The Cube Heist (BWWM Interracial Romance and Crime) (9 page)

“There’s a sniper on the alcove on the second floor of the furthest building opposite the van. I think that’s who got Alan.”

Lisa was still in shock after seeing her colleague slumped on the wheel. Although they were not close, she had known Alan for years. He had been kind to her when she first joined the network and she always felt grateful to him. She knew nothing of his personal life. Most people in the business preferred it that way. She wondered at this life they led. Was Alan like her with nobody to claim her body or to mourn her?

“This is not the time Lisa, we have to think fast. Something is happening out there and it’s not the feds.” Harper said.

Lisa snapped out of her despondency, on realizing the danger they were in. They needed a plan B fast. Harper opened a door on the other side of the Deli which led to a kind of storage. Using a torch, he scanned the walls until he saw a ventilation shaft.

“I’m on it.” Lisa said.

Harper lifted her on his shoulders and using a screw driver and craw bar, she pulled open the cover of the ventilation shaft. Grabbing the stairs inside the shaft, Lisa used her hands to pull herself up and into the shaft. She stood with her legs apart each on the opposite sides of the wall of the shaft.

“Hoist the box.” Lisa told Harper.

He lifted it over his head and Lisa grabbed it. It wasn’t heavy but was bulky. She moved further up, holding the metal box tight against her chest. This gave Harper space to climb into the shaft. Slowly they inched their way to the top. Lisa fumbled inside her tool box for her torch. She shone it at the top of the shaft. It was closed with vertical metal bars.

“Shit!” she said.

“What’s up?” Harper called from below.

“Metal bars sealing the shaft and I think they have an alarm.” Lisa said.

“We don’t have a choice Lisa. I’ll pass you the drill and we’ll make a run for it.” Harper said.

After some seconds, Harper passed her the hand held drill. Lisa shielded her eyes with her hand while she drilled. Working fast, she drilled the ends of the shafts and sure enough an alarm went off, loud enough to wake the whole city.

“Come-on Lisa, faster.” Harper said.

The last of the bars fell off and she climbed out of the shaft onto the roof. Harper followed her.

“Run, let’s go.”

Lisa followed Harper to the edge of the building. The next one was pretty close and she avoided looking at the bottom.

“Think you can do it?” Harper asked.

Her eyes wide with fear, Lisa shouted above the wails of sirens approaching from a distance.

‘Go on, go first, jump.” Harper said.

The sirens were getting closer. Lisa closed her eyes. She counted to three and jumped. Only when she felt solid ground on her feet did her breathe come out in quick bursts. She turned her eyes to Harper. He held the blue metal box with one hand. She saw his body stiffen then he leaped into the air. He made it. They started jogging across that building, jumping over cables. They reached the edge and again jumped.

“Let’s look for a way down.” Harper said.

Before they could move, they heard the unmistakable sound of an approaching helicopter. Seconds later it was on them shining a light on them as they ran.

Harper reached for the EMP and aiming towards the helicopter, he released the remaining charge. Moving almost in slow motion, the helicopter engine sputtered off, and it started spinning. Lisa and Harper took off again and jumped to the next building. Lisa was wet with sweat, yet she wasn’t exhausted.

They found an emergency stair case that lead to the bottom of the roof.

“Where’s your phone?” Harper asked. “Toss it.”

Lisa removed her phone from a back pocket of her suit and tossed it to the ground. Harper followed suit. They went down the stairs, staying in the shadows. The stairs ended in an alley on a back street. Lisa stripped out of her cat suit and her mask. Harper removed his mask too and holding hands, they ran into the night.

When it was safe, they emerged into the lit streets. Luck was on their side. Harper waved down an approaching cab and when it stopped they got in.

The motel they picked was off the highway. Lisa waited outside with the blue metal box while Harper paid for a room and got their key.

“I don’t understand what happened.” Lisa said when they entered the room.

Harper paced the short width of the motel room.

“I think there was an interloper.” Harper finally said. “Possibly, another organization from out of state. That’s the only thing that makes sense.”

Slowly, tension started to ease from Lisa’s body and she kicked off her shoes and lay on the bed.

“We’ll find out in the morning.” Harper said.

He took off his clothes and was left with only a pair of boxers. Lisa’s eyes were glued to his body. Their eyes met and when Harper got into bed, it seemed inevitable that he would gather her in his arms. She traced her fingers on his cheeks and let them drop to his shoulder. Hungrily, Harper brought his mouth down to hers. She clung tightly to him, and wrapped her legs around his waist. Harper groaned. Lisa tugged at her leggings and without breaking the kiss, Harper reached down with one hand and wrenched the leggings from her legs.

“Open your eyes.” Harper said.

Lisa opened her eyes.

“Lisa Hunter, I love you.” Harper said.

Lisa’s eyes almost popped out.

Supporting himself with his arms, Harper said in a light voice.

“This is the part where you’re supposed to say that you love me too.”

Lisa laughed, feeling as if she could fly. Harper loved her?

“This is amazing…and crazy.” Lisa said. “Why were you holding back though?”

“I’ve been hurt terribly by a woman in the past. It’s not something I want to happen to me again. Before you ask any questions, that’s a story for another day. Tonight Lisa, it’s just you and me.”

And it was. For Lisa it felt as if she had died and gone to heaven. Harper took her to heights she had only read about. When it was over, she lay on his chest, idly stroking his hairy chest. They talked throughout the early morning, making future and immediate plans. They were not out of the woods yet. The metal box on the floor was a sharp reminder of that.

They woke up at nine the following morning. Lisa felt completely natural waking up in Harper’s arms. He made her feel safe and confident that she could do anything. They ordered breakfast, and after a heavy meal of fried eggs and sausages, they showered together. They took a long time to emerge from the bathroom.

“Our first step is to get your stuff.” Lisa said. “Most likely your apartment is guarded, right?”

“Much probably my love, but you must never keep all your eggs in one basket.” Harper said. “Let’s go.”

They got a cab right outside the motel. Harper gave the cab driver directions leading to West Chicago. They drove into a rundown block of apartments. Harper took Lisa’s hands and led her into the apartment block. It was dark inside and smelt of dust. They took the stairs to the fourth floor. Under a flower pot on the floor, harper took out a key which he used to enter the apartment.

It was empty, save for an office desk and a computer.

“Why I’m I not surprised” Lisa said.

Harper went straight to the computer and Lisa went to explore the kitchen. She found a kettle and coffee. She returned to Harper a few minutes later with two hot cups of coffee.

She stood behind Harper and watched the screen.

“See these images?“ Harper said and clicked on one to reveal a phone number. These are all the numbers active near my apartment. These belong to the police and the feds.” Harper said.

“Can you tap into them?” Lisa asked.

“Yap,” Harper said.

A cracking sound came then dulled voices which over time cleared enough for them to follow the conversation.

“Any word on the Cardarella?”

“Not yet, we’re still trying to activate the cube?”

Lisa was puzzled. The Cardarella’s operated in New York. What the hell were they doing in Chicago? They had a small operation in Chicago, headed by James Cardarella, Lisa recalled. The answer pointed to the cube. Whatever it held, must be very valuable.

They listened in on the conversation for a while longer until it got disconnected.

“We need to know what this cube holds, with so much feds running around it will not be a simple thing like diamonds.” Harper said. “I know just who to call.”

Anderson picked up his mobile on the first ring.

Harper’s phone was equipped with a with a voice scrambler, which distorted his voice completely.

“I’m the person with the cube Anderson.” Harper said.

On speaker phone, they heard Anderson sharp intake of breath.

“Look—”

“No, you look.” Harper said. “I need to know what’s in the cube.”

“I can’t give you that information. It’s classified. How much do you want for it? We’ll wire the amount wherever you want.” Anderson said.

Harper laughed.

“All I need to do is to open it and I’ll find out for myself what your classified information is.”

“Don’t do that!” Anderson shouted into the phone, then in a controlled voice. “Please don’t open it.”

“I’ll ask you for the last time, what is in the cube?” Harper said.

There was silence on the other end. Harper was about to disconnect the call, when Anderson cried out, “Wait! I’ll tell you.”

They listened with mounting panic.

When Harper disconnected the call, they turned to each other.

“Oh shit!” Lisa said. “This may turn out very badly.”

“If it’s opened in an uncontrollable environment, it can explode and destroy several whole blocks.” Harper said, repeating what Anderson had said.

“He said it’s some kind of energy that takes in light and gives out more light. That’s huge.” Lisa whispered.

“No wonder James Cardarella wants it.” Harper said. “If this box lands in the wrong hands, the Government is in deep trouble.”

Talking to one of his colleagues, Harper was told just how bad things were. James Cardarella and his people were claiming to have possession of the cube. Harper spoke to his boss. The deal was off. The cube was not valuable anymore.

After thinking a while Lisa suddenly looked into Harpers eyes with a smile and said, “I have an idea.”

* * *

They emerged from the apartment later that evening, when darkness had encompassed the city. Finding out James Cardarella’s office had not been difficult. Harper had called a few of his contacts and soon they had an address.

“Let’s carry on with our plan.” Lisa said.

She felt a pang at the loss of such a lot of money, but she shrugged it off. You didn’t strike lucky every time.

It was in a nondescript building on the first floor. Lisa scaled up the wall and broke through a window. She squeezed herself in, then locating the stairs; she went down and opened the latch for Harper. They found his office easily as it was the only one. The rest seemed like a warehouse with tens of boxes lying around.

Feeling around his drawer, they looked for his safe until they found it in a secret compartment. Harper stood watch by the window, pulling the drapes slightly to get a view of the street.

“Take your time Lisa.” Harper said.

Safes were more intricate than locks to pick. Lisa worked steadily and refused to think about the passing time. She finally did it after an hour. Harper opened the metal box and took out the cube. Immediately a red light blinked from the side.

“It’s sending out tracking information.” Harper said, checking his watch.

A minute went by and he quickly put the cube in the safe. They left walking out the front door. They hid opposite in alley on the side of the building.

Ten minutes passed by and they saw a black Mercedes stop at the building.

“That’s Cardarella.” Harper whispered.

“Good.”

Shortly after, police sirens sounded in the distance and came closer. It was time for them to go.

* * *

They spent the night in another motel. Lisa felt bereft, as though she was on the verge of losing a loved one. A lump formed in her throat. This would be her and Harper’s last night together. Harper too seemed to be in a subdued and strange mood.

He ran his hands over her back, switching from frantic movements to slow tantalizing touches. Lisa looked into his dark eyes, eyes that one time she had thought of as cold. She wanted to look at his handsome face forever. But she would not throw herself at Harper’s feet, however much she loved him. The way she knew Harper now, he would probably agree to go with her, out of sympathy. That’s not what she wanted from him.

She sighed, and resolutely shifted her mind, from those depressing thoughts. She would not spend the last night with the man she loved feeling sorry for herself. Tonight would be a night of making memories. With that, she got on top of Harper and straddled him. Slowly, she slid off the sleeves of her vest, leaving her shoulders bear. Harper gave a sharp intake of breathe. Her eyes never left his.

She stood up, and unzipped her blue jeans, as slowly as she could. She wriggled out of them and then turned her attention to her vest. She pulled it over her head, stretching out her arms to give Harper a better view of her well-trained body.

“I don’t know if I can wait any longer.” Harper growled.

“If you don’t, there’ll be a punishment.” Lisa said in a threatening voice.

When she finished her strip tease, Harper was groaning for mercy. She fell back into her arms and allowed herself to get lost in his sweet love.

Later they lay intertwined in each other’s arms. Lisa stared at the dancing shadows on the ceiling and wished for time to slow down. She wasn’t ready, her brain screamed. She had only just met Harper. It was too soon to lose him.

“So where are you headed after this?” Lisa asked, keeping her tone deceptively casual.

Harper was silent for a moment.

“You read my mind sweetheart. That’s what I want to talk to you about.” He finally said.

He laid Lisa back on the bed gently, and propped up on one elbow, he stared down at her.

“I want you to be very honest with me. If it’s not a good idea, please say so, OK?”

Lisa was intrigued. This was the first time she had seen Harper look unsure of himself. Usually, he was brimming with quiet confidence.

“OK.” Lisa said, her stomach muscles clenching with tension.

“I want us to have the same surname when we travel.” Harper said solemnly.

Lisa’s mind froze. Stunned. Was Harper saying what she thought he was saying?

Her voice shaky, Lisa said. “Is that a proposal?”

“It is. Will you marry me Lisa, will you run away with me?”

Lisa’s eyes flooded with tears. Her heart filled with joy and completeness.

“Yes yes yes!” Lisa said.

* * *

They airfield was empty save for a bored looking attendant in the office. Harper gripped her hand and Lisa squeezed him back. She couldn’t believe that it was really happening. They were running off together. She felt a knot of apprehension at meeting Harper’s parents. To Lisa parents were a huge deal, and she just hoped that they would like her.

They were planning a small wedding ceremony with just his parents. Then they would go off for their honeymoon and spend that time deciding where to settle down. And also getting even more familiar with each other’s bodies, as Harper had put it. Lisa blushed at the thought and tried to keep her expression still.

“You’re Harper?” the man asked.

Harper assured him that he was and the man showed him to the hangar even though Harper had been there before dozens of time.

“All checks have been done. It’s ready for you. Have a safe flight.” He said and left.

Harper helped Lisa into the passenger seat and he got into the pilot’s seat. Lisa looked around nervously. She had never been in a seven-seater plane before.

“Hey,” Harper said reaching for her hand. “You have absolutely nothing to worry about. I know what I’m doing.”

Lisa exhaled and smiled bravely. Then she remembered that in a few days she would trust this man with her heart and her life. Her fear immediately subsided. She was in safe hands. She watched Harper as he flipped and pressed various switches. His brow was creased with concentration. Feeling her eyes on him, he looked up and his face broke into a smile. Lisa’s heart stopped.

Would her heart stop every time Harper gave her one of his sexy smiles? Lisa giggled softly. She knew that would never change.

The plane roared into life and it cruised down the runway. Lisa looked down as the plane soared into the air. She was not sorry to see the last of Chicago. Her mind drifted. She felt her eyes getting heavy with sleep as the plane gained more altitude. The clear blue skies reminded Lisa of sandy beaches awaiting them. A thrill went through her at the thought of waking up every morning to Harper’s face. She felt his big hand close over hers. She finally fitted, life now made sense. Like a completed chess game, every piece of Lisa’s life had fallen into place.

THE END