The Magpie's Death

Found (1)

"Hello. Welcome to The Glass House. Can I help you?"

Jade didn't sound particularly nervous, but Sam could tell her voice was tighter than usual. The visitors wouldn't notice, but it confirmed his suspicions. His arm circled further around Jack and his hand gripped at his shirt.

A man cleared his throat. "We're with the state police." There was a slight rustle and Sam guessed he was showing a badge. "We've been tracking a man in a kidnapping case and think he may have stopped here. We'd like to ask you a few questions."

Sam eyed Jack again. He nodded to show his understanding. He wouldn't move or make any noise, so Sam released his hold. Taking a breath in, his massive weight crept to the back door of the kitchen and out to the dining area. Despite the age of the house and its creaky floorboards, he'd found every quiet spot long ago, easily making it to the corner without a sound. He crouched and leaned past the wall enough to see the men.

"You're kidding," Jade said after a short gasp. She stayed calm and believable and Sam felt the tiniest pang of guilt for all the trouble he caused her. "And you think that man was here?"

Two Rising Suns, Sam thought, finally catching sight of a tattoo under the ear. Young. Probably just scouts.

"He's quite dangerous." The man's partner had a raspy voice. He looked to only be in his early twenties, but he was intimidating. "He was last seen in this area of the state, traveling with a three-year-old girl. Blond hair and blue eyes. Have you had any guests matching that description?"

Sam shook his head in disappointment. Their tattoos were in clear view and while their words were good, their speech and mannerisms were those of gangsters. It benefited him, but it was sloppy. Who trained these two? What police detectives have the same unique tattoo in the same location? And they weren't trying to extort money from a debtor, they were collecting information from a civilian. The threatening glare was out of place.

Hopefully, sending these guys meant the town was only one of many locations on their list to check. They couldn't have anything definitive pointing them here or they would have sent someone else. Still, Squirrel should have known they were coming. Maybe it was a random, lucky detour? Or maybe they were getting desperate and hitting every town regardless. Whatever it was, none of it was good for him.

"I apologize," Jade replied with a less-than-friendly smile. Their harsh demeanor was obvious to her as well and some aggravation was mixing with the fear. "We don't give out information on our guests. You can understand, I'm sure."

There was a rustle of paper and the first man handed Jade a stapled packet. A fake court order or warrant, Sam guessed.

"This is very serious, ma'am. The girl could be in danger."

What a load of bullshit.

No judge would have signed any document based on speculation. Most people didn't know that, though, and police were intimidating, especially when they acted like thugs. Plus, who wouldn't want to help find a missing child? Sam could at least admit it was a solid con.

She barely checked it and bowed her chin. Unlike the rest, she already knew it was fake before looking.

"Of course. I'm sorry. I just can't have it spread around that we give out personal information. I have to protect my business." She paused, checking the computer and humming as if in thought. "Well, it is tourist season, so we've had many families in and out... Blond and blue eyed isn't very specific. Do you have a picture maybe? Or a description of the man?"

The questions caught the two off guard. It was clear they didn't have either. Sam felt his heart rate calm a bit and he resisted letting out the breath he was holding.