Page 9 of Lost Cause
“Everyone in law enforcement around here knows Gage Blackwell and his crew. The guy’s built a solid reputation, and their record for high-end training and protection is hard to beat.”
“Sounds like you might not mind working with them, then.” She would cross her fingers if she believed such a thing actually helped.
“I might respect the team from what I’ve heard, but I’ve got the same concerns about them as I do about you and your team.” He sized her up with a steady look. “But let’s table this for now and get to checking those doors.”
She nodded, but this wasn’t over. Somehow, she needed to chip away at his resolve and open his mind so she could fulfill her promise to her team. Partnering with him would be a good thing. She’d have access to official reports and information. But if he decided against working together, she would investigate this theft with or without his help. Her friends and her livelihood were counting on her to succeed.
3
Burke put on protective gloves and opened the mansion’s front door. He had to ignore Abby as she watched him study the aged brass lock that appeared original to the house. She was buzzing with energy as if she wanted to take over. He couldn’t let her. Nor could he let her distract him during the investigation. One false move, and Sheriff Ryder could change his mind about keeping Burke on as a detective.
Ignore her. You have to ignore her.
He tuned her out and intensified his focus. He saw no sign of gouging in the wood or slashes from a sharp object in the lock itself. “Looks like we’re clear here.”
She moved in closer. Of course she didn’t trust his assessment. He couldn’t fault her, though. He would’ve done the same thing.
Keeping the blueprint roll tucked under her arm, she ran a gloved finger over the lock and the strike plate before looking up. “Agreed. But the door was open when I arrived. It likely doesn’t latch properly, so someone could’ve entered without leaving any evidence behind.”
“I found it open too,” Burke said.
“And that was after I saw Victor shove it closed.”
“Means we can’t rule this door out as the point of entry, and we need forensics to dust for prints.” He thought about who they would get out here, and a heavy, sinking feeling filled his chest. “Our forensic team is tied up with a homicide, and I might have to call in the state.”
She rested her hands on her hips and tipped her head. “Can I suggest alternatives?”
“I’m listening.”
“My first thought is we bring in a forensic team from the Veritas Center in Portland.”
He tried to stop his mouth from falling open, but didn’t manage it. “You can’t be serious. No way we can afford to pay for a world-renowned forensic team.”
“They do work pro bono. I have contacts there and would be glad to ask.”
“Putting you in line to receive forensic results first.” He scowled. “My sheriff won’t go for that, and I won’t either.”
“They can sign a contract with your agency stipulating your department has exclusive rights to receive the results.”
“Okay,” he said, but something about it still didn’t sit well with him. “What’s your second option?”
“Not nearly on the same level as Veritas, but my friend at Blackwell Tactical was a skilled Portland forensic tech before she joined the team. As a bonus, she served as a patrol officer before moving to forensics, making her sensitive to investigative needs. She’s built a top-notch lab and would most certainly do it as a favor to me.”
Right off the bat, the second option seemed better. He could control one person. Maybe. She was Abby’s friend after all, and her loyalty would go to Abby. Could be problematic.
“I’ll think about it.” He wasn’t ready to make a commitment about anything until he had a chance to consider the situationhe found himself in. He didn’t want to drag his feet on this investigation, but he also didn’t want to make a major mistake.
A shadow of concern passed over her face as if she didn’t like his answer. Maybe she was worried he would choose a subpar forensic team. Not his plan at all. Part of the decision would come down to who could get to the scene quickest. The rest would depend on his sheriff’s preference.
She pulled the blueprints from under her arm and settled them on a round table coated in dust. If it wasn’t rude, he’d push her out of the way and take over the plans. He might not be happy she was here, but it wasn’t in his nature to be rude to anyone. So he came alongside her while she unrolled them on the table.
The mansion had three entrances in addition to the front door. Four possible places the intruder could’ve entered to steal the crown, not counting the windows.
“Why don’t we work our way down the right side around the perimeter and back?” he asked, instead of demanding. He’d done far too much of that already.
She rerolled the prints. “Follow me. I know the location of the first door.”
She took off at a rapid pace through the dingy, dismal foyer, and he stayed on her heels.
