Black Knight Read Online Free

high as ten. That meant he could get at least a million for it in the Diamond District, maybe two million, more than all his previous jobs combined. No way was he going to walk away from that kind of cash.
    It was decided.
    He had to get into Silvia’s trunk and soon.
    “I’m beat. Would it be all right if I called it a night?” Marc asked Green as he walked up to the counter they had set up in the hotel lobby. All the guests had been previously told that this was the place to pick up their cars.
    Marc added a yawn as he made his request and his boss gave him a nod. “I’ve still got Ted, Jerry, and Sandy running the route,” Green said. “They should be enough.” He added, “I hope.”
    “I can stay, you know, if you’re worried.”
    Green glanced at the key hooks. “Did the party look like it was winding down?”
    Marc hesitated. “Why you asking me?”
    “Sandy said she just saw you up there.”
    Marc kept his outward composure but inside he grimaced. If he managed to steal the emerald, any unusual behavior on his part could later trigger an alarm. Green was a nice guy but no dummy. If the cops came by later and started asking questions, he might remember this exact moment.
    Marc spoke causally. “I just took a quick look at the buffet.” He added with a hint of guilt, “Well, actually, I sort of sampled the shrimp.”
    Green brightened. “Was it good?”
    Marc grinned. “Fantastic. And they have a huge spread of sushi. If you’re quick, you should be able to load up before they put it away.”
    Green shook his head. “Got to stay here.”
    Now was a perfect opportunity to negate any suspicion. Granted, it might cost him a shot at the emerald, but it would make it clear to his boss that he’d only gone upstairs for the food.
    “Bullshit,” Marc said, taking a step behind the counter. “I can handle the stragglers for a few minutes.”
    “You sure? You said you’re exhausted.”
    “Hey. I’m nineteen years old. I never go to bed till four in the morning. Go now, quick, and put together a bag that will last you the rest of the week. There’s only one caterer left and she won’t care what you swipe. You know they just throw out what’s left over.” Marc added casually, “Oh, I saw some Alaskan crab fish.”
    “Are you shitting me?” his boss asked, a gleam in his eyes. Marc had seen Green eating crab fish a month ago and knew they were his favorite. He also knew there were plenty left.
    Marc snorted. “Stop yapping and go. I did graduate from high school. I can hand out a few keys for a few minutes.”
    The sad truth was he hadn’t graduated from high school.
    “Thanks,” Green said, turning for the elevator. Marc wouldn’t be surprised if his boss returned with several bags of goodies. Green had a pregnant wife at home and was always complaining about how hungry she was for exotic food.
    As it turned out the Hazens came looking for their car while Green was gone, and Marc had to tactfully tell the bigwig that he was too drunk to drive. Immediately, Mr. Hazen started swearing at him but just as fast Mrs. Hazen jumped in between them and told her husband to shut his trap.
    “Larry, you apologize to this nice young man,” she said. “He’s just doing his job and he might have just saved our lives. You know we’re in no shape to drive.”
    Mr. Hazen calmed down fast enough, although he didn’t bother to offer an apology. He plopped down on a nearby chair and belched loudly. “Shit. Somebody call us a cab.”
    Marc signaled for a taxi that was waiting outside and opened the door for Mrs. Hazen, who slipped him a hundred dollars before climbing inside. Marc shook his head like it was too much but the woman insisted.
    “It’s for having to listen to my husband,” she said. “He acts like an old goat when he drinks but I still love him.”
    “Just get home safe, Mrs. Hazen,” Marc said. “I’ll leave a note for your car to be sent over in the morning.”
    “Thank you, dear,”