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I rounded the corner to the kitchen and nearly ran into Maggie. “What are you doing in here? I haven’t cleared the house yet,” Igrumbled.
“Well, you should’ve. It’s not a big house.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m guessing you’ve already ruled out the whole random burglartheory.”
“Before I even walked in.” I pointed to the dining room. “And if I needed further proof, I only had to see all the silver stillhere.”
“Oh, good. Then I can at least sell that and try to solve all our financial woes.” She sighed. “Come on. This way to Dad’s office.” Maggie motioned for me to follow her. We moved through the kitchen, past the formal living room, and back out to the foyer. I followed her up the stairs and tried to focus on the task at hand which was made infinitely more challenging by the way her backside swayed with eachstep.
I couldn’t help but notice the way she slowed as she reached the landing. She inhaled deeply and scanned the room. “Well. To think I’d made fun of my father when he bolted down all the important items in his work space. I stand corrected.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I hope this means they couldn’t get what theywanted.”
When I reached her side, my brows rose in surprise. This was the only room that had been touched. The monitor was broken, the door hiding the tower had been yanked from the hinges, but because it was secured and locked inside the compartment, the tower was still intact. There were huge dents in the file cabinet. The upholstery on the couch had been shredded. Everywhere I looked showed some manner of devastation. “He’s impressive,” I murmured as I studied his homemade security measures. “He’s hired.” Ichuckled.
“The police should be here soon.” Maggie began to pace. “Oh, my word. We left him in the car. Look around. I gotta go check on him.” She waved as she rushed down thestairs.
I soon followed her and while she climbed into the car to talk with her father, I walked around to the trunk, popped it, and pulled out my leather cross-body bag with all the tools of my trade. When I was done, I wandered around to the passenger window and tapped on it. “Roll it down,” I directed as I pointed to the button in the handle. As soon as it was down a few inches, I asked, “Do you have a key for all those locks in youroffice?”
Malcolm nodded proudly. I expected him to reach into a pocket and pull them out. Instead, he provided instructions. “You’ll find them inside the safe in the officecloset.”
I rubbed my forehead. “I take it back. We’re going to need to have a serious discussion aboutsecurity.”
Maggie seemed to ignore me. Instead she frowned at her father. “Whatsafe?”
“Open the closet door, then the safe is on the floor. The combination is my wedding anniversary.” He smiled proudly and folded his hands over his stomach as he leaned back in theseat.
“Wasn’t the closet door open?” Maggiefrowned.
“I believe so.” I sighed. “And you don’t remember seeing a safe either, huh?” I sighed as she shook her head. “Did you hear that? Used his anniversary.” I swear I could feel a migraine threatening from how hard I worked to control my temper. “I bet it will take all of ten minutes to crackit.”
“I get it. Now what,” shegrumbled.
“Okay, I have to pick a bunch of locks, then pack everything up. Want to help?” I eyed her curiously while doubting she’d want to leave herfather.
“Yes.” She slid out of her seat and stood, her shoulders thrown back resolutely while she walked around the front of my vehicle to meet me. Then a police car pulled up next to the curb and a dark sedan followed. “As soon as I speak with the police,” shegrumbled.
I laid a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t delay them too long. I know they will want to fingerprint the place and we don’t need to be stuck here allnight.”
“I’ll hustle them upstairs as quickly as possible. Promise.” Then she glanced at her father. “Think we should get him out of the car? Maybe sit him in the living room atleast?”
“Yes, bring him in with you.” I followed her line of sight. Malcolm seemed calm. The pill had worked a little too well. “I’m going upstairs to take pictures, grab some fingerprints, and figure out our next steps while the police do theirthing.”
“Sounds like a plan, but won’t the police want to do their own forensic investigation?” Her browfurrowed.
I chuckled. “Of course, but my team will have the answers before theirs.Watch.”
Her head tilted. “This can’t be guilt,” she noted. “What’s yourangle?”
“Who says I have an angle?” I tried to look as innocent as possible, but clearly failed miserably as indicated from the scowl on her face. “We’ll talk after. Let’s secure everything first, okay?” When she nodded hesitantly, I quickly strode up the sidewalk and into the house to begin myinvestigation.
* * *
Maggie
“Pack a bag,”Blaise ordered while we stood in thefoyer.
His tone made me prickly. “Listen, I’m sure you do a fantastic job of managing your people, but I’m not one of your people. Hell, I don’t even like you.” I crossed my arms over mychest.
From the way his lips twitched, Blaise appeared to be trying not to smile. Finally, he gave up and smirked. “I’m really good at what I do. Oh, and you don’t have to like me, but if you want to stay alive and ensure your financial future, I suggest you do as I tellyou.”
“Alive? Now my life is in danger?” My hand shook slightly as I tucked some loose hair behind oneear.
