Read Thief: X for Free Online Page B

in a running suit with a cowboy and no keys. NO KEYS!
    “This is a quaint little village…” Marshall was looking around. I had to admit I loved my house. It was technically a cottage with an actual picket fence and ivy growing up the walls. It was also my safe haven and extremely personal to me. I felt violated by just letting him inside. Dorian was just an arsehole but he was kind of a friend…or he was?
    “What?” I shouted out of frustration, “Look, I’m sorry. Neither of us wanted this and things are starting to really piss me off and now I don’t even have my keys.”
    “Actually I did want this.” If looks could kill, the cowboy would be dead at my feet. I hoped to God my mom was still inside. I had to ring the bell to my own house.
    “It’s about time you got home, we need tea bags.” I pushed past my mom, resisting the urge to remind her that the village shop was directly opposite.
    “Not now.” I yelled on my way to the kitchen.
    “And who might you be?” I didn’t have to turn my head to know she had a hand on her tweed covered hip looking at Marshall,
    “Marshall Walker. Pleased to meet you…”
    “Mrs Trescott. I’m that one’s mother.”
    “Pleased to me you ma’am.” Oh God, my mom giggled. She actually giggled like a teenager.
    “Don’t you have to go home to dad? Mom…are you even listening to me?” I was going straight to the freezer for my emergency vodka,
    “I was just on my way out when you turned up.”
    “Where’s Cam?” I pushed the frozen peas out the way to exposed the wonderful clear bottle of Russian Vodka,
    “Oh, he’s off with his friends somewhere. It’s about time you brought a nice man home.” She smiled at me. Forget the glass; I was looking for a straw! I glared at her and I think she finally got the point. “Anyway your father is taking me out to dinner to apologise and if I don’t leave now I won’t have time to pick out a new dress.”
    I didn’t even look up as I was rummaging through my kitchen draws for a straw, “See ya!” I shouted for her to huff,
    “You better know what you’re doing hooking up with my daughter Mr Walker.” I stood in shock in the kitchen doorway with the opened vodka bottle in my hand, which I nearly dropped thanks to her comment. I did the next best thing, and took a long swig and winced at the coolness, rather than its potency as it ran down my throat.
    “I’m sure she’ll be a pleasure.” He smiled and I sprayed what was left in my mouth over myself. Thank God my mom left after that but then I was left with Marshall, who was smiling at me,
    “Where shall I put my stuff?” Up your arse!
    “I suppose you could have Cam’s room as he’ll follow mom home but if he comes back you’re on the sofa.”
    “Fair enough.” He nodded and then just stared at me…waiting. I took another swig, probably looking more and more like an alcoholic to him,
    “What?”
    “Is there a particular direction I should be going?” He smiled and yes, it should have melted me but I was in too much of grump. Adram always called it my demon grump because I was bitchier than a wailing banshee.
    “Up the stairs to the right. The bathroom is opposite and knowing my mom, there’ll be fresh towels out. Don’t be long because I want to discuss what you know about Clockwork, and then I’m taking a shower and passing out for at least twelve hours.” Even though I had sneaked a little sin from the Major, I was exhausted. Then again, the lack of sleep was making my eye twitch and it really wasn’t a good look.
    “I’ll be right back.” He started up the stairs and then stopped, “Thank you for this.” He sighed and then continued his stride. The problem was that I did actually feel sorry for him but now I was stuck on a case that I was blackmailed into taking.
    As I couldn’t find that damn straw I poured a rather large glass of vodka and slumped my arse on my sofa.
    “Adram!” I wanted a few answers from him, “Adram, show