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“No,” Burnside said. “But the shop owner knows him—a guy named Pete Vasquez. Says he pawns stuff in there all the time. He also said Vasquez took the cash and immediately walked into the bar next door.”
“Are your people en route?” Jessie asked anxiously.
“Not yet,” Burnside said. “The owner called me directly because I helped him set up a security system after a robbery. I’m about to report it up the chain. But I decided to call you first. I’m not sure how it will go down when my station finds the guy. They’re hyped to nail down a suspect so they can put this thing to bed.”
“You think they might take him out and pin the murder on him?”
“I didn’t say that,” Burnside said emphatically. “I never said that.”
“Okay,” Jessie soothed. “I’m sorry.”
“What I can say is that I looked at Vasquez’s record. He’s done some time but it’s all for stuff like petty theft; never used a weapon, no violent crime. It’s hard to see him as right for a stabbing murder.”
“Okay, thanks, Burnside. How much of a head start can you give me? I’m downtown right now.”
“Not too long. I’m going to the restroom because I think I’m suddenly developing some ‘digestive issues.’ I may be able to dawdle a little after that. But then it’s going to look suspicious. Maybe twenty minutes?”
“I’ll take it.”
“I’ll text you the address now,” Burnside said. “And Ms. Hunt?”
“Yes?”
“Try to bring the detective from last night if you can. I don’t know how this will go down and you may want some backup.” Then he hung up.
With that warning still ringing in her ears, Jessie began scrambling around the apartment, grabbing essentials as she gave Hannah the basics.
“Do you know when you’ll be back?” the girl asked.
“I don’t,” Jessie said as she threw on her jacket. “Your best bet is to finish any homework and expect to crash for the night while I’m still out. Sorry to bail but…”
“It’s okay,” Hannah said. “I understand.”
Jessie gave her a quick smile before bolting out the door.
