“No, man. It was an amazing experience anyway. I just can’t believe all the money is gone.”
“How much was it, do you know? Did you get a chance to count it?
He groaned. “Yeah. Just under $850.”
Tom whistled quietly. “Somebody’s going home a lot richer.”
With a knot in her throat, Sassy’s gaze travelled over all the happy people. Some had returned to their seats to enjoy a cup of coffee. Others had left already. Was the thief still here, staring back at her? She couldn’t imagine the gall that would take. The longer she watched them, the angrier she got.
“I guess we should call the cops,” she said uncertainly.
Davey’s expression didn’t change. “I guess so. I don’t know what they could do, though. We don’t know who was here, and a lot of people have already left.”
She slumped, and he opened his arms for her. “Oh, Davey.”
“It’s all right. We’ll figure this out.” He squeezed her. “Such a bummer.”
A hand touched her back. “Sassy.”
She pulled away from Davey and wiped her palms across her eyes, smearing tears and mascara everywhere. It didn’t matter.
“I can go with you to the police station tomorrow,” Tom offered.
“Okay. Thanks, Tom. Oh, I feel sick. And I’m so angry. What kind of person does that?”
Tom’s smile slid sideways. “It was a great concert, though. Everyone loved it. You were amazing.”
He was trying to cheer her up, but she didn’t want that. “I don’t feel like getting a drink after all. I’m too mad.”
Tom’s smile widened, as if he wasn’t reading her mood. He thought she was teasing. “What if I ask real nicely? I’ll even make a donation.”
“Tom! I said no.” Couldn’t he see she was upset? She turned back to Davey, dismissing Tom. “Think we should make an announcement?”
Davey looked doubtful. “Nobody’s gonna pay twice.”
“Hey, Sass,” Tom tried, but she ignored him. “Sassy?”
She felt him push a folded piece of paper into her hand, and she jerked away when she realized it was a cheque. “I don’t want your money.”
“Just take it, Sass,” Davey said, nudging her.
“What? No! I don’t want to go for a drink, and I don’t want your money. You can’t just step in and solve things like a businessman would. This is about more than that, Tom. Get it?”
“You don’t want my donation because I can afford to give it?”
“I don’t want it.”
Tom’s smile fell. “There she is,” he said tightly. “That spoiled brat I remember from the jail. I just wanted to help.”
“Yeah? Well, I don’t want your help.”
“Sassy,” Davey murmured behind her.
She thrust the cheque back at Tom, but Davey snatched it from her fingers. “Sorry, man,” he said, hovering between the two of them. “Thanks. This is awesome.”
“Stop it, Davey,” she hissed. “Give it back.”
He held it behind his back. “Don’t be stupid, Sass.”
