“No,” said Ian, frowning. “And before you rip down more branches, it’s not going to be hanging up there anyway. How big a container would it have to be for all that money? This tree loses its leaves in the winter. You think none of the neighbors would notice a box just hanging out in a tree?”
“I don’t,” said Gabe, then when Ian shot him a look, “think it’s just money. I think it’s the jewelry, too.”
“Gabe. Why?” Ian was tired of this. Ellen was calling. He pocketed his phone again and indicated the house. “Let’s go back inside.”
* * * *
They sat on the floor of the yellow and lime green room, curtains pulled so no one walking down the street could see them through the window. Ian set the phone between them while Gabe leaned back on the palms of his hands. Ian’s stomach rumbled. He want
