Page 42 of The Attercop

“Well, whoever broke in knew just where to do it,” Declan continued. “The fire escape near that window’s an easy access point, and the contact alarm on the window frame is simple enough to override.”

Mrs B sat on the couch. Duck pressed himself against her legs.

“I checked my desk and it looks fine. Do you want to check your offices and see if anything is missing?” she asked.

Declan and Charlie quickly inspected their offices and returned.

“Nothing really seems out of place in my office,” Charlie said.

Declan added, “Same with me. There’s no money to steal, and my safe hasn’t been touched.”

“Why would someone break in?” Mrs B asked. “Were they looking for something?”

“I don’t know,” Charlie replied, “but whoever it was, they took a big chance on us not having motion detectors.”

Mrs B crossed her arms. “Maybe whoever did this has been in the office before and scoped out the place.”

“Maybe,” Declan said.

Duck whined and went to the door of Declan’s office, looking back anxiously.

“Earlier, Duck seemed to be on the trail of a scent that led to your apartment,” Mrs B said. “Weren’t you, boy?”

She walked over and led the dog to the washroom, then tapped at the floor until he put his nose to the ground. He sniffed a bit at what must have been a strange scent and started to track it. Mrs B took the leash off him, and the three followed through Declan’s office and up the stairs to the apartment.

Duck looked around, then wandered about sniffing. Whoever had left the scent had moved around the room—to the kitchen cupboards, the armoire, and the dresser.

Duck pawed at the dresser drawer, which was not completely closed.

“You smell something there, boy?” Declan asked.

He reached to open it, but Charlie stopped him. He passed him a nitrile glove.

“Do you always carry one of those?” Declan asked before taking it.

Declan carefully started to slide the drawer open. It let out a screech and Mrs B jumped.

“If we were here and they did go into that drawer, we would have heard it,” Charlie said.

Declan pulled the drawer fully open. Mrs B peered over their shoulders. The drawer was filled with cufflinks, tie pins, and miscellaneous items, including an unopened pack of cards.

Declan frowned. “I don’t get it. There’s nothing of value in here worth stealing.”

Duck nosed his way in and stuffed his snout into the drawer. He let out a sharp bark.

“I’m sorry, boy,” Declan said. “I’m not sure what you’re smelling but I don’t think anyone would take anything from here.”

Declan paused. “Doesn’t this look like another break-in we looked into recently?”

“Do you think it’s the same person that broke into Michael’s?” Charlie asked.

“That’s what I’m worried about.”

Mrs B had seen that look on Declan’s face before. He was concerned. She put the leash back on Duck, then stroked his head. “Good boy.”

Declan rubbed his temple. “I’m a little foggy from last night. Why don’t we get some coffee and a few pastries to clear our heads. Mrs B, do you want anything?”

“Just a coffee. I’ll go back down to the office with Duck and see if he sniffs out anything else.”