Criminal Detective

Adkins

"Invitations?" The security guard at the gate asked unenthusiastically before Daniel flashed him a bright smile.

"We're actually family members of the deceased. I'm Amanda's uncle and this is my wife" Daniel gestured to Claire with his head.

The guard poked his head to get a clearer view of Claire who flashed her fakest smile at him when their eyes met.

"And, her sister is at the back" Daniel said to the guard.

"Samantha Todd?" The security guard asked and Daniel nodded with a smile.

"Yes"

The guard peeped to see her at the back and she gave him a curt wave to which he nodded.

"I'm sorry for your loss" The guard said "Mr Adkins has been expecting you. Please, drive straight and take a left, there's a parking space reserved for you"

"Thank you" Daniel smiled then drove into the compound, his path following the guards orders.

"Reserved space for the family? Classy"
Claire said as they neared the reserved parking spot which was completely empty before they parked into it. Once they did Claire turned around to Samantha with an arched eyebrow "Are any of your other family members going to be here?"

"No. We weren't exactly close with any of them. Kinda why the two of you can pose as family members"

Claire nodded "Sad but noted. What about the real people we're posing as though, won't they be making an appearance?"

Samantha shook her head in negation.
"Business related stuff"

"Alrighty then"

Daniel turned the motor of the car off then stared down at the watch on his wrist.

"Ten minutes before the event"

"What's our plan?" Claire asked and Daniel seated to face both ladies.

"Well, aside from this place being heavily guarded according to Roberto, it's going to have an absolute magnitude of people, so eyes will always be watching. And, with Adkins thinking we're family, there will be more eyes on us"

Claire frowned "That doesn't sound like a plan"

"I'm getting to that. The event is going to be held in the ceremonial hall of the manor, everyone except the guards will be there. So, once the event starts and everyone is distracted you slip out and search around as quickly as you can"

Claire nodded "Got it"

"We're posing as Samantha's Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Fiona. According to her, they were the only two who actually took care of them when their parents died" Daniel said and Samantha shifted uneasily on her seat.

"The event is only twenty minutes. After that, the manor will be locked down and everyone will be heading to the burial. Use the available time wisely"

"Noted. What about you? What will you do"

"Well, I'm going to be keeping Samantha company. I'd have loved to scout around but we can't have every family member just disappear suddenly now, can we?"

Claire nodded "Reasonable"

"We'll have to exchange numbers to keep in touch through texts. Make sure your phone is on vibration so that your notification doesn't blow your cover"

Claire nodded and all three exchanged numbers.

"And, also..." Daniel zipped open a bag that lay in front of him then pulled out a small gun, and a leg holster. Samantha stared at his hand in disbelief.