CHAPTER TEN
AUSTIN
I didn’t likethe fear in her eyes. When we got outside, my hand tightened over hers. “What’s wrong?”
“I recognized the man in the bookstore. He’s the one who stole my bracelet.” Ava extracted her hand from mine to glance in the store window. “He’s still there.”
“I’ll call Jeremy.” I took out my phone and alerted him. When I hung up, I took Ava’s hand in mine again. “He’ll be here soon.”
The thief strode out of the bookstore and walked down the street. Ava and I exchanged glances, and a mutual understanding passed between us. We followed him into Annette’s Jewelry.
“I’ve got a plan,” I said to Ava.
We entered the jewelry store and walked up to the counter, standing near the man who was being helped by a sales associate with dark hair.
“Hello, my name is Dorothy. Do you need help with anything?” asked a woman with her hair twisted in a bun. “We have a holiday promotion going on. Twenty-five percent off all gold earrings and rings.”
“Thank you,” Ava said.
“I’m gifting my fiancée anything she wants today.” I lifted her hand and kissed it, loving the feel of her skin on my lips. “What do you want to get, babe?”
She gaped at me. When understanding swam in her eyes, she touched my face with her hand. “You’re so sweet, baby. Let me take a look.”
Dorothy led Ava to a display case to try on rings while I kept my eyes on the thief.
“How much is this?” Ava asked, admiring a ring on her hand. When Dorothy showed her the price tag, she gasped and laughed. “It’s beautiful but that’s too much. I don’t want my fiancé spending money like that.” She tried on another ring, having fun chatting with Dorothy.
Minutes later, the police sirens sounded. The thief glanced up, looking fearful. When he saw the two police cruisers parked across the street, he walked toward the door. I followed him.
As though he sensed something, he swerved to look at me.
“Done stealing?” I asked.
He ran, and I chased after him. When I caught up, a fight ensued. My foot slipped on something, and I fell against a large outdoor pot. My weight shoved it over, shattering the pot. Something sharp slashed my neck.
Shit!
The thief glanced at me, and for a moment, he looked sorry.
“Stop!” Jeremy caught up.
The thief raced forward but was cornered by another officer.
“Oh my gosh!” Ava rushed over to me, helping me up. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” I brushed the dirt off my coat as light snow started to fall.
“No, you’re not!” She turned my face to the side. “Your neck is bleeding.” Concern swam in her eyes.
I ran a hand over the burning sensation, and blood smeared on my fingers. “Just a minor cut. I’ll take care of it at home.”
Jeremy stopped by with the thief in handcuffs. “I’ll be in touch.”
“Can I talk to him?” Ava asked.
He looked at Ava and then at me and nodded. “Come this way.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
