The Distance Between Us by A. C. Burch

Author:A. C. Burch
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HomePort Press

Reflections in the Dark

In the dim light, the two shadows were mirror images: the same height, hair, build, and wardrobe. Each wore black slacks, a black blazer with a light-blue blouse, and black sneakers.

As Detective Amy Morgan escorted Helena down an alley to the beach, she asked, “Did he fall for it?”

“Hook, line, and sinker,” Helena replied with a laugh. “I wish you could have seen the look on his face when he barged into the dressing room thinking he’d cornered me and found Shirley instead. By the time she and Ricotta were done with him, he was off to the nearest bar.”

“Perfect,” Amy said. “You can’t imagine what it’s like dealing with that fool day in, day out. He’s certifiable. Technically, you’re still a suspect, and we shouldn’t be going rogue, but we’ve got to nail him somehow.”

Sensing Amy’s ambivalence, Helena sought a bright spot. “How did you enjoy all those curtain calls? I had more than enough time to change and position myself outside the dressing room. He never realized he wasn’t talking to you. I felt like one of The von Trapps making my getaway.”

Amy burst into a grin. “To be honest, I loved it. I’ve always wanted to be on stage, and somehow the costume gave me the courage I lacked. Knowing Brandt was in the booth as I took your bows made my day. He was so sure of himself. Do you think we’ve gotten under his skin?”

Helena cackled. “In a big way. It was as easy as shooting fish in a barrel.”

“So, what’s the next step?”

“If I’m right, he’ll overreact and shift into a massive search and destroy mode. It won’t surprise me if he does one of those house-to-house numbers like Nazis in war movies.”

Concern showed on Amy’s face. “That bad, huh? He’s not authorized to do anything like that. Is it time for Chief Louie to step in?”

Helena clasped her hand. “Not yet. Remember, darling, the goal is for Brandt to lose control, move too fast, overlook something, or mess up. And when he does, we’ll be right there waiting for him.”

Amy seemed satisfied. “I’ve got an idea where he’ll go next. Dan subpoenaed Wally’s cell phone and got someone to break the encryption. It took a while; Wally wasn’t slipshod when it came to protecting his clients. Only two galleries are left on his list: the Ventura and the Amalfi.”

“How do we know which one they’ll choose? And if we see something, what do we do?”

Amy paused. “We have to be careful. I’m an officer of the law, though I’m authorized as an undercover agent, which gives me a bit more latitude. Still, we need a case that will stick. Let’s video as much as possible and hold off on an arrest so we don’t scare off the ringleader.”

Helena smiled. “Right as usual. Don’t know what I’d do without you, darling.”

“Likewise, Helena. You’re the best partner I’ve ever had. I should get back in case Brandt comes looking for me. Is there anything you want me to report to him?”

“Yeah.

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