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“Sentinel, the multimillionaire?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“That guy has a reputation with the ladies. He also was questioned by the police in regards to those murdered women. I don’t like this, Ellie.”
“It’s okay. Justice said that Renaldo had alibis. He doesn’t believe Renaldo or his assistant, Luke, to be the killers. I’m sure the detectives will figure things out.”
“But this guy Renaldo is a slimeball from what I’ve heard. Has he tried anything with you?”
“Unc, I handled it. He knows I’m not interested.”
“But you’re meeting him now, at the gallery? For what?”
“It’s work related. We need to go over some other pieces that came in from Venice. Then we’re headed to the work site. The builders are already Sheetrocking everything and adding all the decorative finishing touches. I have to make sure that Renaldo doesn’t go changing things last minute. We’re on a deadline and I have the commercials ready to air and the cost below budget. If I can make the company some more money, then my bonus will be higher. It’s hell, but it will be worth it.”
“You work so hard. You be sure to
let me know if this guy tries anything. I mean I know now you have four other men who you’ll go to first, but I want to know.”
“Unc, it’s only the beginning stages with me and the guys. I need you in my life. You’re my rock, the one person I could always count on, just like Uncle Brian.”
Unc smiled. “I’m always here for you, Ellie. Even if everything and everyone else fails to come through, I’m here.”
She smiled as she stood up and grabbed her things.
“Be careful driving. It’s really coming down hard.”
“I will. I’ll talk to you soon.”
* * * *
Sam was talking with one of the arresting officers on the side of the main highway. They had a large tractor trailer pulled over, and a team of officers breaking open the locks on the back of the truck. The driver of the vehicle failed to provide proper identification and registration for the vehicle when the highway patrol officers pulled him over for a broken taillight.
As they got the doors open, and shone the lights into the back, they were surprised by the contents. The driver was kicking the windows and doors from inside the patrol car as officers opened up the doors and climbed up into the truck.
Sam shone his light toward the rear of the container. He felt the shock to his heart as three women sat tied up and gagged in the back. Around them were various crates and pieces of fine art.
Thirty minutes later, he was on the phone with Vin and Justice.
“You’re going to want to come out here and see this. Looks like Phillips and Sentinel may not be so detached from those murdered women.”
“What’s going on?” Vin asked, and Sam explained what he found.
“Shit, Sam. Ellie is at the gallery now with them. Justice got off the phone with her an hour ago.”
“Well, tell him to call her and to get her out of there pronto. I’ve got officers heading there now to bring Phillips and Sentinel in for questioning. This doesn’t look good for them.”
“I’m on it,” Vin stated and Sam looked at the women as the paramedics provided first aid for them. They were very pretty, and young. But as they tried to talk to them and ask them questions, they were too scared to respond. Something big was brewing here. Something connected to Justice and Vin’s investigation, and now Sam would help them figure out what.
* * * *
Ellie was on her way out of the gallery even though Renaldo tried to talk her into going out for dinner. As he looked at new art that arrived to the gallery hours before, he told her how beautiful she was and how many men would find her to be appealing. It was so odd, and as if he were describing her assets as if she were art to be displayed. It made her feel like the man wasn’t even human but so obsessed with money and getting something from everyone he met, that he had no soul. She was relieved when her phone rang as she attempted to leave for the third time and Renaldo pulled her into his arms. He was going to kiss her and she shoved away from him.
“Renaldo, I’m not interested in you in that way. Now, I’m leaving and I need to take this call. You can drop this picture at the site. I’m heading to my office to work.” She answered the call as she popped open the umbrella and headed to her car. It was really raining hard.
“Where are you?” Justice asked her firmly. Not a hello, how are you? A roar. Something was wrong.
“I’m just leaving the gallery and heading to the office. What is going on?”
