Ethics of a Thief Read Online Free PDF

voices and were frightened.”
    Jack glared at her. “Why were they alone on the vessel?”
    “They weren’t alone. The Kilgores took them out.”
    “My God, they’re here, too?” Jack started to pace.
    “Their dead bodies are.”
    The man stopped abruptly. “You must be shitting me. This is absurd. You’re telling me we have dead bodies on board?”
    “I’m afraid so.”
    “For God’s sake, how did they die?”
    “Both were murdered.”
    Jack threw his hands up. “You’re jerking me around? You can’t be serious. If that’s true, then why in the hell are we still here?”
    After listening to the man’s reaction, Abigail’s concern was increasing by the minute. The edge in his loud voice was troubling, but it was the fire in his eyes that was terrifying. She couldn’t believe her ears when the man asked, “Did the woman kill them?”
    “No.”
    “How do you know Matt? Were you thinking below the belt – ’cause she’s pretty?”
    “Of course not! It was because she became hysterical at the sight of their dead bodies. She couldn’t have faked that.”
    Abigail felt invisible as they talked about her as if she wasn’t there.
    Jack got in Matt’s face. “Things aren’t right. We have to get off this vessel -- now! Do you understand? We’re talking about murder. I’ve taken enough risks for you, but this is too much.”
    “Yes, I know Jack. I’m sorry for insisting you come.”
    When she saw Jack’s face soften, she knew the two men must have been close.
    Brent strolled up and stood behind the other two men, but didn’t add to the conversation. The three men stood silently, staring at her. Brent was checking out her curves, Jack was looking straight at her eyes, and Matt was solemn. At that moment, she wished she could have just pushed some magical button and disappeared. But that wasn’t possible, so she mustered up enough courage to carry the drinks past their watching eyes -- she pretended not to be terrified. After she had placed the drinks on the magnificent table, the men came over. She felt the tension in her bones. She knew the men must have been trying to process the news of finding dead bodies, two children and a woman.
    It was at that moment, she discovered the loudness of silence. It was scarier than Jack’s forceful voice. Her hands perspired as she calmly gave her nephew a root beer. She tried to break the icy silence. “Lisa, would you like an orange drink?” Her words fell on deaf ears. Even Lisa was unresponsive. The girl fumbled with her braids.
    Abigail stood with her weight on one foot and her hand on her hip. She waited for someone to speak. She was questioning how in the world she got the children and herself into such a mess. Yet, she knew the answer -- it was from ignoring God’s warning. She resolved to pray with her eyes open, Dear God, help us through this ordeal. Please give me wisdom and direction on how to get the children to safety. Again, she took a deep breath, held it for ten counts and slowly let it out. She noticed Danny was inspecting his captors and standing perfectly still.
    Suddenly, one by one, the four men came and selected a drink.
    Lisa finally grabbed the last orange soda. Stress does cause thirst, Abigail thought. Her mouth felt like cotton, so she, too, grabbed a soda. While drinking their refreshments, the children sat and talked. Before long, Matt stood with his head cocked and watched his three comrades march out of the main salon with purpose.
    Matt faced Abigail. “I think it’s best for you three to stay with me. Look, none of us want this. We’re as troubled as you are. We just want to finish what we came for, and go home. At this point, we can’t risk letting you go. That’s why you must stay with me. After the item is found, we’ll all leave.”
    Abigail shifted her weight uneasily. She listened, but she doubted all was well.
    Matt touched his chin. “At this point, you have two choices.” He glanced down as he ran his