice was controlled.

"Seven?" Sophie was surprised at the timing. Against personal opinion, the best to steal was during the day. The security during the day was incomparably laxer than at night, when it was expected for items to be stolen. "I thought we were going to trick them into walking out the painting for us?"

"The painting is scheduled to leave the building at eight, already." Luke explained, his face serious. "I personally switched the appointment to today. Everything is already in place, the only thing I had to change out was the trucks."

Sophie opened the folder, and glanced through Luke's plan. She was impressed by the detail to which he had thought through everything.

"Basically, all we have to do is show up." She commented when she'd gotten the gist of his plan.

"The real delivery truck will never arrive, so there shouldn't be any questions asked. Just for another measure of protection, we'll be switching the painting to new trucks three times throughout the night. When the police begin to investigate, they won't be able to track down the truck we used to transport it. The last destination for the painting will be in one of Max's vaults that's located twenty minutes from here."

"Sounds foolproof." She mused.

"There's always something that could go wrong, but in those cases all we have is improvising. Everyone I've hired for the job works for Max, so there's no chance of the truth leaking."

Sophie raised her eyebrows in surprise. She'd forgotten that it would take more than the two of them to transport the large painting. "How many guys total?"

"Ten, not counting us. Three for the trucks, and the rest will follow where the painting goes. Since the painting is so large, there's no need to attempt to use a replica."

She let everything he was telling her soak in. Everything had fallen into place too easily, to the point where she hadn't had to do anything at all. This wasn't the kind of test she expected from Max.

"Something's off." She whispered, her eyes narrowing. She felt like the size of the painting was no longer the trick.

"My thoughts exactly, which is why we will not be present during the transfers." Luke held up another file he'd been holding on to. "Max told us he wanted the Civil War painting, but I did some research, and the museum is set to feature another famous painting next week. The name hasn't been revealed, but it's supposedly a famous piece of art that was thought to have been destroyed during World War II."

"You think this is what Max wants?" Sophie knew Luke was on to something. Such a coincidence was impossible.

"I think it would be strange of him not to mention it was also there. Max probably set this up to have a reason to fire you. It's petty of him, but he's not known for his kindness."

"There has to be something more." Sophie was looking at Luke now. She'd noticed something off in his expression.

"There is one more thing. It's mostly just an assumption, but the more I think about it, the more plausible it becomes."

Suddenly, she felt the truth sink in. "You think Robert's going to come." She whispered.

"Max hired you to help me beat Robert...it's the only explanation that makes sense." Luke appeared like he regretted telling her. "If you don't want to see him, you don't have to tag along."

"No." She answered instantly. "It's my job to help you, and I'm not going to let you do all the work." She lifted the folder she had in her hands. "Thanks for planning this, but since we're partners, I'm going to help you as much as I can."

"What about Max?" Luke frowned deeply.

"I have a plan I've been working on. It's reckless, but possibly brilliant." She paused for a moment before smirking. "Let's say I was inspired by Robert's performance at Diana's mansion."

"Is there anything you'll need?"

"Yes, but not right now. I need to smooth out the wrinkles first. It'll be a week before I'm ready. Is that too long?"

"You're allowed to stay as long as you like." They shared a smile. "Just try not to make it too long. Once Max get's used to you, it'll be hard for Cleo to drag you out. It'll be tough convincing him you weren't a spy all along."

"Cleo says she's got that all figured out, so I'll trust her for now." Sophie laid the folder down on her desk just as her phone began to vibrate.

For just a few minutes she'd forgotten all the phone calls. Now, her heart sunk again.

Luke glanced from her to the phone, his smile fading.

"There's only one way to stop it." He whispered to her. "Answer."

She knew he was right, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.

Luke stepped forward and answered the call for her, turning to hand her the phone.

"Good luck." He mouthed silently as he headed for her door.

Sophie felt guilty for making him leave, but all of her attention was focused on the person on the other end of the line.

She pressed the phone to her ear, and closed her eyes.

"I wondered when you would finally answer."

Robert sounded both relieved and frustrated. She waited for him to say what she'd predicted he would.

"I have only one thing to tell you, then I won't call again."

Sophie's eyes shot open. This conversation had not gone in the direction she'd expected it to.

"I will bring you back." He whispered heatedly into the phone. "Not to hurt you, or make you trust me again, but because I know you belong here. Even if you want to give up being a thief, you need us just as much as we need you. The kids love you." He paused for a long moment. "They need you, and I've already told you that I need you too." He cleared his throat before continuing. "I've never said that to another person in my life, so don't forget it."

She answered him with only silence.

"I don't know what you're doing right now, but I know it's probably reckless and idiotic. So stay right where you are, because I promise I'll bring you back."

He let the silence hang in the air for a few moments.

"If this is not what you want, then you can tell me right now and I'll back off. This is your only chance."

Sophie opened her mouth to reply, but she couldn't find the words to say anything.

She heard Robert laugh on the other end of the line.

"Good." He whispered. "See you soon."

He hung up the phone, but Sophie still held it close to her ear.

For not being a white knight, he'd successfully swept her off her feet. She certainly had not being expecting that response at all.

Her eyes took in the room around her, and the prison-like walls which locked her in. She doubted that Robert would find her here, but in the bottom of her heart, she hoped he would.

Robert was not forgiven, and everything was not fixed. However, he'd just given her the answer she'd been looking for all night.

She didn't want to let go of her former life. Even if she was away now, she wanted the promise of return.

Yes, things would be different, and yes she would have changed. The feelings, on the other hand, were going to remain for longer than she could predict.

As she clenched the phone in her hand, she slowly began to smile.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Mistakes are never the same. Some can be forgotten, while others will remain with us forever.

Working with Luke wasn't like working with Robert. Every detail that was decided upon was decided together, not alone.

Luke was considerate, and made exceptions when she asked for them. He was willing to listen to what she had to say, and they discussed their plan in detail.

Strangely enough, it was this detailed organization that stressed Sophie out. The way Robert planned missions was so haphazard, it was almost genius. Luke was a thief that worked by formula, while Robert went on inspiration alone.

She didn't know who she trusted more, but she tried to convince herself it didn't matter.

By the time seven o'clock rolled around, everything had been thought through with precision.

Sophie was to supervise the transfer of the Civil War painting, while Luke would smoothly ask about the other painting. After finding out it's location, they would disable the security system with a virus.

The first issue they'd run into was the fact that they hadn't prepared a specific virus for the museum. They had no idea of knowing if this virus would work on the whole system, or even if it would work at all. They would be flying into the mission blind, but not without hope.

Luke's role for the evening was an inspector who determined which paintings needed to be restored, and for what price restorations would be. Sophie would be his flustered assistant, that constantly slipped up on the job.

It was a risk to assume that they would gain access to the other painting, but it was the best strategy they had. Should it fall through, they would wing it and search for the painting without supervision.

Sophie's next challenge was the realization that she could no longer fall back on being a girl for this mission. Now that Max was watching her every move, she had to play the part of a male to the very end. Her wardrobe for this mission consisted of suit, which looked awkward on her small body. Her face which could pass as boyish, was not nearly masculine enough to pull it off.

However, she had no choice but to deal with it. The suit made her look like she was a child playing dress-up, but there was no time to alter it, or to come up with a better outfit.

Luke made sure that she was ready by the time to leave. He operated on a strict schedule, and the moment he told her they would set out, was the moment he made sure they did.

Walking through the hallways of Max's mansion outside of the East wing was a strange experience for Sophie. She'd only been through the main residence once, and everything seemed new to her again. Now that she had time to take in her surroundings, she was awed by how lavish his home was.

Despite being adorned with beautiful tapestries, paintings, statues, and other pieces of art, the hallways felt eerily empty. As they walked through them to the main hallway, Sophie felt chill-bumps race up her arms.

The cold feeling in her chest did not vanish until they'd passed the last security gate on Max's property. For a brief time, they were free of his control.

Sophie momentarily wondered if this was what Luke felt every time he was allowed outside the residence. The feeling was like being able to breathe again after having been submerged under water for a long period of time.

"It feels nice." Sophie whispered to him, staring out of his car's window. "To not think I'm being watched all the time."

Luke smiled, his eyes soft. "Even though we're working, it's kind of like a break." He drove in silence for a few minutes before returning his attention to her. "So, tell me your plan."

"What plan?" Sophie's eyebrows raised. "Haven't we figured everything out?"

"Not tonights plan, but your plan with Max. If you're going to get us both killed, I would like to know it beforehand." His comment was supposed to be a joke, but Sophie didn't feel inclined to laugh at it. His words were too real to ignore.

"Oh, that plan." Her forehead crinkled in thought. "It's something I thought of after remembering how Robert broke into Diana's house. He used one of her viruses to hack her own system. The only person smart enough to break her security was herself."

"That is brilliant." Luke mused.

"If I ask Diana for a virus, I'm sure she'll send me one of the best she has. Max isn't always home, so I just have to plan the best time to use it."

Luke had personally outlined Max's schedule for her. He'd spent years observing his boss, and knew Max better than anyone in the world. It helped that Max had a specific routine he followed without exception.

"Sophie..." He began cautiously. "I know you're determined to get the letter. You wouldn't have come this far if you weren't...but something's...off."

She glanced at him, wondering where he was going with his comment. When she'd first told him her plan, he'd given every argument she'd known he would give. Working for Max wasn't safe, the letter wasn't worth it, and she had other things she could focus her attention on. Of course he'd eventually agreed because he'd promised he would, but that hadn't stopped him from trying to change her mind.

"I'm aware that Diana is one of the best hackers in the world. That's a fact that cannot be ignored, but I wonder if it's slipped your mind." He paused for a moment. "If she's the best, why hasn't she gotten the letter for herself? She was willing to go up against Slavsky, one of the most influential gangsters in the country, but she didn't want to break into Max's house?"

Sophie didn't have an answer ready for him this time.

"She tells you about this letter that he's had for over a decade, which she never had any wish to obtain. If she was close to your parents, why didn't she try to retrieve it herself?"

"Maybe she thought she was being watched. She didn't want to find the paintings if Max followed her to them." It was a weak argument, but it was the only one she had.

"That's possible, but it doesn't explain everything. Someone who truly cared about you wouldn't suggest you walk into the lion's den. Especially someone who knows the truth about Max's cruelty."

While she was beginning to feel defensive, Sophie trusted Luke enough to let her guard down. He was just trying to be helpful, and he'd made valid points. She hadn't thought that much into Diana's motives, as they'd seemed so in line with her own.

Yet, hadn't she learned that trusting people in this line of work was foolish?

"I really hate this." She whispered. "I hate not being able to believe in anyone."

"What about me?" Luke asked innocently.

"Of course I trust you." Sophie smiled. "You've proven more than once that you sincerely care about me. It's the rest of the world I'm frustrated with."

Luke reached over to touch her cheek. "Don't be frustrated. If you keep frowning like that, you'll get wrinkles."

Sophie couldn't help but laugh at his statement. It was the first time she'd laughed in what felt like days.

"Well, I don't want that." She replied, leaning back against the headrest.

They both sat in silence, watching world flash by them outside of the windows.

"Do you feel ready?" Luke asked, his voice low.

"I guess so." She whispered closing her eyes.

Sophie was nowhere near emotionally prepared for the mission, but that wasn't a new feeling for her.

Just like before, she would rush headfirst into the unknown.

After all, that was her job.

*  *  *

The museum they were headed for was located in the middle of a bustling city. It took them longer than anticipated to arrive, as they'd had to fight through traffic.

The moment Sophie stepped out of Luke's car, her mask came on. They had to walk two blocks before they reached the museum, but the time it took to get there was all the time she needed to prepare.

She'd slipped on a pair of glasses, which she'd added to her outfit at the last minute. Since her suit fit her awkwardly, she'd decided that her character for the evening should be just as awkward as his appearance.

Waiting outside of the museum as planned was the delivery truck. The men standing outside of it were casually talking amongst themselves, and nodded in recognition when Luke passed by.

Everything was going according to plan.

Luke swept into the museum with a serious expression on his face. As the inspector, he was the one in charge of the transfer of the painting, and he looked the part of his role.

"Welcome." A woman dressed in white greeted them from the entrance. "I'm the Director of this museum, Sandra Howard."

Luke nodded, his eyes emotionless. "Is everything prepared?" He asked, brushing by the woman and heading in the direction of the painting.

She looked shocked by his business-like manner, and had to half-jog to keep up with him. "Yes, Mr. Delaney. I thought before the painting was transferred, we could spend a few minutes going over the contract. It is the first time we've used your company."

"Would it be possible if we looked over the contract after moving the painting? My men are on a tight schedule, and we want to guarantee that we have your painting restored on time." Luke's tone made it obvious that he was in no mood for negotiations.

Sophie followed after them, and made sure to drop her clipboard and papers repeatedly. By the time they'd reached the painting, the woman dressed in white was already fed up with how slow she was moving.

"Who are you again?" She asked haughtily.

Sophie fumbled with her papers, holding out her left hand awkwardly. "I'm the assistant." She said, sounding flustered. "My name's..."

The woman had already lost interest before she could introduce her character. She had no incentive to speak to someone who was merely an assistant.

The Civil War painting was just as big as Sophie had been told. It stretched across the gallery, depicting a particularly gruesome battle. She had no idea what Max would do with it, other than keep it for bragging rights.

"Are we sure eight men will be enough?" The woman asked, sounding skeptical.

"Can your security guards not help?" Luke asked, his voice just as rude as hers. "We've never had problems with being able to move paintings of this size before. Other museums we've worked with have always been helpful."

The woman scowled, picking up on his passive aggressive insult.

"My assistant will take over from here. I was asked to browse through your selection of paintings, to see if more needed to be restored." He began walking through the gallery without asking for permission to explore. The woman in charge followed after, calling out for him to wait for her.

Someone tapped Sophie on the shoulder and she turned to see two guards staring back at her. "Is it time to let in the guys waiting outside?" One of the guards asked.

"Oh...yes! That's a good idea." Sophie nodded enthusiastically, and the guards exchanged a long look. They didn't think she was professional enough to handle such a task either.

She had to hide her grin. She was playing her role perfectly.

The transfer of the painting went just as smoothly as Sophie had hoped. The guards were so distracted by the large painting that Sophie was able to easily inject the virus into the their monitors.

The only problem she'd run into was that the virus wasn't working on the entire system. As they had feared, the virus they'd chosen wasn't set up specifically for this system. It hacked over two-thirds of the security cameras, but those included only the ones on the main floor of the museum. The basement, where the World War II painting was being held, was still operating normally.

It took the men a half hour to figure out how to move the painting into the truck, and another forty-five minutes to actually move it. By the time the transfer was done, everyone was put in a foul mood. The delivery men were "arguing" amongst themselves, and the security guards were almost fed up with how useless Sophie was being.

When the delivery truck rolled away into the night, the tension remained inside of the museum.