The Rabbit Hole

Chapter 31

Detective Edwards and Agent Rennik follow the directions to a T. A few FBI agents lend a hand with the search. After a few short moments after leaving Washington, Agent Branson mentioned Bernard Guile’s rabbit ranch location, a few miles from his apartment in Patterson Park. A team of FBI agents and the Baltimore Police Department head to the location, simultaneously as Rennik and Edwards drive to the apartment. With both bases covered, it’s comforting for Edwards to know that Bernard has no escape and nowhere to run.

The police and FBI vehicles wailing rose to a high pitch to the sound of tires as they screech into parking positions. All exits of the building covered, no way of exit for anyone on the wrong side of the law. Moira and Edwards along with five other officers amble to the fifth floor of the apartment. Moving to a whisper, tenants opening their doors for a peek at what’s happening in the corridor but are simply waved back inside their apartments by officers for their safety. Apartment 5D, Moira stands on the right side of the door while Edwards skips over to the left side. With both their guns drawn, Edwards passes a nod to Rennik for the ready. He knocks twice on the door, “Bernard Guile. This the police, open this door.” He announces. Silence, no response from the other side, he bangs hard on the door, “Bernard Guile, open up or we’re coming in!” He says. No response once again. He sends of a look to Moira stating that he’s going to kick the door down. She gives him a side nod and stands aside. One good kick just below the door handle bursts it open and they rush in. Announcing their arrival as they storm in the three bedroom apartment. “Clear!” two officers yell out. A sigh from Moira and an angry grunt from Edwards tells all. “He’s not here.” She obviously states, “Maybe the others got lucky at the ranch.” She says hopefully.
“Maybe. Call ‘em and find out.” Edwards says as he looks around the squalor of the apartment. “Yeah? Uh-huh. Did they say where he went?” she says over the phone, it doesn’t take a detective’s experience to know what’s the news on the other end of that call. They too, came up short. “Got it.” She says and then hangs up. She looks over at Edwards and shakes her head. Out in the corridor is a little squabble going on as a short and stumpy man attempts to shuffle his way into the apartment, yelling at the cops outside. Moira turns around to the man, “Can I help you sir?” she asks.
“Yes, you can help me understand what’s happening here.” He says. “I’m the landlord of this place.”
“We’re looking for the tenant who owns this apartment.”
“You mean Bernie?” He says with a laughter, “That good-for-nothing owns nothing.” He says.
“Do you know where he is?”
“I haven’t seen him for weeks come to think of it.”
“Do you know of somewhere we can find him?”
“Depends.” He says, and Moira sighs, “On what?” she asks.
“On whether or not you tell me what he did?”
“How about I arrest you for withholding information?” she says.
“Y-y-you can’t do that!?” He stutters.
“I’m FBI, I can do anything. Now tell me where I can find him.”
“Okay-Okay, like I said, I have not seen him for weeks, but his monthly rent has always been paid on time by some woman.” He says.
“A woman? What woman?”
“I don’t know, she only came here a couple of times. I’d say it’s his wife or girlfriend but I don’t think any self-respecting woman would go for that kind of crazy. Did I tell you that he brought a bunch of rabbits in here sometime ago?” He carries on. Moira signals Edwards to the side and they both brush past the talking landlord. “What’s up?” Edwards asks.
“I think we may have something here.” She says.
“What, you mean the woman? What do you think she is to him?”
“Maybe an accomplice. Or...” She says and pulls out her phone just as an idea lands on her head. “Branson,” she says on the phone, “I need you to look up Bernard Guile’s relatives.” She says and holds. In a minute that feels like forever waiting to pass, she gets the information, “Sister. Where? Thanks Branson” she hangs up. “And?” Edwards asks hopefully for some good news. “We have an address. Let’s go.” She says to the other cops.