Blood and Justice

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Wednesday, August 10th, 8:45 PM

ANNIE’S friend, Chrissy, had willingly dropped over from next door to watch Matty for a while. Annie called Jake in from the other room where he was helping Matty put the finishing touches on a Lego mansion. Matty was in his pajamas, and came trailing along behind him as Jake answered the summons.

Jake grabbed a duffel bag from the kitchen table. “All ready,” he said.

“We should be back in a couple of hours,” Annie said to Chrissy, and then turned to Matty. “Don’t forget to brush your teeth.”

“I will Mom. You know I always do.”

Right on time, Jake and Annie arrived at Cranstons Department Store. Jake tapped lightly on the door of the security office and eased it open. Chris rose from his chair and slapped Jake on the back. “Good to see you buddy!” He offered his hand and a grin. Jake shook the hand and returned the grin.

Chris shook Annie’s hand as well. “Hey, Darlin’,” he said. “Welcome to my corner of the world.”

Jake dropped the duffel bag full of tools and equipment he was carrying, onto the floor. “We’re all set here, any time you are,” he said.

“Got all your spy stuff in there, do you?” Chris asked, pointing to the bag.

“Enough and more,” Annie said.

“We’ll give it a few minutes to let the cashiers check out, then we can get this thing done.”

Before long the huge store was empty, save for a few security guards patrolling the aisles, making sure all of the customers were gone. Jake and Annie followed Chris to the jewelry department.

There were three showcases that contained the most valuable items. Necklaces, rings and bracelets, made from gold and containing jewels, diamonds and gems. These were the cases that had endured the losses.

The cameras were tiny and could be put almost anywhere without being obvious. They would wirelessly send what they see back to a special bank of digital recorders already set up in the security office, ready to go. The recordings were time-stamped and could be viewed live on monitors, or played back at a later time.

They fitted two inside each showcase, one at either end. Another pair went on top of the case fastened to the cash register, or advertising material. A couple more went behind the counter to cover a larger area, and they were done.

Chris glanced over the inventory control sheet. “Nothing missing today,” he said. “Yesterday we had a diamond ring go missing. It’s usually about every couple of days.”

“We’re done here,” Annie said as she zipped up the bag. “Now it’s just a matter of waiting.”

Chris let them out of the front door of the megastore, locking it behind them.

Jake left a little rubber on the asphalt as the Firebird peeled away from the curb. Annie smiled to herself. He’ll never grow up, she thought. He’s just like a big kid, but at least he’s all mine.

Wednesday, August 10th, 9:00 PM

HANK spun the wheel and the car veered to the right. He swung it into Amelia’s driveway, squeaking to a stop in front of the double garage.

Amelia looked at her watch. “Would you like to come in for a coffee?” she asked.

Hank didn’t want to sound too excited. “Sure,” was all he said.

He climbed from the car, moved around to the other side of the vehicle and opened Amelia’s door. He offered his hand as she stepped gracefully out. Approaching the house, she fumbled briefly in her purse, and in a moment, the front door swung open, and they were inside the lobby.