Once A Thief
Eight months later — a Midwestern metropolitan city Monday — 2:11 a.m.
The brushed surface of the steel door bore minute lines in the cold metal. The antipenetration plate proved an unwanted tactile sensation, which made concentration initially frustrating. A full minute passed, her fingers idly twisting the heavy dial that moved like a dream upon its well-oiled tumblers. With a TL rating of 30-6, this safe was comfortably resistant to tool entry.
Which is why the old-fashioned method proved tried-and-true.
Easing into the feel of the box, taking in its density and seeking its secrets, the moment of connection suddenly hit. Eyes closed, Rachel settled into focus. One precise dumpf vibrated against the tips of her fingers. The beat of a heart. The heart of the combination lock had begun to answer to her manipulations.
Fingers extended and forehead pressed to the steel door, she twisted slowly to the left. Nothing to hear; ten thick inches of steel beneath her fingertips. Just…sense.
Smooth roll. Twist quickly. Spin for the feel. Grip the stop and…dumpf.
One number remained.
Easing ... read full excerpt from Once a Thief ebook
