Free A Stainless Steel Cat by Michael Erickston Page A

his audacity. After their court date, he had gone and robbed somebody.
    He entered the combination and opened the briefcase, pulling out the files first. "California State Senator Lisa Keen." He said. "It seems she's been a very bad girl."
    Tam knew the name. Lisa Keen was on several committees, and although the Newspapers were convinced she was hiding something, they could never get any evidence on her.
    Then he pulled out the cash. Stacks of 100 dollar bills. "See, I've found this to be true. When dirty politicians and businessmen get found out, they have to have a backup plan to get out of the country. After the Bernie Madoff fiasco a few years back, EVERY corrupt big wig has an escape plan." He tossed a fake driver's license and passport onto the bed with the files beside the money. "Pay cash for a one-way ticket to a non-extradition country, change into a wig or something..." He pointed out her picture with a blonde wig to cover her natural brunette hair... "and yeah. Disappear and never be seen again where the US Government can reach them."
    Tam laughed lightly. "Ok, smarty. How did you know all this?" She asked with a grin, shaking her head in disbelief.
    "I read a book some guy wrote a couple years ago on what he would do if he ever found himself in Bernie's position." Royce shrugged. "I read a lot at the orphanage when I wasn't honing my body and skills. Sweetheart, I've wanted to do this since I was a kid. Some movie I watched where the main character was a cat burglar. He made really good money."
    Tam laughed again, and pictured in her mind young Shiloh Royce, training himself physically, reading books on how to commit crimes and get away with them. Learning to use lockpicks and other instruments used for the art of stealing. She remembered his fight with Darnell, and thought he'd moved like an MMA fighter, dodging and weaving and striking quickly and with force.
    "You know, that actually makes sense." Tam said and chuckled. "Baby, you are one of a kind."
    "So are you, Tam." He said and kissed her lightly. "Now, let's see what kind of haul I got here..." He quickly started counting the stacks of bills. "Fifty Grand!" He grinned. "Now THAT's a payday!" $50,000 could go a long way in a third world country with no extradition treaty with the United States, and Tam had to agree. As far as the US was concerned, though, it was enough to live fairly comfortably for about six to ten months.
    "Aren't you worried that your bank is going to report your deposits to the Feds?" Tam asked.
    "That's why I do it in increments. In the morning, I'm going to buy six or seven money orders. Golden State doesn't report deposits of less than 10K at a time. I usually get 5K money orders, and deposit them two or three times a day after a few hours in between." Royce said. "It works."
    Tam saw the logic in that, and realized just how smart her boyfriend was. 'My boyfriend, and I feel really good with him!' She thought to herself. 'I really do love him!' She realized at that moment. She'd already said the words, but her thoughts were now all about him. She had never felt this good with Darnell, even before he'd become the asshole he was today. Behind the tough and cool façade, carefully hidden from view, was a genuinely good guy who cared about those he considered friends and loved ones. She could tell that there weren't very many of those in his life, growing up with a high turnover rate in the orphanage. New kids would come in, older kids would be adopted... And that would be her next inquiry, to the orphanage itself. St. Agatha's would have some questions to answer.
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    Mr. Wolfe looked up from the latest reports on his new housing development as Darnell knocked on the open door frame and came in as Wolfe nodded with a smile.
    "What can I do for you, D?" He asked.
    "Hey, Boss. Jared told me to clear it with you first, so I'm asking your permission to find out where that Royce kid works and pay him a little visit outside the restraint