Page 60 of Something’s Brewing

Sawyer took a breath. “Something is going on, and I want to get to the bottom of it. Frankie knows more than she’s saying.”

Nick didn’t react, but his eyes sharpened. “I suspect she does, yes.”

“Yeah,” Sawyer said, a hint of frustration slipping through, “but I don’t think we’re looking close enough.”

Nick gestured to the chair. “Then sit down and tell me why.”

Sawyer sat, leaning forward, forearms braced on his knees. “My uncle, Morty.”

“What about him?”

“He just bought a new truck. Paid cash. No way he’s pulling that kind of money being mayor.” Sawyer shook his head. “And he’s wearing a Rolex or something just as expensive. He didn’t have that kind of money before.”

Nick’s mouth twitched faintly at that.

“If he’d won the lottery,” Sawyer went on, “he’d be telling anyone who’d listen.” He shook his head again. “He likes people knowing he’s doing well. He’s keeping quiet.”

“You’re saying the mayor is involved in something illegal,” Nick said.

“I’m saying he’s connected to whatever Frankie must have uncovered.” Sawyer met his gaze. “And someone broke into her place because of it.”

Nick tapped a pen once against his desk. “That’s a serious accusation.”

“I know.” Sawyer held steady. “That’s why I want to prove it.”

Nick leaned back, studying him. “And how exactly do you plan to do that?”

Sawyer hesitated just long enough for it to land. “He’s got an apartment above his garage.”

Nick didn’t move.

“I could ask to stay there,” Sawyer continued. “It wouldn’t even raise a flag. My mom’s boyfriend just moved in and I’ve been meaning to move out anyway. This gives me a reason. I can play it up that there isn’t space for me anymore, boxes everywhere, no quiet.”

Nick’s gaze narrowed slightly. “And Morty will let you move in?”

“He will.” Sawyer nodded. “If I push the ‘I need space’ angle hard enough, he’ll offer.”

“And once you’re in?”

“I watch.” Sawyer’s voice lowered. “See who comes and goes. What’s getting dropped off. And . . .” He hesitated, then added, “He’s not exactly tech-savvy. If there’s anything on his computer—records, messages—I can find it.”

Nick’s jaw tightened.

“I’ll get proof,” Sawyer continued. “I don’t know what Frankie has, but I can get what we need to move on him.”

Silence stretched.

Nick stood slowly, bracing his hands on the desk. “You don’t go digging through someone’s personal property without a warrant.”

Sawyer held his ground. “Then I’ll find another way.”

Nick exhaled, slow and controlled. “No. We don’t cut corners. A judge isn’t going to sign off on a hunch. We need probable cause before we ask for a warrant.”

“So we wait?”

“We build the case. And until then, you don’t engage. You don’t confront. You don’t take unnecessary risks.”

“I won’t.”