Page 101 of Lost Cause
“One set of prints on the crown hiding place belonged to Leonard Shaw.”
“Shaw?” Burke could hardly believe what he was hearing. “How did you get his prints for comparison?”
“He wanted his high-end antique customers to know he was above board, so he had a background check done.”
“Smart move for a legit operator,” Burke said. “Foolish one for a criminal.”
“Maybe these days, but not when he had it done,” Sam said. “Before 2014, those prints weren’t kept in the FBI’s database, so investigators couldn’t locate them there. But I have a buddy who has access to the older state files. He ran the prints as a favor for me. Not a legit favor. Means if you prosecute the guy, the prints can’t be used.”
“Point taken. But the print locations could indicate he killed Estelle and stole the crown.”
“Exactly. And if it helps, the prints on the crown’s hiding place are current. The locket, much older as you would expect.”
“So he could be the guy who broke in recently and took the crown.”
“Looks like it. Unless he visited Victor.”
“I can have Gabe search the ferry key card log to see if Shaw ever visited. If he doesn’t show up, though, doesn’t mean he wasn’t there. He might not have a card or he has access to a private boat. In fact, if I was going to steal the crown, I would do it late at night when ferries stopped running and arrive in my own boat.”
“Agreed. That’s all I’ve got for now, but I thought it might help if I got this information to you quickly.”
“Absolutely, and thanks, Sam.” He ended the call and immediately dialed Abby. Straight to voicemail again.
That niggling concern in his gut grew into a full-blown cramp of worry. He called Gabe.
“Yo, bro,” Gabe answered right away. “What can I do for you?”
“I need you to check the ferry boat logs to see if Leonard Shaw ever visited Victor.”
“The antique dealer? Okay. Got it. I’ll get right on it.”
“Before I go, have you heard from Abby in the last few hours?”
“No. Is there a problem?”
“I hope not, but she’s not answering my calls.”
“Hold on. Let me try her in case she’s blowing you off.”
Before Burke could argue about being blown off, Gabe put him on hold. He tapped his foot under the desk as he waited for Gabe to come back on the line.
“Yeah, man, you’re right. She’s not answering. Maybe she’s just tied up in a meeting.”
“Could be, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. I’ll call your team headquarters to see if anyone there has heard from her.”
“Sounds like a plan. And I’ll get right on your request.” Gabe ended the call.
Burke dialed the LLL team headquarters. The phone rang three times, before it was picked up.
“Lost Lake Locators, Hayden Kraus speaking,” he said, sounding as if he’d been schooled in positive customer service. “How can I help you?”
“Hayden, it’s Burke. Have you heard from Abby lately?”
“Lately? Nah. Last time I talked to her she was in Seaside Harbor waiting to meet with the prosecuting attorney for tomorrow’s deposition.”
“How long ago was that?”
“Ah.” He paused. “Five maybe more hours ago. She’s not likely still there though.”
